Building an 8-ft Picnic Table with Detached Benches


Building an 8-ft picnic table with detached benches can be a fun and rewarding woodworking project that's perfect for outdoor gatherings with family and friends. In this guide, we'll provide step-by-step instructions on how to build your own 8-ft picnic table with detached benches.

Materials Needed

  • 12 2x4s (8 ft long)
  • 2 2x6s (8 ft long)
  • 1 2x6 (12 ft long)
  • 3 2x8s (8 ft long)
  • 2 1/2-inch deck screws
  • 2-inch deck screws
  • Wood glue
  • Waterproofing sealant

Tools Needed

  • Tape measure
  • Circular saw or handsaw
  • Drill
  • Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Square
  • Sander or sandpaper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Wood

Cut the wood according to the following measurements:

  • Tabletop and benchtop boards: 2x8s cut to 8 ft long
  • Tabletop and benchtop supports: 2x4s cut to 7 ft 1/2 inch long
  • Bench legs: 2x4s cut to 16 inches long
  • Table legs: 2x6s cut to 28 3/4 inches long
  • Table braces: 2x4s cut to 24 inches long

Step 2: Assemble the Benches

  1. Using 2 1/2-inch deck screws, attach two benchtop supports to the top of each bench leg, creating a rectangle.
  2. Attach four 2x4s to the top of the benchtop supports, spacing them evenly.
  3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to build the second bench.

Step 3: Assemble the Tabletop

  1. Lay the tabletop boards out on a flat surface, with the best-looking boards on top.
  2. Using 2-inch deck screws, attach the tabletop supports to the underside of the tabletop boards, spacing them evenly.
  3. Attach the table braces to the underside of the tabletop supports, using wood glue and 2-inch deck screws.

Step 4: Assemble the Table Legs

  1. Using a circular saw or handsaw, cut a 45-degree angle at the top of each table leg.
  2. Attach the table legs to the tabletop supports, using wood glue and 2-inch deck screws.
  3. Attach the table braces to the table legs, using wood glue and 2-inch deck screws.

Step 5: Attach the Benches

  1. Using a chisel, notch out a small section of the table legs where the benches will attach. This will allow the benches to sit flush with the table.
  2. Attach the benches to the table legs, using wood glue and 2-inch deck screws. Make sure the benches are level and flush with the table.
  3. Attach the table brace to the center of the table legs, using wood glue and 2-inch deck screws.

Step 6: Sand and Finish

  1. Sand the entire picnic table and benches, starting with a coarse sandpaper and working your way up to a fine sandpaper.
  2. Apply a waterproofing sealant to protect the wood from the elements.

Conclusion

Building an 8-ft Picnic Table with Detached Benches

Building an 8-ft picnic table with detached benches is a fun and rewarding woodworking project that can be completed in a weekend. With a few basic tools and materials, you can create a sturdy and durable picnic table that will provide years of enjoyment for your family and friends.

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