How to build a wooden picnic table

This step by step article is about how to build a wooden picnic table. In this article we show you basic plans, as any amateur handyman could get the job done, just with common tools and basic woodworking techniques. If you like to spend time in your garden and you need a rustic table, we recommend you to follow the step by step instructions and to build it in a weekend. If you have several 2×4 slats from other projects and common power tools, you can get the job done even quicker, in just several hours. Nevertheless, make sure you ask a friend to assist you during the construction process, as an extra pair of hands would be very useful.

Work with great care and attention, if you want to obtain a neat look. In addition, after designing the table, according to your needs, you should write down all the materials needed for this project. Afterwards, go to several lumberyards and ask an estimate for the materials (lumber designed for outdoor use, such as: cedar, pine, redwood or pressure treated). Choose the best offer in terms of quality and price, after you examine every board. As a general rule, the slats have to be perfectly straight and without any other visible flaws.

Align all the components at both ends, before locking them together with wood screws. Whenever is required, plumb the elements with a spirit level and lock them with several C-clamps. In addition, use a drill machinery to make pilot holes before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the wood might split. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

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How to build a wooden picnic table

Building a wooden picnic table

Materials

• A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 38″ long LEGS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 64″ long BRACES
• C – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 30″ long  SUPPORTS
• D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 33 3/4″ long  BRACES
• E – 14 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long SLATS

• 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
• 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 1/4″ screws
• glue, stain
• wood filler

Tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Miter saw, jig saw
• Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
• Drill machinery and drill bits
• Router and 1/4 bit

Tips

• Smooth the edges of the wooden boards, with a router
• Pre-drill holes in the wooden components, before driving in the screws
• Countersink the head of the screws
• Don’t use lumber that is likely to crack or shrink
• Don’t over-tighten the screws to prevent the wood from splitting

Time

• One day

Related

• 8 ft picnic table plans
• Octagonal picnic table plans

Building a wood picnic table

Building the legs of the picnic table

First of all, you need to build the legs and to lock them together with several braces. Use 2×4 lumber to build the components, as in the image. Cut the ends of the legs at 30º, using 40” long slats. Drill pilot holes and join the components with 3 1/2” carriage bolts.

Work on the ground, making sure the surface is perfectly level. Both sides of the table has to be equal, in order to obtain a professional result.

Installing the counter-top

After you have built the side of the picnic table, you should attach the wooden counter-top. In order to get the job done like a pro, we recommend you to build the wooden top on the ground, and then to attach it to the side legs.

Attaching the counter-top braces

After you have attached the top slats, we recommend you to lock all the components together into a rigid structure, by installing galvanized wood screws. In order to obtain a neat look, we recommend you to miter cut both ends of the braces, at 26º.

Installing the seat slats

The next step of the woodworking project is to install the seat slats. Therefore, first you have to cut the 2×4 boards at the right size. Afterwards, align them at both hands and drill several pilot holes, at least 1/2” from the edges.

How to build a picnic table

After you have assembled all the components of the picnic bench, you need to pay attention to the finishing touches. Fill the head of the screws and the gaps with wood putty. Let the compound to dry out for several days, before sanding the surface with medium-grit sandpaper.

Thank you for reading our article about how to build a wood picnic table and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to share our articles with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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