Building A Small Picnic Table: My Personal Experience And Tips

One summer, I decided to build a small picnic table for my backyard. It was a fun and rewarding project that allowed me to spend time outdoors and create something useful for my family. In this article, I’ll share my experience and provide tips and ideas for anyone interested in building their own small picnic table.

How To Build A Small Picnic Table: Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Materials

The first step in building a small picnic table is to gather all the necessary materials. You will need:

Wood (2x4s and 2x6s)
Screws
Sandpaper
Drill
Saw

Step 2: Cut Wood

Using a saw, cut the wood into the following lengths:

Four 2x4s at 27 inches for the table legs
Four 2x6s at 48 inches for the tabletop
Two 2x4s at 27 inches for the table supports
Two 2x4s at 21 inches for the bench supports
Two 2x6s at 36 inches for the bench seats

Step 3: Sand Wood

Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges on the wood.

Step 4: Assemble Table Legs

Using screws, attach two 27-inch 2x4s together to form an “L” shape. Repeat for all four table legs.

Step 5: Attach Table Supports

Attach the two 27-inch 2x4s to the table legs, one on each end, using screws. This will provide support for the tabletop.

Step 6: Attach Tabletop

Place the four 48-inch 2x6s on top of the table supports and attach them using screws.

Step 7: Assemble Bench Legs

Using screws, attach two 27-inch 2x4s together to form an “L” shape. Repeat for all four bench legs.

Step 8: Attach Bench Supports

Attach the two 21-inch 2x4s to the bench legs, one on each end, using screws. This will provide support for the bench seats.

Step 9: Attach Bench Seats

Place the two 36-inch 2x6s on top of the bench supports and attach them using screws.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas on How To Build A Small Picnic Table

Choose a location for your picnic table that is flat and level.
Use pressure-treated wood to prevent rot and decay.
Consider adding an umbrella hole to the tabletop.
Add a coat of sealant or paint to protect the wood from weather and insects.
Use a circular saw to make precise cuts.
Drill pilot holes before inserting screws to prevent the wood from splitting.
Use a jigsaw to create rounded edges on the tabletop and bench seats.
Add cushions to the benches for added comfort.
Consider building a matching set of chairs to complete your outdoor dining area.
Use a carpenter’s square to ensure your cuts are straight and even.

Pros and Cons of Building a Small Picnic Table

Building a small picnic table has its pros and cons. Some of the pros include:

Customization: You can choose the size and style that best fits your needs.
Rewarding: Building something yourself can be a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
Cost-effective: Building your own picnic table can be cheaper than buying one.

Some of the cons include:

Time-consuming: Building a picnic table can take several hours or even days.
Tools required: You will need a variety of tools to complete the project.
Experience required: If you’re not experienced with woodworking, building a picnic table may be challenging.

My Personal Review and Suggestion on Building a Small Picnic Table

Overall, I found building a small picnic table to be a fun and rewarding project. It allowed me to spend time outdoors and create something useful for my family. However, I would suggest that anyone interested in building their own picnic table should have some experience with woodworking or be willing to learn. It can be a challenging project, but with the right tools and guidance, anyone can do it.