How to Build a Picnic Table

By: Jennifer Stimpson, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. Pressure-treated 2x8 You'll need three 8-footers to build the bench crosspieces and legs.

2. Pressure-treated 2x6 You'll need nine 6-footers to build the top and benches.

3. Pressure-treated 2x4 You'll need three 6-footers to build the top crosspieces and the braces under the top and bench.

4. 3/8 x 3½-inch exterior grade carriage bolts to attach the bench crosspieces to the legs. You'll need 8.

5. 3/8-inch washers and nuts. You'll need 8 of each.

6. 2½-inch deck screws to attach the top, benches and braces.

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Jigsaw
- Drill/driver, fitted with a 7/16-inch drill bit
- Adjustable wrench
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picnic bench illustration with just the table top and benches highlighted

Illustration: Gregory Nemec

3. Finish the Benches and Top

Cut two pieces of 2x6 for each bench and five pieces for the top, allowing for a 2-inch overhang on either side. Clip the corners on the bench pieces. Stand the A-frame sides up and attach the bench planks to the bench crosspieces with 2½-inch deck screws. Secure the top planks to the top crosspieces using the same screws. Space the bench and top planks 1⁄4 inch apart. Screw the 2x4 braces to the bench crosspiece at one end and the underside of the tabletop at the other. Paint the table with deck stain (optional).