This step by step diy project is about octagonal picnic table plans. The octagonal picnic table offers a unique and stylish seating arrangement, perfect for outdoor gatherings. Its eight-sided design provides ample seating space while encouraging social interaction among guests. 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
Building an Octagonal Picnic Table
Building-an-octagonal-picnic-table
Cut & Shopping Lists
A – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 20 7/8” TABLETOP OUTER FRAME
B – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 47 1/8”, 2 pieces – 20 ¾”, 4 pieces – 19 5/8” TABLETOP FRAME
C – 8 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 20 7/8”, 8 pieces – 16 1/8”, 8 pieces – 11 3/8”, 8 pieces – 6 5/8” TABLETOP
D – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 36 ½”, 2 pieces – 16 ¼” TABLETOP UNDER FRAME
E – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 38 1/4” LEGS
F – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 77” BENCH SUPPORTS
G – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 16”, 8 pieces – 15 1/4” BENCH LEGS
H – 12 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 10 1/2” CLEATS
I – 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber –23”, 8 pieces – 21 5/8”, 8 pieces – 20 1/8” SEATS
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
One day
Related
It’s that simple to build a picnic table – Video!
Step 1: How to build the octagonal tabletop
Outer-frame-for-the-tabletop
The first step of the project is to build the frame for the octagonal tabletop. Use 2×4 lumber and make 22.5 degree cuts to both ends of the components. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the boards.
Lay everything on a level surface and align the components flush one to another. Leave no gaps between the slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws to assemble the tabletop frame.
Tabletop-frame
Use 2×6 lumber for the rest of the tabletop frame. Make the cuts to the framing parts and drill pocket holes at both ends, as shown in the diagram.
Assembling-tabletop-frame
Fit the parts to the tabletop frame, align the edges flush and insert 2 1/2″ screws to assemble everything tightly.
Tabletop
Next, cut the tabletop slats from 1×6 lumber. Make 22.5 degree cuts to both ends of the boards, as shown in the diagram. Place 1/4″ plywood between the slats to create even gaps. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock them to the underneath frame. Use 2 screws to each end of the slats.
Notice the cuts you need to make for the center octagonal piece
Step 2: Assembling the frame of the table
Middle-supports
Use 2×4 lumber for the second tabletop frame. We need this frame so we can safely attach the legs of the picnic table. Make 30 degree cuts to both ends of the components. Drill pocket holes through the 16 1/4″ components and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them to the perpendicular component.
In addition, you need to drill pocket holes through the frame, along the base edge.
Fitting-the-middle-tabletop-supports
Fit the frame to the back of the tabletop. Align the edges with attention, as shown in the diagram. Insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure the frame into place.
Fitting-the-legs
Build the legs for the picnic table and attach them to the frame, as shown in the diagram (Premium Plans shows exactly how to cut the legs for the picnic table). Clamp the legs to the frame and then drill two pilot holes. Insert 3 1/2″ carriage bolts to lock the legs into place tightly with washers and nuts.
Seat-supports
Next, we need to assemble the framing that will hold the benches. Mark the cut lines on the 2×6 boards and get the job done with a circular saw. Make repetitive cuts inside the marked area and then remove the excess with a hammer and a chisel. Clean the recess with sandpaper. Make 20 degree cuts to both ends of the boards.
Fitting-the-seat-supports
Clamp the beams to the legs of the picnic table. Use a spirit level to make sure they are perfectly horizonal. Drill pilot holes through the fame and legs alike. Insert 5″ carriage bolts and then lock them into place with washers and nuts.
Step 3: Building the benches
Cutting-the-legs-for-the-benches
The next step of the project is to assemble the benches for the octagonal picnic table. Use a miter saw to make 12 degree bevel cuts to both ends, as shown in the diagram.
Bench-frame
Attach the 2×6 board to the legs. Make sure the board overhangs 2″ on both sides. Drill pilot holes through the top board and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the legs.
Seat-components
Next, you need to cut the boards for the bench seat. Use 2×4 lumber for the seat and 2×2 lumber for the supports. Make the angle cuts as shown in the diagram.
Seat-assembly
Lay the benches on the level surface and fit pieces of 1/8″ plywood between the slats to create even gaps. Attach the supports on top of the seat slats. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the bench seat together tightly.
Assembling-the-benches
Attaching-the-seat-slats-into-place
Attach the frame to the seat, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the seat slats and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the frame.
Bench-detail
See a detail on how to secure the bench to the frame of the picnic table. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws.
Attaching-the-bench-frame
You also need to insert screws through the bench bottom board into the legs of the picnic table.
Step 4: Finishing touches
Octagonal picnic table – side view
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 picnic table.
Octagonal Picnic Table Plans
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 the Premium plans with all the extras, just press the GET PREMIUM PLANS button bellow. If you want to get the free plans, just read the blog FAQs.
This woodworking project was about octagonal picnic table 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.
- EXPLORE MORE IDEAS FOR -
 |
 |
 |
 |
