Project Information
Here is a simple picnic table I made for The Girlfriend. I followed some free online plans I found, but changed quite a bit. The plans called for 2×4s and lag bolts, but I wanted to use 2×6s and I hate lag bolts, so I used regular bolts with lock nuts. It also uses (coated) deck screws and glue.
I like this design because it has NO screw or bolt holes in the top surface. Something I view as not only an eye-sore, but an entry-way for moisture.
The plans also recommended treated lumber, but I hate the look of it so used plain whitewood and deck stain. A nicer wood would have been nice to have, but I don't (or didn't at the time have access to any).
Another change I made to the plans was to leave out two diagonal cross members that braced the seat support to the table top. I had planned on using them, but after assembling everything else to check my measurements it seemed so sturdy that the additional support was unnecessary. I also shrank the gap between each slat to about 1/8th inch. The 1/4 inch they recommended seemed excessive.
My expectation is to disassemble it before any serious snow fall of winter and probably sand and reapply stain every spring. If that gets old maybe I'll paint it.
It has been about five months since these photos were taken and the table has not warped at all, but is showing definite signs of needing the refinishing in spring. It still has no wobble/wiggle.
Let me know what you think. Anybody have a good plan for a picnic table that doesn't have attached benches? I like the idea of having the benches movable for other uses.
Logan
I like this design because it has NO screw or bolt holes in the top surface. Something I view as not only an eye-sore, but an entry-way for moisture.
The plans also recommended treated lumber, but I hate the look of it so used plain whitewood and deck stain. A nicer wood would have been nice to have, but I don't (or didn't at the time have access to any).
Another change I made to the plans was to leave out two diagonal cross members that braced the seat support to the table top. I had planned on using them, but after assembling everything else to check my measurements it seemed so sturdy that the additional support was unnecessary. I also shrank the gap between each slat to about 1/8th inch. The 1/4 inch they recommended seemed excessive.
My expectation is to disassemble it before any serious snow fall of winter and probably sand and reapply stain every spring. If that gets old maybe I'll paint it.
It has been about five months since these photos were taken and the table has not warped at all, but is showing definite signs of needing the refinishing in spring. It still has no wobble/wiggle.
Let me know what you think. Anybody have a good plan for a picnic table that doesn't have attached benches? I like the idea of having the benches movable for other uses.
Logan
