Build your own sturdy wooden picnic table with our easy-to-follow plans! This guide breaks down everything beginners need, from selecting wood to pre-drilling and assembly, ensuring a beautiful, functional table you’ll be proud of.
Getting outside for a meal or gathering is one of life’s simple pleasures. But what if you don’t have a sturdy picnic table to host those moments? Building one yourself might seem daunting, but with the right plans and a little guidance, it’s a totally achievable DIY project. A custom-built picnic table is not only economical but also incredibly rewarding.
This guide will take you step-by-step through understanding wooden picnic table woodworking plans with benches. We’ll cover everything from choosing your materials to cutting, assembling, and finishing your masterpiece. Get ready to transform your backyard into the perfect spot for summer BBQs and family dinners!
Table of Contents
Why Build Your Own Wooden Picnic Table?
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something with your own hands, especially when it’s a functional piece of furniture that brings people together. Store-bought picnic tables can be pricey, and sometimes they just don’t have the exact look or durability you’re after. Building your own lets you:
Save Money: DIY projects often cost significantly less than buying pre-made.
Customize: Choose the exact size, style, and wood type that fits your space and taste.
Build Quality: You control the materials and construction methods, ensuring a robust and long-lasting table.
Gain Skills: It’s a fantastic way to learn practical woodworking skills.
Boost Your Confidence: Completing a project like this is a huge confidence builder!
Understanding Picnic Table Plans
Picnic table plans are essentially blueprints that detail every component of the table and how they fit together. Good plans will include:
A Cut List: Specifies the dimensions and quantities of each wooden piece you’ll need.
A Materials List: Details the types and amounts of wood, hardware (screws, bolts), and any finishing supplies required.
Assembly Diagrams: Visual representations showing how to attach the pieces.
Detailed Measurements: Precise dimensions for every cut and connection.
When looking at plans, you’ll notice different designs. Some are simple, classic A-frame styles, while others might have more intricate details or unique leg designs. For beginners, starting with a straightforward design is usually best.
Choosing Your Wood: The Foundation of Your Table
The type of wood you choose will impact the look, durability, and cost of your picnic table. For outdoor furniture, you want wood that can stand up to the elements. Here are some popular and practical choices:
Cedar: Naturally resistant to rot and insects. It’s lightweight and has a beautiful reddish hue. Cedar is often a more premium choice due to its natural resistance.
Redwood: Similar to cedar, redwood is highly durable and resistant to decay and insects. It has a rich, warm tone. It can be more expensive than other options.
Pressure-Treated Pine: This is a very common and budget-friendly option. The wood is chemically treated to resist rot and insects. It’s important to use appropriate hardware (galvanized or stainless steel) with pressure-treated wood to prevent corrosion.
Cypress: Another excellent choice for outdoor durability, cypress is naturally resistant to decay and insects.
Douglas Fir: A strong and relatively inexpensive softwood that can work well if properly sealed and maintained.
When selecting your lumber, look for straight boards with minimal knots or warping. For a sturdy table, consider using thicker wood, like 2x6s and 2x8s for the tabletop and benches.
Essential Tools and Materials for Building
Having the right tools makes the job much easier and safer. Here’s a basic rundown.
Tools You’ll Likely Need:
Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
Pencil: To mark your cuts.
Safety Glasses: Absolutely crucial for protecting your eyes.
Work Gloves: To protect your hands.
Saw:
Circular Saw: Versatile and good for making straight cuts.
Miter Saw (Chop Saw): Ideal for precise angled cuts and repeated straight cuts. This is highly recommended for accuracy.
Handsaw: If you don’t have power saws, a sharp handsaw can do the job, but it will require more effort.
Drill/Driver: For drilling pilot holes and driving screws. Cordless drills are very convenient.
Drill Bits: Various sizes for pilot holes and clearance holes. A countersink bit is also helpful for making screw heads flush.
Clamps: To hold pieces together while you fasten them.
Square: A speed square or combination square is vital for ensuring 90-degree angles.
Sander (Optional but Recommended): A random orbital sander or even sandpaper for smoothing rough edges.
Level: To ensure your table is sitting evenly.
Materials You’ll Need (Based on Typical Plans):
Lumber: As specified in your chosen plan (e.g., 2x6s, 2x8s, 4x4s).
Screws: Deck screws or exterior-grade wood screws are best for outdoor projects. Stainless steel or galvanized screws are recommended, especially with pressure-treated lumber. Common sizes might be 2.5-inch and 3-inch screws.
Bolts, Nuts, and Washers (Optional, but often used for structural joints): For extra strong connections, especially for leg assemblies. Use exterior-grade hardware.
Wood Glue (Exterior Grade): Adds extra strength to joints.
Sandpaper: Medium grit (e.g., 80-120) for initial smoothing and fine grit (e.g., 180-220) for a smoother finish.
Wood Finish: Exterior-grade stain, sealant, or paint.
Step-by-Step: Building a Classic Picnic Table (General Guide)
These steps outline a common process for building a simple wooden picnic table with attached benches. Always refer to your specific plans for exact measurements and assembly order.
Step 1: Gather Your Plans and Materials
Select Your Plans: Find a set of plans that suits your skill level and desired table size. Websites like This Old House or woodworking blogs often have free or affordable plans.
Create a Materials List: Based on the plans, create a detailed shopping list for lumber, screws, and any other hardware.
Purchase Lumber: Select good quality, straight lumber. For larger projects, having a lumberyard deliver can save you a lot of hauling.
Gather Tools: Ensure you have all the necessary tools ready and in good working order.
Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Lumber
Accuracy here is key! Double-check your measurements before every cut.
Use a Cut List: Refer to your plans’ cut list to mark each board.
Mark Clearly: Use a sharp pencil and a square to draw your cut lines.
Make Your Cuts:
For straight cuts, use a circular saw or miter saw.
For angled cuts (common for leg braces or the table ends), set your saw to the correct angle indicated in the plans.
Label Each Piece: As you cut, label each piece with a pencil (e.g., “Tabletop #1,” “Leg,” “Bench Seat”). This will make assembly much easier.
Step 3: Prepare the Pieces (Pre-Drilling & Sanding)
This is a crucial step that prevents wood from splitting and makes assembly smoother.
Pre-Drill Pilot Holes: Before joining pieces, drill pilot holes where screws will go. The pilot hole should be slightly smaller than the screw’s shank. This guides the screw and reduces the risk of splitting.
Drill Clearance Holes: For bolts, you’ll need clearance holes that are the same size as the bolt.
Countersink (Optional): If you want screw heads to sit flush or slightly below the wood surface, use a countersink bit after drilling the pilot hole.
Sand Edges: Lightly sand any rough edges or splinters. You don’t need to sand every surface perfectly smooth yet, just the parts that will be handled or visible.
Step 4: Assemble the Legs and Aprons
The legs and the apron (the frame that supports the tabletop) form the base structure.
Leg Assemblies: Most plans involve creating two leg assemblies, often an “A-frame” or a simple post with braces.
Attach aprons to the legs using exterior-grade wood glue and screws or bolts. Ensure everything is square.
Use clamps to hold pieces firmly in place while you fasten them.
Check for Squareness: Use your square to ensure all corners are precisely 90 degrees. Adjust as needed before the glue sets or screws are fully tightened.
Step 5: Attach the Tabletop Slats
This is where your table starts to take shape!
Position the Apron Assembly: Place the leg/apron assembly upside down on a flat surface.
Lay Out Tabletop Slats: Position the first tabletop board, ensuring it’s square and has the correct overhang at the ends.
Fasten the First Slat: Apply a bead of exterior wood glue to the top edges of the apron where the slat will rest. Then, screw the slat into the apron. Make sure screws go into the apron and not just the edge of the wood.
Continue with Remaining Slats: Work your way across, leaving a consistent gap between each board. Some plans call for a small gap (about 1/8 inch or the width of a nail) to allow for water drainage and wood expansion. Use spacers (like a nail or a scrap of plywood) to maintain even spacing.
Step 6: Build and Attach the Benches
The benches are typically built similarly to the tabletop, attached to the leg assemblies.
Bench Seat Slats: Cut your bench seat boards. You might have one or two boards per bench.
Attach Bench Supports (if applicable): Some designs have small support pieces that run perpendicular to the bench slats.
Fasten Bench Slats: Attach the bench slats to the bench supports or directly to the leg assembly, ensuring they are level and square. Again, use glue and screws.
Step 7: Finishing Touches and Protection
This step protects your table and makes it look fantastic.
Final Sanding: Once assembled, sand all surfaces, especially the tabletop and bench seats, to a smooth finish. Start with a medium grit and move to a finer grit.
Clean Off Dust: Thoroughly wipe down the table with a tack cloth or damp rag to remove all sawdust.
Apply Finish:
Stain: Apply an exterior stain to add color and some UV protection.
Sealant/Water Repellent: Follow up with a clear exterior sealant or water-repellent finish for maximum protection against the elements.
Paint: If you prefer paint, use a good quality exterior paint.
Allow to Cure: Let the finish dry and cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using the table. This is often several days.
Common Picnic Table Designs
Knowing what kind of table you want can help you choose the best plans.
Classic A-Frame Picnic Table
This is the most common design you’ll see. It features two “A” shaped leg structures that support the tabletop and attached benches. They are sturdy and relatively easy to build.
Concertina Picnic Table
These tables often have benches that fold up or slide under the tabletop, making them more compact for storage or when not in use. They can be a bit more complex to build.
Modern Picnic Table Designs
These can vary widely, often featuring cleaner lines, different materials (like metal frames with wood tops), or unique geometric shapes. They might be more challenging for beginners.
A Quick Look at Table Top and Bench Dimensions
While plans will give you exact numbers, here’s a general idea of common dimensions to expect:
| Component | Typical Size Range | Common Lumber Size |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Table Length | 6 ft (183 cm) to 8 ft (244 cm) | N/A |
| Tabletop Width | 27 in (69 cm) to 30 in (76 cm) | Multiple 2x6s or 2x8s |
| Tabletop Height | 29 in (74 cm) to 31 in (79 cm) | N/A |
| Bench Seat Width (per bench) | 9 in (23 cm) to 12 in (30 cm) | One or two 2x6s |
| Bench Seat Height | 17 in (43 cm) to 19 in (48 cm) | N/A |
| Legs/Uprights | Varies by design | Typically 4x4s or 2x6s |
Tips for Success for Beginners
Start Simple: Choose a basic A-frame design for your first project.
Read All Plans First: Before you cut anything, read through the entire plan to understand the process.
Measure Twice, Cut Once: This old adage is crucial in woodworking.
Use a Square: This tool is your best friend for ensuring good joints.
Don’t Skip Pre-Drilling: It saves a lot of headaches and prevented split wood.
Invest in Good Screws: Exterior-grade screws are worth the small extra cost.
Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and follow safe operating procedures for all tools. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers excellent safety guidelines for DIY projects. See CPSC DIY Safety Guide.
Take Breaks: Don’t rush the process. Work at a comfortable pace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the easiest type of picnic table to build for a beginner?
The classic A-frame picnic table is generally the easiest for beginners. Its design is straightforward, with fewer complex angles and joints compared to other styles.
Q2: Can I use standard pine for an outdoor picnic table?
You can, but it’s highly recommended to use wood that’s naturally resistant to rot and insects (like cedar or redwood) or pressure-treated pine. If using standard pine, you’ll need to apply a very robust exterior-grade finish and be prepared for more maintenance and a shorter lifespan.
Q3: How far apart should the tabletop boards be?
A small gap, typically around 1/8 inch (about 3mm), is recommended between tabletop boards. This allows for water drainage and wood expansion due to changes in humidity.
Q4: What kind of screws should I use for an outdoor picnic table?
Use exterior-grade screws, such as deck screws or galvanized/stainless steel screws. These are designed to resist rust and corrosion, which is essential for outdoor furniture. For pressure-treated lumber, galvanized or stainless steel is a must.
Q5: Do I need to sand every surface perfectly smooth?
While you want the tabletop and bench