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picnic table

picnic table
This instructable is for a large diy wooden picnic table  which is easy to step in.
The picnic table in the construction pictures is one without the corners under 45 degrees like in the first picture.
It is made completely of two by fours (89x38)
 
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Step 1The two benches

the two benches
I used some m8 threaded rods to connect the leg constructions.
In total is have used 24 each 16 cm and have cut them when the table was ready.
Some coach bolt will even look better.
For the other connections i used wood screws of 80mm.
Click on "i" in the upper left corner of the pictures and than choose original file for a larger version of the picture.
A google sketchup version can be downloaded here
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29 comments
Apr 25, 2012. 1:56 PMgthomas1 says:
Awesome table! Do happen to have a parts list for how many boards? I would like to build one this weekend...
Feb 23, 2012. 7:49 AMshazni says:
does the table sway?
Dec 8, 2011. 6:02 PMscottydh says:
Simple and wonderful - Inspired me to build my own as an addition to my deck; here it is before stain and finish!

Thank you for sharing!
Aug 18, 2011. 8:24 AMrhanson294 says:
How many board meters are there in this build?
Aug 3, 2011. 12:08 PMdimtick says:
i think the table may be susseptable to some side sway. When I've built tables I've put diagonal from each x frame to the table top. Found a picture on the internet that at least gives the idea. may also help to add a stiffner board under the table top like what you did under each bench.

other than that GREAT JOB!!
Nice Sketchup work
Jul 31, 2011. 11:15 PMcasemill says:
That is the most amazing and detailed plan that I have come across on instructables. I only wish my google sketch up skills were so good. You are amazing.
Jul 31, 2011. 2:49 PMsuspect007 says:
Good looking table, but the measurements are hard to make out in the plans. Also a more detailed material list would be better.
Jul 31, 2011. 3:52 PMavatar_i says:
Beautiful! I LIKE it! I'm going to do one first chsnce I get.
Great looking table!

KomaToast: Could you built it with the benches to slip out like
GrumpyOldGoat suggests, but maybe make the tables legs
'slide' [?] down to a collapsable...?

I've been awake going on 28 hours, so maybe not he best time
to try and figure out changes to a design. :-(
Jul 31, 2011. 7:01 AMKomaToast says:
Nice job, very well constructed and looks good too.


Now I have a challenge for you.

Make it fold up so it will fit in the back of a pick-up truck so you can take it camping.

Jul 31, 2011. 8:58 AMGrumpyOldGoat says:
Hinge the table and bench legs so they will fold flat to the bottom of the table top and benches.

Redesign the end base pieces so that instead of bolting through the legs, the legs slide into slots.

Create deeper pockets for the legs by adding another 2X4 on each side of the pockets for added stability, but make sure that you do not add height to the 'step thru' sections.

That way you can lift the benches and table clear of the bases sections, fold everything up and toss it in the truck.

And now, unless you add a stretcher close to the mid point on the legs, you WILL have a stability problem.

Quick and dirty enough for you? :=}
Jul 31, 2011. 9:40 AMKomaToast says:
I built a folding picnic table in the early '80's to take camping. Used it up until '99 when I moved and left it behind, should have kept it.
It would fit in the back of the truck on top of all the camping gear and keep things in place and not blow out on the road.
It was made with 1x4's much like you described.
Jul 31, 2011. 8:47 AMhsahrc says:
Thanks for the Metrics... most of the Instructables stuff are availableonly in inches! Will be doing this next weekend!!! Looks great and well thought out!
Jul 31, 2011. 8:17 AMMarsh says:
That's a good looking table. If I ever need one, this is the one I'm going to build!
Jul 27, 2011. 1:01 PMskiedra says:
Very well done!
Jul 26, 2011. 1:22 PMMrLWJ says:
A nice design, but as it appears that the stretcher between the bench uprights do not go between the legs. And you seem to have 4 bolts thru the legs. Other than friction what is to keep the bench from pivoting forward or backward under load?
Even with the top of the bench firmly against the ends of the legs, there is likely to be some play after a time. Unless I am missing something i would suggest a few deck screws as well as the bolts to prevent this.
Jul 27, 2011. 10:06 AMMrLWJ says:
Drean,
The difference is that with a traditional picnic table the legs form an X two triangles, extremely stable.
In your design the legs form a rectangle, so without extra bracing the four bolts will act as a pivot.
I only say this because in your drawing it appears the stretcher between the leg sets butts against the cross piece. If as pointed out elsewhere the stretcher passes between the legs, that would give greater stability.
That is why i suggested a few decks screws next to the bolts, they would help stop the possibility of pivoting. Otherwise a very handsome design, looks excellent.
Jul 27, 2011. 1:54 AMmr.frob says:
I love the look, simple yet elegant.
Jul 26, 2011. 8:03 PMbulsatar says:
With MrLWJ....it looks like if you would extend the center seat upright support through the "uprights" and then slot on both sides the "upright sandwiches" you would eliminate the play that would develop...doing the same on the bottom of the "uprights" and the long bottom extensions would secure it even more.

Great general design...will definitely use :)
Jul 26, 2011. 2:53 PMjconway1 says:
Dude that look like a fine picnic table and I'd like to have a go at making one. Please could you email me the sketchups as jpegs or pngs. I ask because the detail's not very clear on here. My email is conway30@yahoo.com.

Thanx a million in advance.
Jul 26, 2011. 9:37 AMclapperz says:
Looks very nice!

What program did you use to design it? It looks very helpful

Rob
Jul 25, 2011. 7:25 AMdoctormerlin says:
Great design! Very clear ilustrations.

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Author:drean