How to build a picnic table with separate benches

This step by step diy project is about how to build a picnic table with separate benches plans. This backyard project features detailed instructions regarding the construction of a beautiful picnic tale with X-shaped legs. Adjust the design of the table to suit your needs and to match the design of your backyard furniture. Check out the rest of the outdoor project to see how to build the benches.

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 outdoor 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.

Made from this plan

Picnic table with detached benches plans

Building a picnic table

Materials

• A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 42 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 17″ long, 2 pieces – 22 1/4″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 34 1/2″ long FRAME
• C – 6 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72″ long TABLETOP
• D – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 34 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24 3/4″ long SUPPORTS

• 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 7 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
• 50 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• glue, paint / stain

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 Weekend

Related

• Part 1: How to build a picnic table with detached benches
• Part 2: How to build a a picnic bench
• Picnic table plans

How to build a picnic table with separate benches

Building the legs

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the legs for the picnic table. Cut the 2×4 slats at the right dimensions, using the information from the diagram. Use a  circular saw to make the cuts and smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Building the x shaped legs

Build the rest of the X-shaped legs out of 2×4 lumber. Drill pocket holes and secure them to the legs using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints and make sure there are no gaps between the components.

Fitting the top supports

Build the supports for the tabletop out of 2×4 lumber. Cut both ends of the supports in a decorative manner. Drill pilot holes through the supports and secure them to the legs using 2 1/2″ screws.

Attaching the tabletop

Lay the 2×6 tabletop slats on a level surface. Place a piece of 1/4″ plywood between the slats, to get consistent gaps. Place the legs to the slats and toe nail them to the tabletop using 3 1/2″ screws. Plumb the legs before inserting the screws.

Fitting the supports

Fit 2×6 supports to the tabletop, as described in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them to the picnic table.

Fitting the braces

Cut both ends of the 2×4 braces at 45 degrees. Fit the braces to the structure of the picnic table and toenail them into place using 3 1/2″ screws.

Picnic table with benches 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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