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Choosing the right lumber will be essential to the longevity of your table.lumber 1 image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
Select the lumber that is best for you. Two of the most common types of lumber for this project are treated pine and redwood, as each are weather-resistant. Redwood is more expensive, but if you choose this lumber, it is best to use a heartwood grade because it's very durable when it comes to insects and decay. - 2). Saw a 2-by-4-inch board into three equal pieces. If done correctly, each piece will be 26 inches long. These pieces will serve as the structure or base for the table top.
- 3). Place the three 26-inch pieces parallel to one another with 4 feet in between. Lay eight 2-by-4-inch boards across the top of the evenly spaced 26-inch pieces. Nail each top board to the supporting board underneath, with two nails at each spot.
- 4). Cut two 2-by-6-inch boards in half evenly. Saw each end of the pieces at a 60-degree angle. The lengths on both sides of the boards will now measure 3.5 inches. These pieces will serve as the four table legs.
- 5). Using the last two 2-by-6-inch boards, saw 1 foot off of the end, leaving the boards measuring 5 feet. These pieces will become your picnic table seat braces or stretchers.
- 6). Turn the table top upside down. Attach each of the leg pieces to the two outer table support boards. Two legs will attach to each support board. Place each leg 3.5 inches from the overlapping edge of the table top boards. Use an electric drill to connect the legs to the support bars. Use two bolts per leg to assure that they are secure.
- 7). Using the 3/4-inch drill bit, drill around the bolts, countersinking them and switching to the 3/8-inch drill bit after five seconds or so and repeat with the 3/8-inch bit. This will leave you room to fasten the nuts to each bolt without worrying that the bolt is sticking out of the wood plank.
- 8). Measure 17 inches from each table foot, and this point will be the top of your seat stretchers. Attach one board on each picnic table side to two legs. Use the same drilling and countersinking process as in Step 7.
- 9). Cut two diagonal braces from a 2-by-4-incj board at a 70-degree angle on all four ends. Drill these from the middle point of the table face to the midpoint of the seat stretchers. Following the drilling process in steps 7 and 8.
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Turn the table right side up. Nail the remaining 2-by-4-inch boards from the end of one seat stretcher to the another on the opposite side of the table. Nail the remaining two 2-by-10-inch boards to the 2-by-4-inch boards.
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