How to Build a Basic Picnic Table

One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors with all the benefits of a dining area is to have a picnic table. Basic picnic tables are easy to build and certainly look more charming and appealing than a portable plastic picnic set. While plastic picnic assemblies are suitable for travel, custom-built wooden picnic tables and benches are a much more attractive addition to your garden, patio or deck. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Choose what kind of a picnic table you want and draw a plan. Determine the length, height and width of the table, as well as the type of lumber and finish. Bear in mind that every person needs to have 18 to 25 inches of space on the bench and the table. The width of an average picnic table ranges from 26 to 35 inches. The height is usually around 30 to 32 inches for the table and 15 to 18 inches for the benches.

2

Use treated pine or cedar for the table and bench top. Table tops can be 1x8, 2x4 or 2x6, depending on the overall look and the proportions. For the frame of the picnic table and the legs of the benches, you can use 2x4s or 2x6s from pine wood.

3

Cut all the wooden planks for the benches and for the table to the length you want. Use a circular saw and then treat the edges with coarse and fine sandpaper to smooth them. The length of your picnic assembly is determined by the number of people who will sit at the table, and is usually from 6 to 8 feet. You can also order pre-cut boards if you know exactly the length you need.

4

Make the side frame for the table by placing two 2x4s to almost form the letter "A". The two diagonal planks need to be 15 to 20 inches apart. Cut the edges of the 2x4 at an angle so that they can support the table top evenly and also stand on a level surface. The angle of the boards needs to be 60 to 75 degrees, so make sure to cut the edges according to the chosen angle.

5

Connect the top of the diagonal boards with a 2x4, which will directly support the table top boards. On a height of 17 inches, connect the diagonals with a 2x6 board. This board will support the bench seat boards. Make two of these side frames for two sides of the table.

6

Attach the table top and bench top boards to the frames. Before finally securing the structure with bolts and screws, use a level to check that the surfaces are perfectly horizontal. Now you have the basic skeleton of the picnic table assembly. All the attachments need to be done in the same way, first by drilling holes with a power drill and then by inserting bolts for wood and tightening them firmly.

7

Mount the diagonal braces under the table in a form of a letter "A." These wooden planks will secure the table, and 2x4s are usually enough for this task. The braces will start at the middle of the lower plank of the side frame and finish under the middle of the table surface. In the middle, the brace planks will be mounted on a 2x4 attached under the center of the table, in the same fashion as the top of the side frame.

8

Apply a coat of primer to the whole surface of the picnic table assembly and leave it to dry. Then apply one or two coats of paint if you choose. If you want a more natural look to the wood, apply sealer to protect it without concealing its natural texture.