Picnic Table Arbor – Free DIY Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about picnic table arbor plans. This is a free tutorial on how to build a 4 ft picnic table with detached benches and with a pergola roof. I had a lot of fun designing this piece of outdoor furniture and I consider building this for myself. It is really easy to make and it will last for many years, because it has a sturdy framing.

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.

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Picnic Table Arbor – Free DIY Plans

Building-a-picnic-table-pergola

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 75″ long, 4 pieces – 48″ long FLOOR FRAME
• B – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 87 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 41″ long POSTS
• C – 9 pieces of 5/8″x5 1/2″ lumber – 75″ long DECKING
• D – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 48″ long RAFTERS
• E – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72″ long RAFTERS
• F – 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 41″ long BACKREST
• G – 5 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 42 1/2″ long, 5 pieces – 41″ long 2xLATTICE

• 6 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
• 2 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 8′
• 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 8′
• 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 9 pieces of 5/8″x5 1/2″ lumber – 8′
• 10 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8′
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
• 8 pieces of rafter ties
• 1 1/4″ nails

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One week

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Picnic Table Arbor – Video!

How to build a picnic table pergola

Floor-frame-for-picnic-table-pergola

The first step of the project is to build the floor frame. Drill pilot holes through the joists and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the posts to the picnic table arbor

Use 4×4 lumber for the posts. Use 2×4 lumber for the top supports. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them to the posts. Make sure the corners are square.

Floor slats

Fit the 5/8″x5 1/2″ decking boards to the floor frame. Fit a piece of 1/4″ plywood between the boards so you can create even gaps. Align the edges at both ends, drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Main rafter for picnic table arbor

Use 2×6 lumber for the rafter supports. Make 15 degree cuts at one end of the rafter, using a miter saw. Use a jigsaw to make decorative ends.

Fitting the rafters to the picnic table arbor

Attach the rafters to the top of the picnic table arbor. Align the rafters, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them to the top of the posts.

Gussets

Use 1/2″ plywood for the gussets. Fit them to the top of the arbor and lock it to the rafters with 1 5/8″ screws.

Rafters for picnic table

Use 2×6 lumber for the rafters. Make the notches to the rafters, as shown in the diagram. Mark the notches and use a circular saw to make parallel cuts. Remove the excess with a chisel. Make decorative ends to the rafters, using a jigsaw.

Fitting the top rafters

Fit the rafters to the top of the picnic table arbor, making sure they are equally spaced. Use rafter ties to lock the elements to the frame of the arbor.

Backrest for the picnic table arbor

Use 1×8 lumber for the backrests. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and secure them to the posts with 1 1/4″ screws.

Side lattice panels for the arbor picnic table

Use 1×2 slats for the lattice panels. Use finish nails to secure the slats together, as shown in the diagram.

Arbor-with-picnic-table-plans

This is a simple project that you can make in a few days, but the wow effect is guaranteed.

Picnic table pergola plans

Take a look over PART 2 of the project, where I show you how to build the table and the benches. I have tons of free woodworking projects, so take a look over the full list HERE.

If you want to get this plans as a PDF file with 1 full cut list and 1 full shopping list, just check the GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for your support!

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