How To Build a Picnic Table

Building a picnic table is a rewarding DIY project that can enhance your outdoor living space. With basic carpentry skills and the right materials, you can create a sturdy and attractive table that’s perfect for family gatherings and outdoor meals. In the video above, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates a simple method for constructing a durable picnic table.

Materials and Tools Needed for a Picnic Table

Before starting your picnic table project, gather the following materials and tools:

• Kiln-dried (KD) lumber:
  • Five 8-foot long 2x8s for the tabletop
  • Three 2x4s for the braces under the tabletop
  • Six 2x6s for the A-frame and the bench
• One 8-foot long 2×4 pressure-treated lumber for the legs
• Galvanized carriage bolts, nuts, and washers
• Decking screws
• Polyurethane construction adhesive
• Miter saw
• Drill/driver
• Framing square
• Adjustable wrench
• Hammer
• Layout square
• Caulk gun

Step-by-Step Guide to Build a Picnic Table

Step 1: Preparing the Tabletop

The first step in building your picnic table is to create the tabletop. The resulting tabletop should be about 36 inches wide and 96 inches long.

1. Lay out five 8-foot-long 2×8 boards edge-to-edge, ensuring the best-looking surface of each board faces down.
2. Place 16-penny nails between the boards to act as spacers.
3. Cut three 2×4 cleats to 32 inches long, mitering both ends at 45 degrees. This makes it more comfortable to have your legs under the table, reducing the likelihood of bumping your knee.
4. Apply polyurethane construction adhesive across the center of the eight-foot-long tabletop.
5. Set a 2×4 cleat into the adhesive and fasten it with 2½-inch decking screws.
6. Glue and screw down the remaining cleats, positioning each 16 inches from the end of the tabletop.

Step 2: Constructing the Table Legs

The table legs are a standard A-frame and provide stability and support for your picnic table:

1. Cut the table legs from pressure-treated 2x8s, trimming the ends to 28 degrees. They should be 32 1/4 inches long.
2. Cut and fasten a 2×8 cross brace to each pair of legs, forming two A-frame assemblies.
3. Apply construction adhesive to the top, inside surface of the legs.
4. Attach the A-frame leg assemblies to the 2×4 cleats using 4-inch decking screws.

Opting for pressure-treated wood ensures your table legs are durable against weather elements. Aligning each leg properly during assembly keeps the table balanced and sturdy.

Step 3: Adding Support and Stability

To ensure your picnic table is sturdy and long-lasting:

1. Cut and install two 2×4 diagonal braces to the underside of the tabletop.
2. Screw the diagonal braces to the tabletop and the cross brace on the leg assemblies.
3. Reinforce the connection between the cross brace and legs with ⅜-inch-diameter x 3½-inch-long galvanized carriage bolts, using two bolts per leg.
4. Tighten hex nuts onto the carriage bolts with an adjustable wrench.
5. Peen over the bolt ends with a hammer to prevent the nuts from loosening.

Adding these braces and bolts reinforces the table’s structure so that the legs don’t wobble back and forth.

Step 4: Creating the Bench Seats

Complete your picnic table by adding comfortable bench seats:

1. Cut two 2×6 seat boards and three 2×4 cleats for each bench seat.
2. Glue and screw the cleats to the underside of the 2x6s.
3. Apply adhesive to the top edges of the cross braces extending from the table legs.
4. Set the bench seats on top of the braces and fasten them with 2½-inch decking screws.

Ensuring the benches are secured firmly to the braces prevents any wobbling and provides stable seating. The placement of the cleats ensures the seating is supportive and durable.

Choosing the Right Wood for Your Picnic Table

Selecting the appropriate wood for your picnic table is crucial for its longevity and appearance. In the video, Silva uses KD, “kiln dried,” lumber, except for the legs. Since the legs are in contact with the ground, he uses pressure-treated lumber. Consider these options:

• Pressure-treated lumber: Affordable and resistant to rot and insects
• Cedar: Naturally rot-resistant with a pleasant aroma and attractive grain
• Redwood: Durable and naturally resistant to decay and insects
• Teak: Extremely weather-resistant, but more expensive

Additional Tips for Constructing a Durable Picnic Table

While this is a fairly straightforward project for amateur DIYers, keep these tips in mind to ensure your picnic table construction is hassle-free and durable:

• Accurate measurements: Always measure twice, cut once. This ensures all components fit together properly, reducing wasted material and enhancing structural integrity.
• Using quality fasteners: Opt for galvanized screws and bolts; they resist rust and provide durable connections, especially important in outdoor furniture subjected to various weather conditions.
• Properly square joints: Ensure all joints are square to avoid an uneven or unstable table. Use a framing or layout square to verify the angles.

Cost Considerations When Building a Picnic Table

The cost of building a picnic table can vary depending on the materials chosen and your location. Generally, you can expect to spend under $100 for kiln-dried or pressure-treated lumber. Using premium woods like cedar or teak will increase the cost but may provide better longevity and appearance.

Budgeting for this project involves considering the wood type, additional treatments like sealants, and any decorative finishes you may want to add.

Time Investment to Build a Picnic Table

Building a picnic table is a project that can typically be completed in four to six hours, depending on your skill level and whether or not you have someone to help you.

Having all your materials and tools ready and working in an organized manner can reduce construction time. If you’re struggling, breaking the project into smaller tasks can make it more manageable. 

Picnic Table Maintenance Tips

To keep your picnic table looking great and extend its lifespan, apply a water-repellent sealer annually and clean the table regularly with mild soap and water. Tighten the bolts and screws as needed, and store the table indoors during harsh winter months or cover it with a waterproof cover.