If you want to build a simple table for your garden, you should pay attention to this woodworking project. Basically, if you have several basic tools and know several woodworking skills, you can get the job done by yourself in just a few hours. Moreover, you can adjust the size of the picnic table to your needs and tastes, but use the instructions described in this step by step project. Choose proper picnic table plans free, in order to prevent costly mistakes.
There are several aspects you should take into account before starting your garden project. After building the wooden components from 2×4 lumber, you should assemble them together with wood screws and carriage bolts. On the other hand, make sure you use quality lumber that is weather resistant and has a beautiful natural finish, such as cedar, pine or redwood. Fill the holes with filler and smooth the surface with medium-grit sandpaper, if you want to get a professional look.
Garden picnic table plans
Building a picnic table
Materials
- 1 – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 40” long LEGS
- 2 – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 70” long CROSSBRACES
- 3 – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 29″ long SUPPORTS
- 4 – 14 piece of 2×4 – 72″ long SLATS
- 5 – 2 pieces of 2×4 – 34 1/4” long, 1 pieces of 2×4 – 26″ long BRACES
- 8 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 7 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12 ft
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 1 1/4″ screws
- wood glue, stain/paint
Tools
- Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry square
- Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Router
- Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask
Time
- One day
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Building the legs of the table
The first step of the project is to build the legs of the picnic table. As you can see in the image, you need to use 40″ long 2×4 slats and to cut their ends at about 30º. Don’t forget that you should adjust the size of the table to your needs, so you may want to cut the legs at a different size.
Fitting the cross-braces
Lay the wooden legs on a level surface and attach the cross-braces and the tabletop supports as in the image. As you can easily notice in the plans, after aligning the components at both ends, you should lock them together with 5″ carriage bolts. The supports should be perfectly level otherwise the seats will not be horizontal.
Picnic table framing
Place the sides of the picnic table at about 57″ before attaching the 2×4 slats to the supports. Ask a friend to assist you when installing the slats, as one person should hold the components into place while the other one drive the 2 1/2” galvanized screws.
Fitting the slats
Drill pilot holes at both ends of the slats before inserting the wood screws into the supports. In addition, we strongly recommend you to countersink the head of the screws, if you really want to get a neat result. Moreover, place the slats equally spaced, otherwise you won’t get a symmetrical result.
PRO TIP: Place a spirit level on the slats to check if they are perfectly horizontal. In addition, you could use a router to smooth the edges and to add character to your woodworking project.
Installing the braces
Continue the woodworking project by installing the braces. As you can see in the image, you need to fit a 2×4 support to the middle of the tabletop and fit two braces. Cut the both ends of the braces at 52º and 38º, using a good circular saw. Align the braces into place and secure them to the framing with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws.
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Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, we recommend you to check if the components are locked into place properly and if the frame is rigid. Make sure there are no protruding screws or sharp edges. Moreover, the components should be installed properly, making sure the gaps between the slats are even.
PRO TIP: Fill the holes with a good wood filler and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper. Apply several coats of paint or stain over the components, in order to protect them from decay. See all furniture plans, as well.
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