141+ Outdoor Picnic Table

47 small patio ideas that enhance even tiny outdoor spaces

www.architecturaldigest.com

Opening: Enjoy the Outdoors with Your Own DIY Picnic Table! Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air than with a homemade picnic table? This guide will walk you through the steps to build a sturdy and attractive outdoor picnic table, perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or simply relaxing in your backyard. Let's get started!

Materials and Tools You'll Need:

Lumber (check your local lumber yard for pressure-treated wood suitable for outdoor use. A common size for the table top and seats is 2x6, and for the legs and supports, 4x4 posts). Specific quantity and length will depend on the desired size of your table, but for a standard 6-foot table, you'll generally need around:

6 2x6 boards at 6 feet long (for the tabletop and seats)
2 2x6 boards at 3 feet long (for the seat supports)
2 4x4 posts at 30 inches long (for the table legs)
4 4x4 posts at 17 inches long (for the seat legs)
2 4x4 posts at 45 inches long (for the angled leg supports)

Exterior wood screws (various sizes, including at least 3-inch screws)

Wood glue (exterior grade)

Sandpaper (various grits)

Wood stain or sealant (optional, but recommended for weather protection)

Measuring tape

Pencil

Circular saw

Drill with drill bits (including a countersink bit)

Socket wrench or adjustable wrench

Safety glasses

Work gloves

Step 1: Cutting the Lumber Carefully measure and cut all the lumber pieces according to your chosen dimensions (the example measurements are for a 6-foot table). Ensure your cuts are straight and clean for a professional finish. Use safety glasses while operating the saw.

Step 2: Assembling the Tabletop Lay the six 2x6 boards (for the tabletop) side by side on a flat surface. Align them carefully. Attach the two 2x6 boards (3 feet long) perpendicular underneath the tabletop boards, spacing them evenly to provide support. Use wood glue and screws to secure the supports to the tabletop boards. Pre-drill holes to prevent the wood from splitting.

Step 3: Attaching the Table Legs Attach the four 4x4 posts (30 inches long) to the inside of the tabletop supports. Position them equidistant from the ends of the table. Use wood glue and screws to firmly secure the legs. Ensure the legs are square to the tabletop.

Step 4: Building the Seats Repeat the process used for the tabletop to create the two seats, using the remaining 2x6 boards. The width and support structure will be the same as the tabletop.

Step 5: Attaching the Seat Legs Attach the four 4x4 posts (17 inches long) to the inside of the seat supports, just as you did for the table legs. Use wood glue and screws, ensuring they are square and securely fastened.

Step 6: Adding Angled Leg Supports This step adds significant stability to the table. Attach the two 4x4 posts (45 inches long) diagonally between the table legs and the seat legs. Angle them so they provide support from the bottom of the table leg to the bottom of the seat leg. Use screws and wood glue to secure them. Pre-drilling pilot holes is essential to prevent splitting.

Step 7: Sanding and Finishing Thoroughly sand all surfaces of the picnic table to remove any rough edges and splinters. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper and gradually move to a finer grit for a smooth finish. Once sanded, apply a wood stain or sealant of your choice to protect the wood from the elements and enhance its appearance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying time.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your New Picnic Table! Congratulations! You've successfully built your own DIY picnic table. Now you can enjoy countless outdoor meals and gatherings with family and friends. Remember to regularly inspect and maintain your table to ensure its longevity and stability. With proper care, your picnic table will provide years of enjoyment.