How do I build the perfect picnic table?

May 10, 2011 12:06 PM

How do I build the perfect picnic table?

I am going to build a picnic table this spring. I am looking for any tips or advice to make it great. I am open to any suggestions, from materials to shape.

If you have built one with online plans that you liked please share.

Thank You!

posted by travis08 to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

I was looking to build one too, last year, and found some plans for it on this website:
http://www.instructables.com/

But I did not end up building one, so I can't attest to how those plans would turn out.
posted by Sa Dec at 12:32 PM on May 10, 2011

There are millions of plans out there, so the design is more personal taste. I really like the separate benches and table, but that's up to you.

I'd really encourage you to use cedar. Pressure treated and synthetic weight a ton. If you go with PT, put a finish on it. The treated lumber won't rot, but it can still warp really bad.
posted by Marky at 12:39 PM on May 10, 2011

We have a set like this, a kit that makes a convertible bench to picnic table. We kept the benches at right angles making room for kid stuff and converted as needed. Also handy for seating around a fire pit.
posted by readery at 12:55 PM on May 10, 2011

When I was growing up my father built one that was wider in middle than it was on the ends, so that people seated on the same side of the table could see each other past the folks sitting between them. (Did you understand that?)
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 1:12 PM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]