Long picnic table plans

This step by step diy project is about how to build a long picnic table free plans. If you want to build a learn more about how to build a 12′ picnic table, this project is what you are looking for. Follow the instructions and pay attention to the diagrams and build the structure, even if you are a beginner when it comes to woodworking. Check out rest of the picnic table plans on our site.

You should always plan everything from the very beginning, in order to prevent costly mistakes and to save time. In most of the cases, you need a friend to give you a hand when assembling the garden picnic table. Invest in high quality lumber and plywood, as the components will be exposed to bad weather. Protect the components with appropriate paint or stain.

There are a few tips that you should take into account, if you want to get a professional result. Therefore, take accurate measurements and use professional tools when making the cuts or when drilling pilot holes. Align the components at both ends and add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a long picnic table

Materials

A – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 40″ long LEGS
B – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 70″ long SEAT SUPPORTS
C – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 29″ long TABLETOP SUPPORTS
C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 65 1/4″ long DIAGONAL BRACES
D – 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long TABLETOP
E – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 144″ long SEAT

13 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
9 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12 ft
100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
glue, stain / paint

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses, Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Use a good miter saw to make the angle cuts
Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws

Time

One Week

How to build a 12′ Picnic table

Building the legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs for the picnic table. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to cut both ends of the legs at 60 degrees. Smooth the cut edges with fine-grit sandpaper and remove the residues.

Fitting the bottom braces

Build the seat supports out of 2×4 lumber. Cut both ends in a decorative manner, as shown in the free plans. Attach the braces to the legs, making sure all components are perfectly aligned. Drill pilot holes through the braces and through the legs. Afterwards, insert 5″ carriage bolts to lock everything together tightly.

Fitting the top braces

The next step of the project is to attach the tabletop supports to the legs. Make sure the top edges are flush and clamp them together tightly. Drill pilot holes through the components and insert 5″ carriage bolts. Leave no gaps between the components.

Fitting the tabletop slats

Lay the 2×6 tabletop slats on a level surface, making sure you leave 3/8″ between them. Lay the legs to the slats, as described in the diagram. Plumb the legs with a spirit level, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the tabletop slats.

Building the crossbraces

In order to enhance the rigidity of the picnic table, we recommend you to install diagonal braces to the frame. Cut both ends of the braces at about 73 degrees and drill pocket holes at both ends.

Fitting the seat slats

Fit the seat slat to the supports, as shown in the image. Drill pilot holes through the slats and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the supports. Smooth the exposed edges with sandpaper. Alternatively, you could round the exterior corners with a jigsaw.

Fitting the crossbrace

Plumb the legs with a spirit level, make sure the corners are right-angled and secure the diagonal braces to the table using 2 1/2″ screws. Leave no gaps between the components and add glue to enhance the bond of the components.

12 Picnic table plans

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. In order to get a professional result, fill the holes and the gaps with wood filler and let it dry out for a few hours. Check if there are protruding screws and fix this issue, if necessary.

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