Picnic Table Instructions

Everyone is sure to enjoy your new picnic table -- even the wildlife.

You can use card tables and chairs if you want to eat outside, or even spread a blanket on the ground and have a traditional picnic. However, there's nothing quite like a picnic table, especially if you have children. Building it is something you can do yourself in an afternoon's time. A Fourth of July picnic or a summer barbecue with friends celebrated using the 8-foot picnic table you created will be an enjoyable experience.

Things You'll Need

• 12 2-by-4 boards, 8 feet long
• 4 2-by-6 boards, 8 feet long
• 2 2-by-10 boards, 8 feet long
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Protractor
• Carpenter's square
• Circular saw
• Miter saw
• Drill
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• 3/4-inch spade bit
• 16 carriage bolts with washers and nuts, 3 inches by 3/8 inch
• 2 pounds 16d galvanized nails

Instructions

Cutting the Pieces

1. Cut all your picnic table pieces first to simplify your construction and work. Create the cross boards that support the picnic table top first. Take a 2-by-4 board and measure 26 inches down from the end; use a square to mark a straight line where you will cut. Continue down the length of the board, marking and cutting 26-inch sections, until you have three marked sections. Cut each section with a circular saw or other power saw. You now have three picnic table top cross boards.

2. Rip two of the 2-by-6 boards into four pieces, each measuring 33 1/2 inches long, to form the picnic table legs. Create a 60-degree angle on each end of every piece you cut, using a square and marking a 2:1 rise to run. Use a protractor to mark instead, or cut with a miter saw, which creates the angle for you. Continue until all four legs are cut. You now have four picnic table legs.

3. Measure 5 feet and cut each of the remaining two 2-by-6 boards, to create four seat stretchers -- the frame cross member that supports either end of the seat boards. Use a 10-foot 2-by-6 board if available, since simply cutting a 10 foot board in half is much simpler. You now have four seat stretchers.

4. Create two diagonal braces, which will run from the seat stretcher to underneath the picnic table top, adding support. Cut each, measuring 44 inches, out of one 2-by-4 board, making about a 17-degree angle on each end of both pieces. You now have two diagonal braces.

Assembling the Picnic Table

1. Nail uncut 2-by-4 inch boards -- 8 feet long -- across each of the three cross boards, driving through the top into the board beneath. Place the long side of the first 2-by-4 1 inch over the end of the cross board, creating an overhang to the table on the sides where you sit. Allow the end of the 2-by-4 to overhang the cross board by 4 inches. Attach the second cross board underneath, 4 feet down the 2-by-4. Secure the third cross board again 4 inches from the end of the 2-by-4, remembering to maintain the 1-inch front overhang.

2. Place each of the remaining seven 2-by-4 boards across the three cross boards similarly. Leave a slight gap -- just enough to see daylight -- to prevent warping and buckling and allowing liquids to drain. Finish the top with a board that again overhangs the opposite side, lengthwise, 1 inch.

3. Flip the top over, so that the cross members face up. Fit a leg on the inside of the cross member, with the angled leg end flush against the picnic table top. Drill and bolt each leg to the cross member with two bolts, one of the bolts higher than the bolt to the side of it. Use a 3/4-inch spade bit to countersink a hole, switching to a 3/8-inch drill bit to create the bolt hole. Drive the bolt in and secure with a washer and nut in the countersunk hole. Repeat with the three remaining legs.

4. Measure down from the "top" of the now attached legs -- actually the bottom of the legs, but remember your picnic table is upside down. Mark 17 inches on each leg. Attach the seat stretchers between opposite legs by again countersinking the back-side of each leg with the spade bit, then drilling and inserting two bolts per leg, each bolt at an angle to the other. Top with washers and nuts placed on the bolt inside the countersunk area.

5. Hold each brace up between the middle cross board and a seat stretcher to check the angle of your brace end. Cut and adjust if needed to fit. Attach the braces between the middle cross board and the seat stretcher on either side. Nail into place, driving through the cross board and into the brace with three nails and again in the corresponding seat stretcher. Stagger the second brace so that you can nail through the cross board into its end as well.

6. Turn the picnic table back over, right-side up, and run a 2-by-4 between each seat stretcher and beneath where the seat board will go, creating additional support for the seats. Nail two 2-by-10 boards on top of these, spanning between both seat stretchers.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose between treated lumber and redwood lumber, as desired. Treated lumber stands up to outside climates the best.

• Finish your picnic table, if desired, or leave unfinished for a rustic look.

• Always use safety glasses and be cautious when working with power tools.

References

• Handyman USA: Building a Picnic Table
• Build Eazy: Free Picnic Table Plans
• This Old House: How to Build a Picnic Table

Resources

• UFPI: Children's Convertible Picnic Table/ Garden Bench
• Wood Worker's Shop: Picnic Tables