Full Answer
How much does it cost to build a picnic table?
You can pretty easily build a very basic picnic table for about $100 in lumber, but it can definitely go up in price from there. Don’t forget to budget for hardware including deck screws and carriage bolts. If you have these on hand already, you can save a little money.
How to build a picnic table in just one day?
Step-By-Step Instructions on How to Make a Picnic Table:
- Cut Seat and Top Boards. As shown in the photo above, cut the top and seat pieces (A) to the length given in the Cutting List (in project PDFs ...
- Cut Legs and Leg Braces. Using the dimensions in Figure A, draw the shapes of pieces B through E on your boards. ...
- Sand the Boards Smooth. ...
- Drill Pilot Holes for A-Frame Assembly. ...
- Hammer the Carriage Bolts. ...
How to build your own picnic table?
Rectangular picnic tables are typically:
- 72″ wide (183 cm)
- 58.75″ deep (149 cm)
- with an overall table height of 30.5″ (78 cm)
- and a bench height of 17″ (43 cm).
How do you make a picnic table?
- Use a hand or belt sander to smooth all rough wood and edges. ...
- Wipe off the sawdust before applying finish.
- If you didn’t use pressure-treated wood, stain your DIY picnic table. Protect it with a weather-resistant polyurethane. ...
- Pressure-treated wood often accepts stain better after it weathers. ...
How much wood is needed for a picnic table?
This is an important consideration to make, as the size will determine what size lumber you need and how much cutting will be involved. For instance, an average-sized table requires fifteen 2 x 6 boards that are 72 inches long and seven 2 x 4 boards that are 30 inches long.
How can I make a cheap picnic table?
0:436:25Build a Square Picnic Table with Free Plans - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr children this table is made all out of 2x6. And 2x4 lumber i cut everything with a compound miterMoreOr children this table is made all out of 2x6. And 2x4 lumber i cut everything with a compound miter saw you could also use a circular saw or a chop.
How many boards does it take to build a picnic table?
Purchase durable lumber for the project. To make an average-sized table, buy: 15 boards that are 2 × 6 × 72 in (5.1 × 15.2 × 182.9 cm).
What is the best wood for a picnic table?
Softwood species like Cedar, Redwood and Douglas fir are all good options that are both weather-resistant and available at most lumber yards. These are the best woods for picnic tables because they are lightweight and extremely tough.
How long does it take to build a picnic table?
A standard picnic table is an intermediate woodworking project you can complete in a day. With lumber and basic tools, transform your backyard or patio into a casual dining space. Read this guide for instructions on how to build a picnic table with attached benches. The DIY picnic table described will be 6 feet long.
How do you build a backyard picnic table?
1:155:44How to Build a Picnic Table - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI laid out all of the boards. And arranged them in a way that I wanted them then I cut the boardsMoreI laid out all of the boards. And arranged them in a way that I wanted them then I cut the boards that will be attached to the underside. In order to connect all the boards for the tabletop.
How easy is it to make a picnic table?
How to Build a Picnic TableCut four legs from 2x8s, mitering the top and bottom of each leg 22 degrees.Cut two 2x4 horizontal crosspieces to support the top and two 2x8 crosspieces for the benches. ... Make two 2x4 braces with 45-degree mitered ends to run from the sides to the underside of the tabletop.More items...
How many 2x6 does it take to make a picnic table?
Picnic Table: Shopping ListDisc.Qty.Sizetable top (2x6)212'table top (2x6)18'batten (2x4)18'legs (2x6)112'6 more rows
Can you make a picnic table with pressure treated wood?
So, yes, pressure treated wood is safe to use for your outdoor furniture, including picnic tables and chairs, benches, and so forth. We recommend using ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary) treated wood as it's been found to be the safest.
How long does a wooden picnic table last?
A wooded picnic table rarely last 10 years without needing replacement slats, which might be required yearly to eliminate bleed sap.
What is the best wood to use to build an outdoor table?
The general consensus is for hardwoods, such as ipe and teak. Since these species are extremely rot-resistant and durable, they have the best chance at a long life outdoors.
What kind of wood should I use to build an outdoor table?
Cypress, redwood and cedar are three softwoods that have natural moisture-wicking properties and make fine choices for outdoor furniture.
Picnic Table Designs
The design I use to make my tables incorporates fasteners that you typically do not see in other picnic tables; Pocket hole screws. The beauty of using these is that everything is secured from below. This means no ugly screw heads showing up on the table surface and sitting surface.
How To Build A Picnic Table
With everything back at the shop we can start preparing the wood. I recommend following the cutting diagram to complete all the cuts before any assembly is started. It is sooooooo much easier to build when everything is already cut and waiting on you. The first sub assembly I like to do is the table top.
Free Picnic Table Plans
Here is link to a zip file containing five printable diagrams as well as the SketchUp file.
How to make a picnic table with a 10 inch seat?
Under one of the seats, add one of the 10-inch seat stabilizing braces. Run the brace perpendicular to the seat boards. Screw into place. This brace prevents the two boards from separating. Repeat for the seat on the other side of the picnic table.
How to stabilize a table?
Add Diagonal Cross Braces. To stabilize the table in a lengthwise direction, add two diagonal cross braces below the tabletop. Each brace should run from the side of the lateral tabletop bracing in the previous step to the lower cross brace of the A-frame legs. Determine the length of each brace with the tape measure.
Do you need to paint a picnic table?
Because the wood is pressure-treated, you don't even need to paint or stain it—leave it as-is and you're good to go.
Picnic Table Materials List
Building this picnic table plan starts with choosing the right wood. Hardwood or pressure-treated boards are a popular choice, as are cedar and cypress. Pressure-treated lumber is easy to stain, durable and budget-friendly.
Measure & Cut Table Pieces
Use the following cut list to create the pieces you’ll need for this DIY picnic table. Remember the old carpenter's rule: Measure twice, cut once. Below are the pieces and measurements you’ll need.
Make the Tabletop
For this picnic table plan, start by building the tabletop. Assembling your tabletop is straightforward now that you’ve cut the lumber.
Cut Off Leg Corners
Trimming the corners off the leg makes it less likely to trip someone. Use a square to measure each cut accurately. Here's how to trim the leg:
Attach Legs
To attach the legs, you’ll need to flip the tabletop upside-down. You should be able to do this yourself. Remember to lift with your legs and keep your back straight.
Make Bench Supports
Bench supports strengthen your seating area. This is another safety feature to keep everyone secure on the bench. Your bench won’t sag with use.
Put in Table Support Braces
Table braces are important to keep your picnic table secure. You want all the surfaces to be well supported to keep the table from tipping or collapsing.
What is a picnic table?
A picnic table makes outdoor dining a lot more convenient and comfortable. Your yard or deck can really function, at least for part of the year, as an extension of your home. However, you need to set it up with furniture to make it useful and usable. Picnic tables are a great option!
What are the shapes of picnic tables?
Other shapes of picnic tables. Picnic tables can also be shaped as octagons, squares, and more. The two long benches attached to the table with seat supports is what uniquely makes them picnic tables.
How many people can sit at a picnic table?
The table and benches are usually rectangular and parallel to each other. A typical full size picnic table seats 6 adults – three on each side. For extra seating, pull up two chairs on the ends.
Can you have a picnic table with kids?
They can be a great option if you have a lot of kids or have kids over a lot. Just be mindful that if adults can’t sit there, you will need adult seating, too. Picnic tables are generally easy to build because they are primarily straight cuts .
Can you put a picnic table outside?
Assuming you plan to put your picnic table outdoors, you will want to either use a wood that is moisture-resistant or apply an outdoor sealant to help keep out moisture. Otherwise, moisture can lead to mildew, rot, and the table not lasting for very long in the elements.