Picnic Table Tutorial

Getting ready for 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