Introduction: DIY Children's Picnic Table
Hey guys! I am beyond excited to share this project with you today! This little picnic table is my first truly functional piece and I just love how it turned out..
so much so – I can’t. stop. making. them.
Ha! I have taken pictures of every step of this build and hope that this visual tutorial will be of some help!
Believe me when I say… if I can build this, YOU can build this!
Thank you so much to Ana White for her FREE plans for this table! You can find the exact plans and cut-list, that I used at Ana-White.com. Search "Preschool Picnic Table".
A few changes I made to the original plans: I used nothing but 1 1/4″ screws. Ana suggests 2″ screws in some spots, however because I countersink my screws, I was able to stick with the one size. This project cost me approximately $22.50 to build ~ not bad, eh?
Here we go...
Step 1: Assemble Table Top and Table Top Supports
Space table top pieces 1/2″ from one another.
I had some 1/2″ pieces of cedar fencing that I used for spacers. This is optional but sure made this first step a bit easier.
Step 2: Drill Pocket Holes Into Support Pieces
Next step is to drill your pocket holes in to the support pieces using your Kreg Jig. There are 3 support pieces that you will attach to the table top using 1 1/4″ pocket screws and wood glue. You will attach your 2 side supports first.
Now it's time to attach your center support. Please note the pocket hole placement as it will not be centered on this piece.
Step 3: Attach Legs to Table Top
Attach legs to table top using 1 1/4″ pocket screws and wood glue.
You will drill your pocket holes right in the center at the base of each leg. I also recommend adding a clamp to each leg – clamping them to the 2 table top side supports.
Step 4: Attach Your Seat Supports
Using 1 1/4″ wood screws and glue attach your seat supports at the marked and leveled placements. At this point I would attach 4 more clamps to each leg/seat support right You will see in the pictures that I have counter-sunk my screws. I didn’t want anything sticking out the could scratch any littles that might have a seat at this table. I will follow up soon with a tutorial on counter sinking screws.
Step 5: Attach Second Center Support
Go ahead and attach your second center support now with 1 1/4″ screws and wood glue. Your pocket hole screw placement will be right in the center on each end of the support piece.
Step 6: Attach Seat Planks
Attach seat planks using more 1 1/4″ screws and wood glue.
You’ll see how I mounted my Kreg Jig to the seat rail support. Clamp on the outside, drilling pocket holes on the inside.
Voila ~ you are done
A little sanding and paint or stain and you have a perfect little picnic table for the very littlest ones in your life!
For more pictures, details and other great projects, stop by our blog.. we look forward to seeing you there!

Participated in the
Wood Contest 2016
9 Comments
6 years ago
What lengths and angles did you use? This is so cute!
6 years ago
Beautiful table! Well done
Reply 6 years ago
You should make one out of a pallet man ;)
6 years ago
So cute! In a great way
6 years ago
This is so well-made, and just looks beautiful!
6 years ago
No it's perfect. I'm just picky like that.
6 years ago
I love it! I think I need one for Thanksgiving for the little section of diners. Great job.
6 years ago
lengths and angles would be good to know
Reply 6 years ago
In order to promote the positive and constructive policy, I have to agree to your comment.
This instructable is almost perfect, just need those little details: Lenghts and angles.
Cheers