How to: Build an Extra Large DIY Picnic Table
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We inherited a rather large and very wobbly picnic table when we purchased one of our rental properties. It needed a makeover, badly. I recycled what I could from the existing picnic table-the metal frame-and built a brand new one that seats eight people comfortably.
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Since most of you don't have access to the metal legs, I'll show you how to build your own table with 2 x 4's instead.
- (5) pressure treated 2 x 10 x 8' boards
- (4) pressure treated 2 x 4 x 8' boards
- (34) 1/4" galvanized carriage bolts (2" long), washers and nuts
- Builders Square
- Socket Set
- Hammer
- Tape Measure
- Sand Paper and Palm Sander
- Chop Saw or Skill Saw
- (Spray Paint if you happen to have metal legs)
After disassembling the old picnic table, I wire brushed and repainted the two existing metal frames. But, since you don't have access to the same frame let's recreate this same concept using wood.
A few things to note: The middle support (the 1' 8" piece) should be attached at a 45 degree angle to the 4' 6" piece on center, with the other end free floating until the top of the picnic table is in place.
Drill the holes while holding a scrap piece on the opposite side of the 2 x 4 to prevent splintering. Now attach the legs together.
Next, attach the two benches to the legs using this same method. Then, attach the two remaining outer pieces of the table top.
Use a builders square to ensure a 90 degree angle between the table top and the leg assemblies. Then attach the supporting 45 degree angle piece to the table top, drilling down from the table top and using a scrap piece of wood to prevent splintering on the other side.
Thanks again, Chris for having me here today. Feel free to stop by my site, Potholes and Pantyhose, for more recipes, crafts and remodeling projects. I would love to hear from you! Love-Rebekah.
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1 Comments
Chris on Jul 04, 2014:
In the instructions for the wood versions of the leg assemblies, the reference to the cross pieces being 'used on their "fat side" rather than laying flat' needs to be clarified. Is your "laying flat" instruction with reference to the "flat" horizontal ground plane or with reference to the "flat" vertical plane of an installed leg assembly? It matters.
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