HOW TO BUILD A FANCY PICNIC TABLE & BENCHES FOR $200

A few weeks ago, Johan and I (but mostly Johan) built this sturdy picnic table and then shared a reel, but wanted a place for people to reference instructions and tips to DIY. Here’s the breakdown and resources.

DETAILS:

DESIGN: based off of this reel and inspired by this set by Article.
COST & TIME: $200 in supplies + approx. 10 hours of work (with kid help and interruptions).
EQUIPMENT: compound miter saw (or bring measurements to hardware store to cut), drill, drop cloth, paint brushes, power sander, measuring tape
MATERIALS: metal brackets ( 3 – 1/4 inches – galvanized angle gusset -$1.28 each, 32 total), screws (150 2-1/2 inch & 200 1-1/4 inch), black wood stain, clear wood sealant in a satin finish, 2×6’s (8 footers in Hem fir lumber – 20 @ $6.42 each)
FOR TABLE (specs – 30” tall, 8’ long, 3.5’ wide): 8 foot by 3 1/2 for surface. 7 – 8 footers (2×6) for the top. 4 – 8 footers (2×6) for the legs. 4 brackets for each end. 8 total.
FOR EACH BENCH (specs – 17” tall, 7’ long, 11” wide): You’ll want 3 sets of legs for each bench. 1 foot by 8 foot surface. 2 – 8 footers for top. 2 – 8 footers (2×6) for the legs. 12 brackets for each bench – 4 for the each end and 4 for the middle.
*ASSEMBLY TIP: build legs first then lay boards on top and secure!

HOW TO BUILD THE LEGS

Decide on the height of your table. Cut 4 pieces to that exact length.
Decide on the width of your table. Cut 4 pieces to that exact Length. We used 7 with very little gaps (Hint: Line up the number of 2×6’s you want to make your width. Adjust the spacing you want. Then measure that distance.)
Build the Leg braces. Take a piece of 2×6 and place it in between the two legs. Then place the board you cut for your width on top of the 2×6. Use the brackets to secure the cross board. The 2×6 below that will account for the correct spacing for the surface boards to make the table flush.
Secure the 2^nd cross board about 2 inches from the end of the legs.

It’s a bit challenging to explain without full video, but hopefully between the reels, pics, and info above, it all makes sense! Let us know if you have questions!

ily, Rae

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