Building a wooden outdoor picnic table with attached benches can be a fun and rewarding project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build one:
Materials Needed:
- Wood:
- 2 x 6 boards (for the tabletop and benches)
- 4 x 4 posts (for the table legs and bench supports)
- 2 x 4 boards (for the frame and bracing)
- Screws: 3″ deck screws
- Wood glue (optional, for added stability)
- Wood finish or sealant (optional, for weather protection)
Tools Needed:
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Drill with bits (for pilot holes)
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Square
- Clamps (optional)
- Sandpaper or power sander
Step 1: Cut Your Wood
Start by cutting the pieces for the table:
Tabletop:
- 6 pieces of 2×6, each 6 feet long (adjust the length based on your preference for the size of the table)
Table Legs:
- 4 pieces of 4×4, each 30 inches long (adjust for your preferred table height)
Bench Seats:
- 4 pieces of 2×6, each 5 feet long (this will vary based on the number of people you want to seat)
Bench Supports:
- 2 pieces of 2×4, each 5 feet long
Frame Supports:
- 2 pieces of 2×4, each 6 feet long (for the table’s frame)
- 2 pieces of 2×4, each 5 feet long (for bench frame)
Step 2: Assemble the Table Frame
- Take the two 6-foot 2x4s (for the table frame) and attach the 5-foot 2x4s (for bench frame) to form a rectangle.
- Use screws to secure the corners, ensuring the frame is square.
Step 3: Attach the Table Legs
- Position the four 4×4 legs at each corner of the table frame.
- Drill pilot holes and use 3-inch screws to attach the legs securely to the frame. Make sure the legs are at a 90-degree angle to the frame.
Step 4: Attach the Tabletop
- Lay out the 6 pieces of 2×6 for the tabletop on top of the frame.
- Leave a small gap between each board to allow for expansion.
- Use screws to attach the boards to the frame, securing them along the edges.
Step 5: Build the Bench Supports
- Attach two 5-foot 2x4s to the table frame for the bench supports.
- Space these pieces out evenly along each side of the table to ensure stability and proper weight distribution.
Step 6: Attach the Benches
- Take the 4 pieces of 2×6 (for the bench seats) and place them on top of the 5-foot bench supports.
- Leave a small gap between each board for drainage and expansion.
- Use screws to secure the boards to the supports.
Step 7: Add Bracing (Optional)
- For extra stability, add diagonal bracing between the legs of the table or between the bench supports and legs.
Step 8: Sand and Finish
- Sand the entire table and benches to remove rough edges and splinters.
- Apply a wood finish or sealant to protect the wood from the weather and give it a polished look.
Step 9: Final Inspection
- Check that everything is secure and level.
- Ensure the table and benches are stable and properly aligned.
After completing these steps, your outdoor picnic table with attached benches should be ready for use! Enjoy your new DIY outdoor furniture!
For a more detailed guide and woodworking plans, consider checking out Teds Woodworking Course here.