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This step by step diy project is about 6 foot picnic table with backrests plans. I have made a few adjustments to my already popular 6 ft picnic table plans and I added backrests to the benches, for enhanced comfort. This is a simple project, but the end result will be a beautiful addition to your garden. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration. Premium Plans available for this project in the Shop (not identical, improved version).
You should remember that all my woodworking plans come with 3D diagrams, step by step instructions and complete Cut and Shopping lists. Inn addition, you can Print or PDF download the plans for free, so you can take the plans with you in the shop. I did my job, now it is your turn to build amazing pieces of furniture!
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
6′ Picnic Table with Backrests Plans
How-to-build-a-6-ft-picnic-table-with-backrests
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 34 7/8″ long LEGS
- B – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 28 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
- C – 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72″ long TABLETOP
- D – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 71 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
- E – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72″ long SEAT
- F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 34 1/2″ long BRACES
- G – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 36″ long BACKREST SUPPORTS
- H – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72 ” long BACKRESTS
- 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 15 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 6′
- 3 1/2″ carriage bolts
- 2 1/2″ pocket screws
- 2 1/2″ screws
- wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint
- picnic basket
Tools
 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses
Time
 One day
Related
It’s that simple to build a picnic table – Video!
Step 1: How to build the picnic table frames
Building-the-legs-for-the-picnic-table
The first step of the outdoor project is to build the legs for the 6′ picnic table. As you can easily see in the diagram, you need to make 30 degree cuts to both ends of the 2×4 legs. Next, smooth the edges with sandpaper.
Tabletop supports – picnic table
Next, you need to build the tabletop supports from 2×4 lumber. Make round cuts to both ends of the supports, using a jigsaw. Moreover, drill pocket holes into the 2×4 supports, so you can lock it to the tabletop slats.
Step 2: Assembling the tabletop
Assembling the tabletop – picnic table
Lay the 2×6 tabletop slats on a level surface. Also, place 1/4″ plywood pieces between the slats so you can create even gaps. Fit the supports to the slats and then place them equally spaced. Additionally, insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the supports into place tightly.
Step 3: Assembling the frame of the table
Fitting the legs
Fit the 2×6 legs to the picnic table, as shown in the diagram. Next, clamp the legs to the supports and then drill pilot holes through both components. Insert 3 1/2″ carriage bolts and tighten the components into place.
However, use two bolts for each joint for a professional result. Using the carriage bolts will also make disassembling the picnic table easy, if you want to move it to another location.
Seat supports
Continue the project by building the seat supports from 2×6 lumber. Make cuts to both ends of the supports, as shown in the plans (15 degree cuts).
Fitting-the-seat-support-picnic-table
Align the seat supports to the legs and then clamp them into place tightly. Drill two pilot holes through the braces and through the legs, for each joint. Insert 3 1/2″ carriage bolts to lock the components together tightly. Use a spirit level to plumb the seat supports horizontally.
Step 4: Fitting the diagonal braces
Building the diagonal braces
Build the braces for the table from 2×4 lumber. Make 25 degree cuts to both ends of the diagonal braces and then get the job done with another small cut to the top end.
Fitting the diagonal braces – picnic table
Next, fit the diagonal braces to the picnic table, making sure the corners are square. Use a spirit level to plumb the legs and to check if the top is horizontal. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the braces to the frame of the picnic table.
Step 5: Fitting the seat slats
Fitting the seat slats – picnic table plans
Use 2×6 boards for the seats. Align the slats to the bench supports, making sure the overhangs are equal. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the boards to the supports.
Step 6: Attaching the backrests
Backrest supports – picnic table plans
Use 2×4 lumber for the backrest supports. Make the cuts as shown in the picnic table drawings.
Fitting the backrest supports – picnic table
Fit the backrests to the picnic table, as shown in the plans. Drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ carriage bolts.
Fitting the backrest slats
Fit the 2×6 slats to the backrests of the picnic table. Clamp the boards to the backrest supports and drill pilot holes. Insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the slats into place tightly.
Base supports
Use 2×4 slats for the bottom supports. These components will lock the legs of the picnic table to the backrest supports. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws.
Step 7: Finishing touches
How-to-build-a-picnic-table-with-backrests
Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and let them harden for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper and round the exposed edges with a router. Apply a few coats of paint or stain to protect the lumber from the elements and to enhance the look of the 6 foot picnic table.
6′ Picnic Table with Backrest Plans – Side view
This project is easy to build and I guarantee you won’t feel sorry for making the investment in the materials. Don’t forget to take a look over the rest of my picnic table plans HERE. I have designed lots of woodworking plans so you can add value to your home, save money and have FUN.
If you want to get PREMIUM PLANS for this project, in a PDF format, please press GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support.
This woodworking project was about 6′ picnic table with backrests plans free. 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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1 comment
Hello, I was wondering if you could provide a list of hardware required for this project? How many carriage bolts, screws etc? Thanks!