How to Make a Picnic Table & Bench

Get all the cutting out of the way first so that all pieces are ready in specified lengths; doing this first will save you some time. Cut two 2-inch by 4-inch pieces measuring 30 1/2 inches long, two pieces measuring 55 inches long, four pieces measuring 30 1/4 inches long and two pieces measuring 8-feet long. Additionally the remaining 2-inch by 4-inch pieces and the 1-inch by 8-inch pieces should be cut to 6-feet in length.

Cut angles at both ends of the leg pieces and top brace pieces of the picnic table and bench. Use the straight edge tool to help you measure angles to cut with the miter saw. For the three 30 1/2-inch pieces you will need to measure 22 1/2-degree angles that slant in opposite directions to create a trapezoid shape. The four 30 3/4-inch pieces will also need angles measuring 22 1/2 degrees; however, the angles on the 30 3/4-inch pieces should be cut in the same direction to make more of a rhombus shape.

Lay two of the 30 3/4-inch pieces down 51 1/2 inches apart at the furthest point and 30 1/2 inches apart at the closest point. The tops and bottoms of the 30 3/4-inch pieces should angle towards one another. Place one of the 30 1/2-inch pieces on top of the narrowest end of the 30 3/4-inch pieces. Drive screws down through the 30 1/2-inch piece into the 30 ½-inch pieces. To make sure the pieces are aligned, fix any overlapping pieces. Repeat this step with the remaining 30 3/4-inch pieces and one of the 30 1/2-inch pieces.

Measure down 13 inches from the outer edge of the 30 1/2-inch piece and center the 55-inch board. Check the 55-inch board to ensure it is parallel with the already attached 30 1/2-inch piece and then drive nails through the 55-inch piece and into the 30 3/4-inch leg pieces of the picnic table and bench. Repeat this for the second piece and you will have both leg pieces for the picnic table and bench.

Have assistants hold these two pieces upright on the widest ends 4 1/ -feet apart. Lay two of the 6-foot pieces on each of the overhanging 55-inch pieces. Drive nails down through the 6-feet 2-inch by 4-inch pieces and into the 55-inch pieces; this completes the benches of your picnic table. Go ahead and attach the 1-inch thick pieces to the top of the table, driving nails down through these pieces and into the 30 1/2-inch by 2-inch by 4-inch boards at the top of the table; this will make the top surface of the picnic table.

Sand all surfaces of the picnic table and benches. Apply wood water sealant to the table and allow it to dry overnight before painting on a wood stain or wood appropriate paint color of your choice.