DIY – Kids-Sized Picnic Table

Easy DIY Kid-Sized Picnic Table!

My husband built this while I was grocery shopping one Saturday morning not too long ago. We eat most meals on our deck now anytime it’s not raining…it’s awesome! This table is perfect for up to 6 kids ages 3 to 10. The plans came from Ana White’s website right here:

http://ana-white.com/2010/04/plans-bigger-kids-picnic-table.html

I realize this post is for woodworkers, but if you are not afraid of wielding a power saw, this project is a cinch. According to my handy husband, this is…

What You Need:

Lumber– We used pressure treated pine, which is the least expensive wood but also heavy. Cedar would be a great choice at about twice the cost.

2 -2×6 boards, 8 feet long.

2- 2×4 boards, 8 feet long. If you have scraps of 2×4 on hand check the cut list first. Several pieces are quite short.

Screws

You’ll need one 1-lb box of 2 ½ inch deck screws. Get square head or star drive screws with a matching bit. If you have never used them before they are infinitely easier to work with than traditional Phillips head!

Finish

Use whatever left-over stain, deck stain, or paint you have on hand. Pressure treated wood will naturally grey as it ages, which some people like. If you intend on finishing new pressure-treated wood, wait a month or so until it dries out. The greenish hue will fade.

Tools

Power drill or cordless drill

Tape measure

Miter saw (a hand saw or circular saw would work if you feel comfortable cutting a 30 degree angle with accuracy).

A strong C-clamp that opens 4 inches is helpful, but not absolutely required, for holding the legs in place and level while you fasten them.

Cut List

Table Top:

4 2×6 at 48 inches . Note: if your 8 foot boards are actually 8 feet 1.5 inches, just cut them exactly in half.

Table top supports:

2- 2×4 at 22 inches. Note: 22 inches is the longest dimension. Cut 30 degree angles off each end. See photo.

Bench Seats:

4 2×4 at 48 inches.

Table Legs:

4- 2×4 at 26 inches. Note: The table legs are technically parrellograms. Each end needs a 30 degree angle. See photo.

Bench Seat Supports:

2- 2×4 at 41 inches. Note: 41 inches is the longest dimension. A 30 degree angle should be trimmed off each end. See photo.

Lateral Support:

1- 2×4 at around 37 inches. Note:

What to Do:

Begin this this project upside down on a very flat surface. (A slanted driveway could give your table top a slant to it!)
Assemble from table top up to bench, upside down. Ana White also provides excellent detailed assembly instructions (see link above).
Serve up breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the table.
Hose down the stickies.
Party on.