woodworking plans

Picnic Table Woodworking Plans

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Posted by Jawad | Posted in , , | Posted on 12:31 PM

Using this picnic table plan anyone can build a picnic table for their backyard. This is an easy picnic table woodworking plan that uses basic tools and can be completed in just a few hours. By building your own picnic table you not only add seating to your backyard but have the satisfaction of building it yourself.

Tools needed for this project:
• Circular saw
• Drill
• Speed square or framing square (triangle tools with angles marked on it for marking angle cuts)
• Tape measure
• Using a miter saw will make this project even easier if you have one or can borrow one.

Cut list for lumber: (cedar or treated wood will last longer)
(9) 2”x6” boards 60” long for top and seats
(2) 2”x4” boards 26 1/2” long for top braces
(2) 2”x4” boards 53” long for seat braces
(2) 2”x4” boards 26” long for top braces
(4) 2”x6” boards 33” long for legs (these will have a 22 degree angle at both ends and measure 33” at the longest point and the long point of the angle should be on opposite sides of the board).

How To Do It
The picnic table top consists of five 2”x6” boards and the seats each have two 2”x6” boards all 60” long. We will start assembly for this picnic table plan by attaching the top boards together using the 26” top braces. Layout the top boards face down with 1/4” space between them. Position your underside top braces 12” to 15” inches from each end. Use 1 1/4” galvanized screws to so they don't go all the way through the top.

The next step is to build the 2 “A” frames for the ends which become the legs. Place two 33” legs on a flat surface or saw horses. Place one of the 26 1/2” top braces across the legs keeping the top flush and the legs 5” from the end of the top brace. Mark and drill a hole through both pieces and fasten with 3 1/2” carriage bolts. Position the 53” seat braces across the legs 15 1/2” from the bottom. Make sure the seat brace is exactly parallel to the top brace. Repeat this for the other “A”: frame giving you two end pieces.

Final assembly will require you to prop up both ends and place the top on them so you can attach it. An extra helper is a good idea for this step. Once you have propped up the ends lay your seat boards across the seat braces. Position the ends so that 5” of the seat board is overhanging and fasten the first side. Repeat this step for all four seat boards leaving 1/4” gap between each board. Now position the top on the picnic table and fasten the top by screwing it into the top braces of the leg assemblies. If you used cedar or treated wood for this picnic table plan then you are finished. You can add a stain or sealer if you want but it is not required with these woods. If you used any other wood then you will want to add a good finish that can withstand the weather.