Bob's Free Woodworking Plans

You won't need any fancy tools to build this traditional picnic table. All it requires are basic tools like a saw, a drill, and an adjustable wrench.

This plan is based on a time honored classic design. The top is made of five 6 foot 2x6s. Each integrated seat is also made of two 6 foot 2x6s. The frame and seat supports are simple to make and the whole project is easy to assemble.

While you can use any type of lumber that you want, your picnic table will last longer if you use a decay resistant wood like red cedar, redwood, or treated pine.

How The Picnic Table Wheels Work

If you like the idea of wheels for your picnic table, the images below show how they work. Of course the wheels are not necessary but if you want to add them, instructions are provided below.

• In the normal position, the weight is supported by the legs.

• When raised like this, the wheels support the weight and picnic table may be rolled.

Attach The Stiffeners For The Top And Seat Supports

• Apply some weather proof glue to the mating surfaces and attach a Seat Stiffener to each end of each Seat Support with 3" long # 8 Deck screws as shown.
• Next, attach a Top Stiffener to each End Top Support.

Attach The Seat Boards To The Seat Supports

• Mount seat boards to the seat supports with 2 1/2" deck screws as shown above.

Adding Wheels To Your Picnic Table (Optional)

Determine The Axle Hole Location

• Wheels that are labeled 6" may not be exactly 6" in diameter. So, you'll need to place your wheel on the bottom of the leg as shown above. The center of the axle hole should be 1 1/8" from the edge and the edge should be flush with the bottom of the leg as shown.
• Make a mark through the axle hole and drill a 1/2" hole, (or the diameter of the axle hole for your wheels), for the axle bolt in the marked position.

Cut Off The Corner Of The Legs

• Cut off the end so the edge closest to the axle hole is 32 1/2" long as shown above.

Mounting The Wheels

• Mount the wheels with 3 1/2" by 1/2" diameter (or the diameter of the axle hole for your wheels) hex head bolts. You should place a flat washer between the wheel and the leg and between the nut and the leg. I recommend using galvanized bolts, nuts, and washers.
• You'll need to use self-locking nuts because the wheels won't turn if you tighten them against the leg. Tighten them just enough so the wheels are not too sloppy.

Attach The Legs To The Seat Supports

• Mount the legs to the Seat Supports with 3 1/2" long 3/8" diameter galvanized carriage bolts as indicated by the red arrows in the drawing above. Use flat washers and lock washers for the side the nuts go on. Leave these bolts snug for now. You can tighten them after mounting the top assembly.
• Attach the leg protectors with 1 5/8" #8 deck screws as indicated by the blue arrows.

Mount The Legs To The Top Supports

• Mount the legs to the Top Supports with 3 1/2" long 3/8" diameter galvanized carriage bolts as shown. Now you can tighten all the bolts for the seat assembly and the top supports.
• The images above are only a sample of the detailed drawings and instructions in the complete plans pdf file. Please read the copyright notice below before downloadingthe free plans.

Attach The Braces To The Top And Seat Supports

• Mount the braces to the seat supports and top as shown above.
• The end of the braces with 40° tip goes against the center top stiffener.
• The Drawing at the beginning of these plans titled "Picnic Table Dimensions - Side View" gives a good illustration of how the braces are placed.