Picnic Table Tutorial

We are in the dog days of summer, and people are getting excited for back to school. Squeeze every last moment out of summer by building your own picnic table! Perfect for enjoying burgers and corn on the cob with family and friends.

I made this exact picnic table for my family in less than half a day for under $100 in materials.

Our very own family picnic table!

Materials Needed:

• Nine (9) 2”x6” boards cut to 72”
• 5 for the tabletop
• 4 for the bench seats
• Two (2) 2”x6” boards cut to 30”
• Four (4) 2”x4” boards cut to 34”
• For the legs, cut ends at 45°
• Two (2) 2”x6” boards cut to 60”
• Two (2) 2”x4” boards cut to 28” (optional)
• For leg bracing
• One (1) box of 3” exterior screws or deck screws
• Exterior wood sealer or paint

Tools Required:

• Drill/driver
• Circular saw or miter saw
• Measuring tape
• Speed square
• Clamps (optional)
• Sander

Steps 1: Build Tabletop

• Grab the five boards for the tabletop (2”x6” boards cut to 72”)

  • Lay them together flat and even

• Grab the two 2”x6” boards cut to 30”

  • Screw them to the ends of the five boards spaced about 12” from the end of the table

  • Use two screws per table top board per support

Step 2: Build Legs

• Take the four boards with the ends cut to 45° and attach in pairs forming 2 “V” Legs

• Screw to 30” support on the bottom of table top

Step 3: Add Seat Supports

• Grab the two 2”x6” boards cut to 60”

  • Run it across each pair of legs making an “A”, about 16-18” from the ground

  • Secure tightly with screws - this is where the benches will mount

Step 4: Install Benches

• Grab the four boards for the bench seats (2”x6” boards cut to 72”)

• Secure on the seat supports with screws

• Leave a slight overhand on each end of about 6”

Step 5: Add Diagonal Bracing (Optional for extra support - I didn’t do this)

• Attach the 28” braces diagonally between the legs and the table frame for stability

Step 6: Sand & Finish

• Sand all the edges smooth

• Apply outdoor finish, stain, or paint to protect the wood

Step 7: Schedule an end-of-summer barbecue and enjoy!

Picnic Table Diagram