How to Build A Kid's Picnic Table

A necessary, and fun, part of summer barbecues and backyard parties is the picnic table. A problem with picnic tables, however, is that they are sometimes too big for kids. The good thing is that you can remedy that in an afternoon by building the kids their own table. Not only will this free up space at the larger table, the children can later use their table as a gathering spot for crafts and games.

Work bench or table
Tape measure
Pencil
Hand saw or circular saw
1 x 3 boards (9 total)
1 x 6 boards (5 total)
Miter box
Drill
1/4 inch carriage bolts, 2 inches long with washers and nuts (12 total)
Wrench
1 3/4 inch wood screws (20 total)
Paint or stain

Instructions

- 1
  Measure and cut four legs for the picnic table using four 1 x 3 boards. Each leg should be 23 and 1/2 inches long, with a 30-degree angle cut at the end.
- 2
  Measure and cut two 1 x 3 boards to create two cross-member table-top supports. Each support should be 15 and 3/4 inches long.
- 3
  Measure and cut two 1 x 3 boards to create two cross- member seat supports. Each support should be 33 inches long.
- 4
  Mark and drill holes in the legs. Running down the middle of each leg, you'll need a hole 1 and 1/2 inches from the top, one 8 and 1/4 inches down from that, and a third one an inch and a half down from the second hole.
- 5
  Using the legs as a template, mark and drill the holes on the cross-members.
- 6
  Place the cross-members on the bench, and put the legs on top, lining up the holes. Slide the bolts into the holes, and turn the assembled end frame over. Put a washer over each of the bolts, then put a nut on with your hand, tightening it with a wrench.
- 7
  Mark and drill two holes in the table-top supports on the end frames. They should be 7 and 7/8 inches from the end of the board, and 3/4 of an inch from the top and bottom of the board.
- 8
  Cut a 1 x 3 board so that it is 24 and 1/2 inches long. This will form the brace.
- 9
  Line up the brace so that it is flush with the top of one of the end frames. Screw it into place. Repeat this step with the other end frame.
- 10
  Cut two of the 1 x 6 boards so that they are 35 and 1/2 inches long (these will be the seats).
- 11
  On each of the two boards, measure 5 and 1/6 inches from the end, and an inch in from each side. Drill holes.
- 12
  Line up the boards on the seat supports. Screw them into place.
- 13
  Cut and drill three more 1 x 6 boards as you did for the seat boards (these will be the tabletop boards).
- 14
  Center the middle board and screw it into place. Follow with the side boards.
- 15
  Paint or stain the table if you choose.

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