How to Make a Metal Picnic Table

Picnic tables make any backyard even more fun. They bring the family together for food and fun. However, buying a picnic table at a store can be expensive, and they do not always last very long. So how can you be sure that the table you are getting will last and be economical? Make it yourself. It is easier than you might think to make a great picnic table for your own personal use. These plans are for making a metal picnic table, but it is also possible to make one pretty easily out of wood. The advantage to a metal picnic table is that it is lighter, and more resistant to weathering.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 80 feet of 1 5/8" aluminum piping
• Welder
• Metal bolts, washers, and nuts
• 15-20 feet square of aluminum sheet metal
• Metal saw
• Metal sander
• Hydraulic pipe bender
• Gloves, face shield, protective clothing
• Electric drill

1. Saw the pipe into 4 equal pieces. These will make up the frame of the table. Use the pipe bender to fashion each piece into a large “Z” shape. Make the bottom of the Z longer than the top. Finally bend the long end of the Z back towards the middle, making it flat. This will make up the frame for the seats. Do the same thing for all four pieces. Align the pieces so that the Z shapes are facing each other. Drill a hole through both pieces where they meet in the middle. Bolt together with bolts and nuts. Weld around the area for additional support. Do the same for the other two pieces.

2. Cut the aluminum sheet metal to about 9 feet long and 5 feet wide. Cut the corners with the metal cutter about 1 inch deep. Bend the metal down on all sides to make the lip of the table. Weld the ends back together. Cut two pieces about 9 feet long and 2 feet wide to make up the benches. Finish the edges the same way as you did for the table top.

3. Place the table top onto the frame. Drill two holes through each frame piece and match it up to the top of the table. You will end up with eight holes drilled through the table top and frame pieces. Attach the table top to the frame with bolts and nuts. Drill two holes in each side of the seat frames as well. Attach the table seats in the same way.

4. Use the sander to get rid of any metal burs. Make sure the whole table is smooth. Weld around the bolts to ensure they stay in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to use waterproof metals for the nuts and bolts.
• Purchase the aluminum pipes and sheet metal from any store where metal is sold.
• Never operate welding equipment without wearing safety gear.
• This project is very difficult to do without the proper metal working equipment. Make sure you have it before starting.