How to Replace a Picnic Table Top

How To Replace A Picnic Table Top

• 1

  Measure all of the boards on the table and write down the sizes. While you're at it, take a good look at the carriage bolts holding it together. If they are extremely rusty or unsightly, you might opt to replace them too. This is optional depending on how much you want to spend on the table. If you plan to buy new bolts, remove one and take it to the store with you to get the right size.

• 2

  Go to your local lumber yard and ask for the size of wood that you have determined that you need. Lumber is sold in varying sizes, so you may be able to purchase a long piece of lumber and ask them to cut it into the lengths you need. Buying one long piece is usually less expensive than several shorter pieces.

• 3

  Try your local hardware store for purchase of the carriage bolts, as they may be less expensive there than at the lumber yard. Make sure you know exactly how many carriage bolts and nuts you need. You can also get your wood stain or oil here.

• 4

  Prepare the new wood. No matter how carefully you try to select wood there are always small imperfections such as splinters and nicks. Use the sanding block to smooth out all of the edges of the new boards. Round off the sawed ends slightly. Run your hand along the surface as you sand to make sure the board is smooth. It only takes a small amount of sanding to smooth the board out and you'll have a much nicer looking table. Wipe the boards off with a clean rag to remove any sanding dust.

• 5

  Lay the boards across a work surface and apply the wood oil or varnish you have selected. For this table we have chosen an amber colored wood oil. Chose whatever color you like. Paint or stain the top and sides of your boards. Read the can for drying times, but most oils need to set overnight for proper drying before you can do the other side. When the first side is dry, turn the board over and paint or stain the other side.

• 6

  While your boards are drying, dismantle the old wood from the picnic table. Remove all of the carriage bolts, using either a wrench or socket on the drill. If you plan on using the same carriage bolts you can put them in a small container for safe keeping. You may want to spray paint your frame while all of the wood is off of it. Just give the frame a light wire brushing, then grab a can of spray paint, in your color choice, and spray away.

• 7

  Drill holes in the new boards for the carriage bolts to go through. The best way to do that is to use your old boards for guides. Lay the old boards on top of the new ones and mark the new boards according to the holes on the old board. Line the boards up and stick a long nail in the hole on the old board. Tap the nail just slightly to mark the new board underneath. Match your drill bit to the size closest to your carriage bolts and drill through the new boards at each marked spot. Drill one hole and try the carriage bolt through it to make sure you have the right size drill bit.

• 8

  When your holes are all drilled, just replace the boards onto the picnic table frame the same way you took the old ones off and you have a stylish "new" picnic table to show off.