This step by step diy woodworking project is about 5 ft picnic table with benches plans. The project features instructions for building a simple picnic table with separate benches, that can match the design of any backyard. With a little attention to details, you can use this rustic table even indoor. The best part of the project is that you can get the job done by yourself with common tools. Premium Plans for this project available in the Shop.
When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Building a 5 foot picnic table
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 17 1/4″ long BENCH LEGS
- B – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16 1/2″ long, 8 pieces – 12 3/4″ long BENCH SUPPORTS
- C – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 60″ long SEAT
- D – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 27″ long TABLE LEGS
- E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 25 1/4″ long TABLE SUPPORTS
- F – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 60″ long TABLETOP
- G – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 29 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 19 1/2″ long BRACES
- 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 10 ft
- 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
- 1 1/4″ screws
- 1 5/8″ screws
- 2 1/2″ screws
- filler, stain
- glue
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One day
It’s that easy to build a picnic table!
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5 ft Picnic Table with Benches Plans
Building-the-legs-for-the-benches
The first step of the project is to cut the legs for the benches. Use 2×4 slats and make 10 degree cuts to both ends of the components. Make sure you smooth the edges with sandpaper for a professional result.
Attaching-the-braces-to-the-bench-legs
Next, you need to build the 2×4 braces for the benches. Cut both ends of the components at 80 degrees. Clamp the braces to both sides of the legs, after aligning the edges with attention. Drill pilot holes through the components and lock them together with 5″ carriage bolts. Alternatively, you can use 2 1/2″ screws through each brace, after drilling pilot holes.
Fitting the seat plans
Lay the 2×6 seat slats on a level surface, as shown in the diagram. Place a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the slats to create even gaps at both ends. Attach the legs to the slats and drill pilot holes through the supports. Insert 4 1/2″ screws through each brace into each of the two slats to create a rigid structure. Use a carpentry square to make sure the corners are right-angled.
Building the table legs
The next step of the project is to build the legs for the picnic table. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to cut both ends of the legs at 80 degrees. Smooth the edges with 120-grit sandpaper.
Fitting-the-table-braces
Next, you need to build the braces for the picnic table. Use 2×4 lumber for the components and make 10 degree cuts to both ends. Align the components with attention and clamp them together tightly. Drill pilot holes through the components and insert 3 1/2″ carriage bolts to create a rigid structure. If you want, you can attach an extra top brace on the opposite side of the legs. In that case use 5″ bolts.
Fitting the tabletop slats
Lay the 2×6 beams on a level surface, making sure you leave 1/2″ between them. Use pieces of 1/2″ plywood to create even gaps between the components. Attach the legs, leaving 1 1/2″ from the ends of the tabletop. Drill pilot holes through the braces and insert 4 1/2″ screws into the tabletop. In addition, fit a piece of 2×2 lumber to the middle of the tabletop, as shown in the plans. Use 2 1/2″ screws to lock it into place.
Building the braces
Build the cross braces for the picnic table from 2x2s. Mark the cut lines to the components and get the job done with a circular saw. Alternatively, you can use a miter saw and cut the ends at 64.5 degrees.
Fitting the table cross braces
Fit the braces to the 5′ picnic table, after making sure the legs are plumb and the tabletop is perfectly horizontal. Drill pilot holes through the braces and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the supports. Center the braces to the supports, before inserting the screws.
5 ft picnic table plans
Fill the holes and dents with wood putty and let it dry out for several hours. Use 120-200 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. The best part of the project is that the benches are designed in such a way that fit under the table and you can use the space efficiently.
Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the outdoor picnic table with separate benches from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Premium Plans for this project available in the Shop.
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