How to Build a Picnic Table
In the summertime, everybody loves to gather around the picnic table. If you are without one, it is time to build one. It is not a difficult task, and can take as little as a couple of hours. All you need for the job is some basic carpentry skills, and the right tools and materials.
Tools and Materials
The initial step in learning how to build a picnic table is to ensure that you have the necessary tools and materials before beginning the project. It would be frustrating to have to halt your work because you are missing some specific tool. Here is a list of the items you should have on hand:
Power drill with the appropriate drill bits
- Speed square
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Carpentry saw (hand saw or circular saw)
- Pencil and ruler
- Safety goggles
The amount of lumber needed for a picnic table depends on the size of the table you want to build. Different types of wood at various prices are available. For long-lasting, weather resistant material, premium lumber is a good choice. For a table 72 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 32 inches tall, you will need the following material:
- 14 - 2x6 at 72 inches long
- 5 - 2x4 at 30 inches long
- Hot dipped galvanized nails (3 lbs of 12d at 3 ½ inch)
The Picnic Table Project
How to build a picnic table involves a few steps. Your first task is to cut pieces of wood to the following measurements:
- 12 2x6 at 72 inches long
- 3 2x4 at 30 inches from long point to long point with 45-degree angles on each end
- 4 2x6 at 35 inches long with a 25 degree angle on each end.
You will also need to cut the diagonal bracing underneath the tabletop, but it is recommended to scribe the board only after the remainder of the top is fixed firmly together.
Lay out the top boards on sawhorses, their best side down. Nail the 2x4s with the 45-degree angle cuts to the bottom of the tabletop, spaced at 4 inches from both ends. Now center the third board in between the other two. It might be a good idea to toenail these boards to hold them in position. Flip the table over and finish nailing the top boards to complete one section of the table.
For the legs, take the 4 2x6 that were cut at 35 inches, and center them over the short point of the tabletop end rails and nail them to the rails. For seat rail support, measure up (down if the table is flipped) and mark it with a nail half way to the head at 17 inches. Proceed to center the seat rails (2x6 at 72 inches) between the inverted table legs while using the nails you marked at 17 inches as a rest post. When in the appropriately centered position, firmly nail in the legs.
Next, mark the centers of both the seat rails and the tabletop middle rail. Scribe one of the 2x4s so that it fits diagonally between the marks. This might require some further cutting until it can be fastened securely in place. Flip the table over so that it is standing on its legs and then lay the seat boards, which are the 2x6s at 72 inches, onto the seat rails. Here you may have to play with them until you find a fitting position. When the seat rails have been placed, mark the location of the outer seat board, remove the rails, and saw a 45-degree angle on the rail to eliminate the chance of rail protrusion. Finally, put the seat boards back in place and nail them. Secure the tabletop boards as well. Now you know how to build a picnic table!
The Finishing Touch
Complete your project by sanding and rounding off corners and edges on the table in order to make them smooth. It is time to apply the finish. A waterproofing sealer or an exterior wood stain is recommended for long-lasting protection.Whether your picnic table is used for playing cards, eating, reading a book, or chatting with friends over a cool beverage during those warm and sunny days, it will make you proud!
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