Picnic Table and Benches for Pergola Plans

This step by step diy project is about picnic table with benches and arbor plans. This is PART 2 of the project, where I show you how to build the table and the detached benches. The picnic table with separate benches is easy to build and it will make for the perfect spot for having breakfast. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

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

Picnic Table and benches for Pergola Plans

Building-a-picnic-table-pergola

Cut & Shopping Lists

H – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 41″ long, 4 pieces – 16″ long, 2 pieces – 22″ long, 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 48″ long 2xBENCHES
I – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 25 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 19 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 14″ long, 5 pieces – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 24 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 24″ long, 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 19 1/2″ long TABLE

11 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
5 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′
3 1/2″ screws
2 1/2″ screws
1 5/8″ 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

Legs for the picnic table

The first step of the outdoor project is to build the legs for the picnic table. As you can easily see in the diagram, you need to make 10 degree cuts to both ends of the 2×4 legs. Smooth the edges with sandpaper. Also, cut the 2×4 supports for the tabletop.

Assembling the sides for the picic table

Lay the components on a level surface. Fit the legs to the top support and align the edges flush. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the sides together tightly.

Brace for the sides of the picnic table

Use 2×4 lumber for the braces. Make 10 degree cuts to braces and lock them to the legs with 2 1/2″ screws.

Base plate for the legs of the picnic table

Attach the 2×4 plates to the table legs. Center the plate to the legs, drill pilot holes through the plate and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the legs.

Fitting-the-tabletop-to-the-table

Lay the slats for the tabletop to a level surface. Place the slats equally spaced, fitting a piece of 1/2″ plywood between them. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the tabletop. Fit a 1×4 support to the middle of the tabletop, using 1 5/8″ screws.

Braces for the picnic table

Use 2×4 lumber for the diagonal braces. Make angle cuts to both ends of the braces.

Fitting the braces to the picnic table arbor

Fit the braces to the picnic table, after centering them to the sides. Plumb the sides of the table and check if the tabletop is perfectly horizontal. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the diagonals and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Bench-frame-for-picnic-table-arbor

Use 2×4 lumber for the bench frame. Drill pilot holes through the 41″ long components and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular boards. Measure the diagonals and make sure the corners are square.

Fit the frames to the sides of the arbor. Use a spirit level to check if the frame is horizontal. Drill pilot holes through the bench frame and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Braces for the picnic table benches

Use 2×4 lumber for the diagonal braces. Make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the support braces, using a miter saw. Fit the braces to the sides of the bench frame. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Seat slats – picnic table with arbor

Fit 1×4 boards to the bench frame, equally spaced. Place a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the slats to create even gaps.

Fitting the table to the pergola

Fit the table to the deck of the arbor. Center the table to the surface, drill pilot holes through the base plate and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

How to build a picnic table pergola

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.

Picnic table pergola 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. Check out PART 1 of the project, so you

This woodworking project was about picnic table with benches for pergola 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.