This step by step woodworking project is about picnic table free plans. The plans below are for a simple 6′ table, but you could adjust its size according to your needs and tastes. Therefore, you could either make it larger or you could adjust the dimensions for your kids. Irrespective of your decision, you have to build the frame of the table from 2×4 pressure treated lumber, while for the top and seats you have to buy 2×6 slats (redwood, cedar). If you follow our tips and the basic guidelines, the picnic table would be highly durable.
After you get the job done, as in our project, you have to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, we recommend you to fill the head of the crews with a good wood putty. Read carefully the label, to know how much time it needs to properly dry. Afterwards, sand the whole wooden surface using a block of wood and 120-grit sandpaper. Clean the residues with a cloth and prepare the surface for applying several coats of stain or water resistant paint. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber 40” long, cut at 30º at both ends LEGS
- B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber 22” long SEAT SUPPORTS
- C – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber, 29” long BRACES
- D – 1 pieces of 2×4 lumber, 29” long TOP SUPPORT
- E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber, 33” long BRACES
- F – 9 pieces of 2×6 lumber, 72” long SLATS
- G – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber 11” long SEAT SUPPORTS
- H – 20 pieces of 5” carriage bolts BOLTS
- I – 40 pieces of 3” wood screws SCREWS
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One day
Diy Picnic Table
Picnic table components
A picnic table would enhance the look of your garden. In addition, you don’t need advanced woodworking skills to get the job done by yourself. You just have to follow the step by step instructions, buy proper materials and align all the components accurately.
Top Tip: You could use 2×4 pressure-treated lumber to build the frame of the rectangular picnic table, but we strongly recommend you to use better materials for the top and for the seats. Therefore, you should install 2×6 cedar, redwood or pine slats, as they have a nice look and they are very durable.
Free Picnic Table Plans
Picnic table leg plans
First of all you have to build the legs of the diy picnic table. In order to get the job done, you have to build four equal pieces as in the image. Use four pieces of 2×4 lumber 40” long and cut their ends at 30º, using a good miter saw.
Sand the cut edges and check if they are perfectly equal in size and shape. Use pressure-treated lumber for the frame of the table, while the top and the seats should be built from quality lumber.
Installing the braces
Next, you have to build the braces and install them into place with carriage bolts. Cut the braces and level them with a spirit level, before locking them into place with a few C-clamps.
Top Tip: Pre-drill the holes in the lumber, before inserting the 5” bolts. Leave about 14” from the ground to the bottom braces (the seat supports). Work on a level surface, if you want to obtain consistent results.
Installing the top of the bench
After you have assembled the sides of the table, as in the free plans, you attach the top slats. Therefore, we recommend you to use 2×6 slats and to cut them at about 6′. Before locking them into position, we recommend you to drill pilot holes and to countersink the head of the screws.
Align the slats at both ends and place a nail between them, in order to obtain consistent gaps. Adjust the width of the table, as to fit you needs.
Fitting the braces
Next, turn the table upside down, in order to install the braces. These 2×4 braces are essential for the rigidity of the table, therefore we recommend you to install them properly. Measure the middle on the table components, in order to fit them in the right place.
Top Tip: Plumb the sides of the picnic table with a spirit level, before fitting the braces and locking them into place with 3” screws. Pre-drill several holes, to avoid the wood from splitting.
Installing the bench slats
Afterwards, install the seat slats, as you can see in the image. Align the 2×6 boards at both ends and leave about 1/2” between them. In most of the case, it would be a good idea to increase the rigidity of the seats, by installing them on top of several 2×4 supports.
Top Tip: Countersink the head of the screws, before inserting them, as to fill them later on with wood putty.
Picnic table plans free
After you have assembled the outdoor table, you should get the job done by finishing the sharp edges and applying several coats of stain or paint. First of all, you have to fill the cracks and the gaps with wood putty. Then, let the compound to dry out properly, before sanding the surface with medium-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: Protect the lumber from water damage and decay, by applying several coats of stain.
This woodworking project is about picnic table free plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.
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2 comments
how can download pdf plans from your website ?
thank you very much
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