Free picnic table plans

Use my free picnic table plans with step by step instructions to make a pine table and benches for your patio. This is easy to follow picnic table construction plans. And the plans are free.

My free picnic table plans includes a pine table with matching twin benches that fits under the table for easy storage.

Are you one of those people who likes to make things and show your love and care in a tangible way? Would you like free picnic table plans to help you with this?

Yes?

Then this is the perfect little project for you. Let’s build a picnic table with 2 benches!

Please take note that this free picnic table plan is not for the complete novice, you need to know at least the basics of woodworking.

Start by quickly reading through the free picnic tables plans and by looking through the list provided (below) to make sure that you have the necessary tools and then go off to the shops to get the rest. Make your plans before you start.

You will need:

Power drill
3mm steel drill bit (for pilot holes)
Countersink bit
4x1000mm bar-clamps
6x75mm G-clamps
Tape measure
Carpenter’s square
Carpenter’s hammer
25mm wood chisel
Tenon saw
Screwdrivers

60 chipboard screws size 8x30
100 chipboard screws size 8x50
Pine wood filler (small container)
Wood glue (small container)
Sandpaper (80 and 120 grit)
Good quality wood sealer.

Timber

Tops for table and benches 4x1200x350x20
Bases for table legs 2x680x70x44
Bases for bench legs 4x320x70x44
Top section for table legs 2x580x70x44
Top section for bench legs 4x260x70x44
X-legs for table 4x900x70x44
X-legs for benches 8x600x55x44
Horizontal table leg supports 1x930x44x44
Horizontal bench leg supports 2x740x44x44
All edge length supports 6x1200x44x20
Table edge width supports 2x700x44x20
Bench edge width supports 4x350x44x20

Table top and bench tops

Most timber suppliers will cut your wood when you order it. If not, measure and saw your timber according to the (above) cutting list.
Follow the plan carefully.
Glue the two 1200x350 sections for the table top together. (Use the four long bar-clamps as supports) When completely dry, remove clamps and sand down.

Mark, cut and secure the two 1200x44x20 and the two 700x44x20 table top edge supports, using wood glue and G-clamps.
Mark out the spacing (see dots on the table top image above), drill 3mm pilot holes and countersink them for the 8x30 chipboard screws that will secure it.
When completely dry, remove clamps and sand down.

Mark, cut and secure the four 1200x44x20 and the two 350x44x20 bench top edge supports with wood glue and G-clamps.
Follow the steps above to drill, screw together and sand down.

Carefully mark the two 15mm spots from each end of the 580x70x44 top and the 20mm spots from the ends of the 680x70x44 base. (see image below).
Mark the middle of the top and base, drawn a line on a level place (workshop floor or table) and use the line to position the top and base parallel and exactly 740mm apart.

Lay two of the 900x70x44 pieces in a cross on the top and base. Take care that the outer sides cross the 15mm and 20mm marks.
You will make a lap joint, so carefully mark the lines where the two legs cross.
Mark where sections of the legs must be cut to be in line with the top and base.
Double check your measurements, cut and glue, holding everything in position with G-clamps before drilling the 3mm pilot holes (see image) and countersinking for the 8x50 screws. When completely dry, remove clamps and sand down.

Follow the same steps as for the table legs, however now the outsides of the two 600x55x44 pieces forming the cross must lie exactly at the ends of the 260x70x44 top and the 320x70x44 base sections. It should be parallel and 420mm apart. (see image above for bench legs)

Place the two legs sections upright, parallel and exactly 930mm apart. Apple wood glue to the 580x70x44 leg tops. Carefully fit the table top over the two legs, check that everything is in place and square.

From the top, drill the 3mm pilot holes, countersink before fitting the 8x50 screws. Wait till the glue is fully set, then fit the 930x44x44 horizontal legs support by drilling and then countersinking the pilot holes before securing everything with the screws.

Follow the same steps as for the table, but take note that the legs are 140mm form each end of the tops. This will ensure that the benches can be moved neatly underneath the table for storage.

Fill the drill holes with wood filler. Smooth all the surfaces down by first using the 80 and the 120 grit sandpaper. Wipe all dust and debris away and apply the first coat of either a clear wood sealer or a gloss enamel paint. When dry, sand lightly with fine steel wool before applying the second coat.

I hope that you found my free picnic table plans helpful and reasonably easy to follow.
Now go and surprise your partner with your hard work!

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