How To Build A Folding Picnic Table: A Personal Experience

Building a folding picnic table can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and materials, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. I recently built a folding picnic table for my backyard and it has been a great addition to my outdoor space. In this article, I’ll share my experience and provide tips on how to build a folding picnic table.

Step By Step Guide

Materials:

2×4 lumber
1×6 lumber
2-1/2 inch screws
1-1/4 inch screws
Hinges
Latch

Step 1: Cut the lumber

Using a circular saw or table saw, cut the 2×4 lumber into the following pieces:

4 legs – 28 inches long
4 cross braces – 33 inches long
2 table top supports – 28 inches long
2 bench seat supports – 11 inches long

Then, cut the 1×6 lumber into the following pieces:

2 table top pieces – 33 inches long
2 bench seat pieces – 11 inches long

Step 2: Assemble the frame

Using the 2-1/2 inch screws, attach the legs to the cross braces to form two identical frames. Then, attach the table top supports to the frames.

Step 3: Attach the table top and bench seats

Using the 1-1/4 inch screws, attach the table top pieces to the table top supports. Then, attach the bench seat supports to the frames and attach the bench seat pieces to the supports.

Step 4: Add the hinges and latch

Attach the hinges to the table top and the table top supports. Then, attach the latch to the underside of the table top and the frame to keep it closed when not in use.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Use pressure-treated lumber to prevent rotting.
Stain or paint the picnic table to match your outdoor decor.
Add an umbrella hole to the table top for shade on sunny days.
Make the table top and bench seats wider for more seating space.
Add a built-in cooler to the center of the table for drinks and snacks.
Attach wheels to the bottom of the legs for easy moving.
Use a jigsaw to cut rounded corners on the table top and bench seats for a more polished look.
Make the picnic table taller or shorter to accommodate different seating arrangements.
Use a router to create decorative edges on the table top and bench seats.
Add cup holders to the bench seats for convenience.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Folding picnic tables are easy to store when not in use.
They are typically lightweight and easy to move around.
Building your own picnic table allows you to customize it to your specific needs and style.

Cons:

Building a picnic table requires time and effort.
If not built correctly, the table may be unstable or unsafe to use.
Buying a pre-made picnic table may be more cost-effective than building one from scratch.

Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I am very happy with my folding picnic table. It was a fun project to work on and it has been a great addition to my backyard. I would suggest using pressure-treated lumber to prevent rotting and adding an umbrella hole for added convenience. Also, make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the table is stable and safe to use.