If you want to learn more about how to build a small picnic table, you have to take a close look over the free plans in the article. Therefore, this project will show you, step by step, how to build a two person picnic table from common materials such as 2x4s, 2x6s and 1x6s. This project is relatively cheap and it can be done by anyone that know the basic woodworking skills. This project is ideal for kids and adults, as well.

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to plan everything with attention, as to prevent costly mistakes and to build a professional garden bench. Invest in high quality materials, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as the bench will be exposed to all kinds of weather. Apply a few coats of paint over the components, to enhance their appearance and to protect them from bad weather.

2 Person Picnic Table Plans

Building a two person picnic table

Materials

• A – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 15 1/4″ long, 2 pieces – 27 3/4″ long LEGS
• B – 3 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 26″ long SUPPORTS
• C – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72″ BRACES
• D – 8 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 27 1/2″ SUPPORTS
• E – 9 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 32″ long TABLETOP & BENCHES

• 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
• 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 3 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8′
• 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
• 50 pieces of 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

Small Picnic Table Plans

Building the seat frame

The first step of the picnic table project is to build the seat frames. Use 2×6 lumber for the legs and for the supports. Cut the components at the right size and smooth the ends with sandpaper. Drill pilot holes through the legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the supports. Make sure the supports are centered to the legs. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are square.

Next, you need to build the frame for the table. Drill pilot holes through the 2×6 legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the horizontal support. Make sure the corners are square before inserting the screws. Center the support to the legs for a professional result. Add glue to the joints for a professional result.

Tabletop supports

Build the tabletop supports from 2×4 lumber. Make decorative cuts to both ends of the supports with a saw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper.

Attaching the tabletop supports

Attach the tabletop supports to the top of the table legs. Clamp the supports to the legs, after aligning the edges and checking if the corners are square. Add glue to the joints, drill pilot holes through the legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the supports.

Build the seat braces from 2×6 lumber. Cut both ends of the beams in a decorative manner. Mark the cut lines on beams and make the cuts with a saw. Smooth the edges with sandpaper.

Assembling the picnic table

Clamp the beams to the bench and tabletop frames. Use a spirit level to plumb the legs and to check if the beams are horizontal. Drill pilot holes through the legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the beams. Insert 4 screws for each joint.

Attaching the seat and tabletop slats

Fit 1×6 slats to benches and to the table, as shown in the plans. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the frame. Countersink the head of the screws to get a professional result. The small picnic table starts to take shape and all you are left to do is take care of the finishing touches.

2 person picnic table plans

Use a random sander to smooth the edges and the surface. Fill the holes with wood putty and let them dry out for a few hours before sanding the slats. Alternatively, you can round the exposed edges with a router and a bit.

Small picnic table plans

We recommend you to check if the components are locked into place properly and structure is rigid enough for your garden. Make sure there are no protruding screws or sharp edges. See picnic table plans for a 8 ft wide piece.

PRO TIP: Apply several coats of paint or stain over the components, in order to protect them from decay. Check out the rest of the project to learn more about building garden projects.

This diy project was about free small picnic table plans. If you have enjoyed the free project, we recommend you to share it with your friends, by using the social media widgets.