How to Make a Toddler-Size Picnic Table

Kid-size furniture gives children the chance to play and eat on their own without a lot of help from their parents. A kid-size picnic table can equal hours of summer picnics and make-believe games. Handcrafted picnic tables are built tough to withstand your kids and still be around for your grandchildren to enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Set the board onto the table saws ruler end. Starting from the left, mark out four pieces measuring 3 inches wide by 23 1/2 inches long with 30 degree cuts on the ends (legs), two pieces measuring 3 inches wide by 16 1/2 inches long with 45 degree cuts on the ends (table supports), two pieces measuring 3 inches wide by 33 inches long with 45 degree cuts on the ends (seat supports), one piece measuring 3 inches wide by 24 1/2 inches long (brace), three pieces measuring 6 inches wide by 35 1/2 inches long (table tops) and two pieces measuring 6 inches wide by 35 1/2 inches long (seats).

2

Put on your gloves, mask and goggles, and cut the wood at each of the marked points. Oak is a less allergenic wood, but proper safety equipment should always be worn.

3

Sand down each piece until it is smooth and non-splintering, and then coat each piece with a layer of polyurethane varnish. Leave the wood to dry for the manufacturer's recommended time before you continue.

4

Lay the legs, table supports and seat supports on a flat surface and secure them into position using wood glue. The supports should be on the bottom. Clamp the wood into place and insert the 4 1/2-inch wood screws through the supports at the top and bottom intersecting points of each leg. Countersink all the screws so that they are flush with the wood.

5

Lay the top center table piece into position and secure it with 1 1/2-inch wood screws similar to the supports. Add on the other two table pieces in the same way.

6

Screw on the seat pieces with the 1 1/2-inch wood screws. Place two screws on each side.