Picnic Table with Detached Benches Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about 2×4 picnic table with detached benches plans. The project features instructions for building a 6′ picnic table with separate benches using just 2x4s. This picnic table is the ideal addition to any backyard, deck or patio. Adjust the dimensions of the components to suit your needs, while using the techniques described in the article. The cost of the materials for this project should be less than 40 dollars, if you use pine.

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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Building a 2×4 picnic table with detaches benches

Building-a-2×4-picnic-table

Cut & Shopping Lists

A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16 1/2″ long 2xBENCH LEGS
B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 11 1/2″ long 2xBENCH SUPPORTS
C – 3 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long 2xBENCH SEAT
D – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 26″ long TABLE LEGS
E – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 27 1/2″ long TABLE SUPPORTS
F – 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long TABLETOP

19 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
2 1/2″ screws
filler, stain
glue

Tools

Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One day

Picnic table with separate benches plans

Building the bench legs

First of all, you need to build the legs for the benches. Cut the components at 16 1/2″ from 2×4 lumber. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Fitting-the-bench-supports

The first step of the project is to attach the supports to the legs of the bench. Use a circular saw to make cuts at both ends of the supports. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper. Clamp the supports to the legs and make sure the corners are square and the edges are flush. Drill pilot holes through the supports and through the legs. Insert 5″ carriage bolts to lock the components together tightly. Alternatively, you can insert 2 1/2″ screws through both sides of legs.

Fitting the seat slats

Lay 2×4 slats on a level surface, making sure you leave 1/2″ between them. Use a piece of 1/2″ plywood between the slats to get consistent gaps. Fit the legs to the slats and align the edges with attention. Check if the corners are square. In order to secure the legs to the slats, drill pilot holes through the supports and insert two 4 1/2″ screws into each slat. This is a classy solution, as there won’t be any exposed screws. Alternatively, you can drill pilot holes through the slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the supports.

Fitting the bench stretcher

Add a 2×4 stretcher to the benches, in order to enhance their rigidity. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the stretcher and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the supports. Make sure the corners are square before inserting the screws.

Building the table

Building the table legs

Next, you need to build the legs for the picnic table. Smooth the edges with sandpaper. You can adjust the size of the legs to suit your needs.

Fitting-the-table-supoorts

Cut both ends of the supports in a decorative manner. Smooth the cut edges and clamp the supports to the legs, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the supports and through the legs of the table. Insert 5″ carriage bolts to lock the components together tightly. Check if the corners are right-angled.

Attaching the table slats

Lay the 2×4 slats for the tabletop on a level surface. Place a 1/2″ wood block between the slats to create even gaps. Align the edges with attention. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 4 1/2″ screws into the tabletop slats. Insert 2 screws in each slats through every of the four supports.

Outdoor bench

After assembling the table, you should make sure the top is perfectly horizontal. Double-check if all the corners are square.

Assembling the picnic table

Base-supports-picnic-table

One of the last steps of the project is to attach the 2×4 supports to the legs of the benches and tables. You can adjust the ground clearance to suit your needs.

Fitting the base supports

Make sure the supports are horizontal. Drill pilot holes through the supports and through the legs. Insert 5″ carriage bolts to lock the components together. USe 2 carriage bolts for each legs.

Picnic table with separate benches

If you want to add more rigidity to the picnic table, you could fit a 2×4 stretcher between the bottom supports. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the stretcher and secure it to the supports using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square.

Picnic table with detached benches plans

After assembling the components together, the picnic table should be really rigid. Fill the holes and dents with wood putty and let it dry out for several hours. Use 120-200 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.

Picnic table with detached benches plans – dimensions

How to build a picnic table with detached benches

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the wooden project from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain.

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