Build an outdoor kid’s picnic table
Build an outdoor kid’s picnic table
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Difficulty:
Close DifficultyBeginner Do-It-Yourselfer - EasyIntermediate Do-It-Yourselfer - ModerateExperienced Do-It-Yourselfer - DifficultProfessional - Expert - Completion Time : 1 Day
Allow the kids in your life to make those special memories by dining with siblings, cousins and friends their own size at a scaled-down version of a picnic table. What a treat to be able to sit by themselves and have their own conversations.
The tabletop measures 6' long by 2 ½' wide with plenty of elbow room for those little bodies. The benches are only 1' off the ground and the tabletop just 9" above that, making it easy and safe for little ones to climb in and out. This simple construction plan is a great first project for the Beginner DIY-er and could easily be completed in a day by the Intermediate. The children will feel so special come meal time when they get to assemble in their very own dining space with no grown-ups allowed!
Print
Tools and materials required
TOOLS
- 3/8" bit
- 1/2" bit
- 3" hole saw
- Bevel square (optional)
- Circular saw
- Compass (optional)
- Drill
- Jigsaw
- Mitre saw (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Screwdriver
- Square
- Tape measure
MATERIALS
- 2 lengths of 2" x 4" x 8' Treated Lumber
- 1 length of 2" x 6" x 8' Treated Lumber
- 1 length of 2" x 6" x 10' Treated Lumber
- 4 lengths of 2" x 6" x 12' Treated Lumber
- 2 lengths of 2" x 8" x 12' Treated Lumber
- 16 - 3/8" x 3 1/2" Galvanized lag screws
- 16 - 3/8" Galvanized nuts
- 32 - 3/8" Galvanized washers
- 100 - 1/2" exterior type screws
Before Assembly
ELEVATION(S)
NOTE ON TREATED WOOD
Treated wood should be handled with precautions.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling treated wood to avoid skin contact and to protect against splinters.
- Wear dust mask, eye protection, gloves and long sleeves when sawing, sanding or shaping treated wood to avoid skin contact with or inhalation of sawdust, to protect against splinters and to protect eyes from flying particles. When making cross cuts, use a cut sealer as the factory-treatment rarely goes to the heartwood.
During construction:
- Use nails, screws, bolts, connectors and other hardware resistant to corrosion: stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized, yellow zinc or other hardware specially coated for outdoor use. Ordinary fasteners will rust, causing unsightly stains and weakening the structure, ultimately causing it to fail.
- Make certain the wood is thoroughly dry before painting or staining, and follow the coating manufacturer's recommendations. Use only good quality oil or acrylic coatings on water repellent pressure treated wood.
- Do not dispose of treated wood remnants or sawdust in compost heaps, wood chips, or mulch. Do not use it as animal bedding or litter.
- Never burn treated wood.
CONTACT ADHESIVE
Contact adhesive must always be applied to both surfaces and each surface must then be left to dry for the manufacturer’s recommended time – usually about 10-15 minutes. You then press the two surfaces together, applying pressure from the centre outwards. They will adhere instantly and do not need to be clamped. Once they are stuck, you will no longer be able to move or adjust them. It is therefore important to handle the parts carefully and position them accurately. Do this work in a well-ventilated room, away from excessive heat or open flame.