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Big Kids Picnic Table Plans

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Our favorite kids picnic table! Designed to fit bigger kids, this super sturdy picnic table is big enough to sit a small adult too! Super easy to build design has been built hundreds of times already!

Build your own kids picnic table with the best plans - Step by step diagrams, shopping and cut lists with video tutorial from Ana-White.com

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Ana's Adirondack Collection
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Build photo submitted by Fethiye

Our most loved kids picnic table, this one is suitable for exterior use, and can be used by big kids (and even small adults).  The 2x construction makes it durable and heavy - so it won't blow away in the wind.

We have many other free picnic table plans:

 

How to Build It - Ana White Picnic Table Video Tutorial

Watch this super quick video tutorial to help you visualize how to build this picnic table.

 

Big Kids Picnic Table Plans

Here's Some Tips to Build Better Outdoor Furniture

tips for better outdoor furniture builds

Want to build better outdoor furniture?  Over the twenty years I've been building, maintaining, and enjoying my own outdoor furniture, I've learned a few tips that can help build longer lasting furniture.  

 5 QUICK Tips for Better Outdoor Furniture

 

 

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Big Kids Picnic Table Plans

Dimensions
kids picnic table dimensions
Dimensions are shown for kids picnic table plans

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 2 – 2×6 Boards, 8′ Long
  • 6 – 2×4 Boards, 8′ Long
  • 60 - 2 1/2″ self tapping star bit screws, exterior rated (can also be up to 2-3/4" in length)
Cut List
  • 4 – 2×6 @ 48″ (tabletop)*
  • 2 – 2×4 @ 22 3/4″ (tabletop supports)**
  • 1 – 2×4 @ 38″ (center tabletop support)
  • 4 – 2×4 @ 26″ both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, long point to short point measurement, ends ARE parallel (legs)
  • 2 – 2×4 @ 41″ (seat supports)**
  • 4 – 2×4 @ 48″ (seat boards)*
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 18-3/8" long point to short point measurements, ends ARE parallel (cross supports)***

*If your lumber measures exactly 96" long, simply cut in half - the cuts may end up 47-7/8" or similar, it won't matter in the project

**Soften the ends at 45 degrees as shown in the plans

***Additional cut is needed to fit inside the cross support

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
General Instructions

Work on a clean level surface. Take a square of your project after each step. Predrill and countersink your screw holes. Use proper safety precautions and equipment.

Instructions

Step 1

Cut the ends of the shorter tabletop support boards off at 45 degrees from the center of the end to soften sharp corners.

Then attach to the center tabletop support.  Notice this board is off center - this is intentional to allow water to drain between tabletop boards.

Make sure the frame is "square" by taking opposite diagonals and adjusting until the opposite diagonal measurements match.  This is to avoid the frame being a parallelogram instead of a rectangle.

Step 2

Attach the outer tabletop boards to the support frame with 2-1/2" screws through the top.  Use a scrap 2x4 piece as a guide.

Step 3

Fill in the center tabletop boards, and space the gaps evenly.  Screw down.

Step 4

Attach the legs to the tabletop support frame with screws.

Step 5

Flip the project over on a flat, level surface.  Make sure the table doesn't wobble - if it does, adjust a "short" leg by unscrewing and rotating to make it longer, and reattaching with screws.

Cut the corners off of the seat stringers at a 45 degree angle.

Set up on 9" tall wood scrap blocks, and adjust for an even overextension on both ends - about 9".

Attach with wood screws to the legs.

Step 6

Attach the seat boards to the seat stringers, with even overhangs on both ends.

Step 7

Ensure the picnic table is on a flat, level surface and there is no wobble.  

Cut the cross supports and attach to the inside of the tabletop with screws.

PDF

PDF Version
Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all screw holes with an exterior appropriate wood filler. Let dry.
Sand well in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper.
Remove residue with a vacuum and damp, lint free cloth.
Finish Used
For exterior use, use any finish suitable for a deck, avoid film formers (paint or polyurethane) that will crack and peel as wood expands and contracts with moisture.
Project Type
Kids Tables and Chairs
Outdoor Projects
Picnic Tables and Outdoor Dining
Room
Kids and Toys
Outdoor
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Bri (not verified)

Tue, 04/20/2010 - 13:41

I absolutely love this! I am so inspired by everything you post! I need some more tools now! I'm going to end up spending a lot of time at my inlaws! My hubby built me 2 of the simple bookshelves and I'm excited to finish them and get them in our playroom. Next on my list is the play kitchen =) I'm running to home depot today to get the wood for this and I just watched your video about countersinking screws! I'm all ready to go!!!=)

Kellye (not verified)

Thu, 04/29/2010 - 03:32

Ana! I have to agree with everyone above that we will keep coming back even if you only posted once a week! By all means though...one post a day will be GREAT!!!! Plus, it might give me a bit of downtime too. With all the great plans you post, my inspiration is in overdrive and I've never been to Home Depot so much in MY LIFE! LOL! In fact, my parents laugh at me that the one place I used to loathe going to is now one of those places on the list of "places you could max out your credit card". =)

AND....yay for this plan! I'm thinking this is the PERFECT picnic table for my nephew's upcoming birthday!!!! He's turning 4 and I think this would be PERFECT!!!!

J (not verified)

Thu, 04/29/2010 - 03:38

finished this plan. was very easy and the plans were all spot on.
We under mounted the table supports so that you wouldn't see the screws on the top. worked well but was a little extra time involved.

teamshield (not verified)

Fri, 04/30/2010 - 01:23

This was my second project and it was so easy and the plans worked perfectly. On this project I learned how to use my husband's chop saw and I am in love. I broke my counter sink bit, so I now know I should buy those in multiples.
I bought the wood, cut it and assembled it while my kids were at school for the day and in between running my preschooler to school, feeding him lunch, etc.
One of my friends stopped by to pick up my daughter for carpool and asked me where I bought it! I told her I made it that day. Her response, 'oh, did you buy a kit'. Nope, I said, I bought 2x4's! :)
Thanks so much Ana!!! I am so pleased with my table (and myself)!

Liana (not verified)

Mon, 05/03/2010 - 16:13

J--

Could you elaborate about how you did the undermount? I am a newbie and would love any details!

Thanks!

Alexis (not verified)

Wed, 05/05/2010 - 12:38

I stumbled upon your site on Monday while searching for picnic table plans and build this big kid table on Tuesday! My very first project and I think I'm hooked!! Thanks so much for your awesome website and for giving me the courage to try.

Cherie (not verified)

Tue, 06/01/2010 - 08:37

I made this table this past weekend. The plans were spot on and so easy. I just wanted to let you know that if you plan carefully you really only need 5-2x4's instead of 6. Cut 2-2x4's in half for the seats. Cut 2 legs and one seat support from the third 2x4. Repeat for the fourth 2x4 and finally cut the bottom suppport and the 2 table supports from the 5th 2x4. Just plan carefully.

mmlyssa (not verified)

Mon, 06/21/2010 - 15:00

My Husband just made this over this past weekend. Can i just say I am THRILLED!!! I have been wanting one of these for soo long and the price kept putting me off. My husband built this with all supplies from home depot for $35!!
THANK YOU!!

Allyson (not verified)

Sun, 08/22/2010 - 13:57

Hi! I just love all of your plans. This is my first project and I have a question- I don't see where you cut the 45 degree angle on step one. Are you using a mitre saw on that cut?

sdeer76

Sun, 05/08/2011 - 18:31

I have a totally beginners question... Should this be built with treated lumber? Or can you use untreated if you are going to paint it with exterior paint? I'm thinking about trying this as a first project from this site. Notable difference in cost between treated and untreated so I thought I'd ask. Not expecting it to last forever, but I don't want it to rot away in a season either ;o)

I'm new here and not sure where you post questions.... Sorry if this is not the right route.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 06/08/2011 - 10:15

I would not use pressure treated wood. Pressure treated wood contains arsenic. I definitely would not use it for something my children will be touching as they eat. Maybe consider a water based exterior stain?

Matt @ Ramblin… (not verified)

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 11:23

My wife forwarded this post to me today because she wants me to build a kids picnic table. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this I'd a blog. Your opening statements on this post made me chuckle. My (almost) 5-year old son recently expressed his annoyance that I get up early every day to blog. I do this so that I can write undistracted while the rest of the house sleeps and also to not take away from family time. My sons solution is that I get up early only every other day! I considered his advice, but ultimately ignored it. Now he is urging me to wake him up at 5:30am so that he can have more time to play! Lol. Like father like son.

Matt @ Ramblin… (not verified)

Mon, 03/19/2012 - 03:11

I wanted to show off my results, so I included a brief description of how the project went for me along with several pictures on a recent blog post. I modified the plans slightly, as I wanted to be able to drill a hole in the middle of a center board on the table top to insert an umbrella...

check it out @ http://money.ramblingfever.com/2012/03/rambling-road-kids-picnic-table-…

After these pictures were taken, one of the tables was stained with a dark cherry color... turned out awesome!

Rose Crooks (not verified)

Thu, 04/26/2012 - 07:43

I love your plans for the table. I picked up plans at home depot. I am making four table for my grandkids. They range from 2 months to 11 yrs. I think this was great plans. One thing I did was used peassure treated wood for the legs. I made my screw hole and I am sanding and painting the pieces before puting together. I can;t wait to start another project but need to finish this one first. Two table I am painting red and black for the boys and pastels for the girls.It take less time to make more than one at a time.

davido850

Sat, 05/05/2012 - 09:53

the carriage bolts added to the appeal. the table was still a little to tight between seat and top, but a friends daughters birthday was today. he reimbersed my expense and the girl has a great table. already have the material for v2. just going to add a few inches to the legs and it will be perfect for my crew and me. thank!

Jules Hall (not verified)

Mon, 07/09/2012 - 20:46

Thank you very much for these plans.
I used all your dimensions, but modified the assembly a bit:
- under mounted all the screws with a drill press 3/4" counter sink. This way the table will last outside for years. ( if you used cedar! )
- mainly used 3" screws as a result.
- extended the leg attachments to only 2" on the outside to give an extra 4" seating room ( can fit 6 kids at the table)
- used 3-1/2" lag bolts rather than screws to attach legs.

As a result of using lag bolts - there was no need for the middle support. It was solid without it, and if it ever does loosen - you can just tighten the lag bolts!
I remember as a kid always smacking my shins on the center support, so doing away with it was great!

Thank you.

Jules

Sarah Knopp (not verified)

Fri, 11/09/2012 - 14:12

Do you think it would work to use this pattern, but then use plywood or some solid sheet of wood for the top? I like the attached benches, but would like to make a more smooth top for my kids for their "project" table. Let me know if you think it would still work?
Thanks!

Sarah Knopp (not verified)

Fri, 11/09/2012 - 14:14

Do you think it would work to follow this pattern for the frame and the attached benches, but use a flat top like the kids trestle table? I LOVE the attached benches, but want to make a flat top table for my kids to color and do projects on. Let me know if you think it would work? Thanks!

peke

Sun, 04/07/2013 - 02:39

Hi,

First off all i love the design, in fact everything on this site :D
I'm from Belgium, so i would like to ask if its possible to get the entire plan in metric version with centimeters instead of inches :D

Thanks!!

TrefW

Wed, 04/15/2015 - 10:21

I've built two of these and changed one thing. Rather than put the 2x4 between the two legs, I cut the wood to create two triangles from the center of the seat supports to underneath the table top. Not only does this increase the stability of the entire table, but it keeps the shown center support from becoming something that hurts the little shins of those sitting at the table. No additional wood is needed. Just cut the center support differently.

gsnpbc

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 09:56

My son and I just made this table using your plans this weekend and it turned out great for the grandkids. It only took a couple of hours after all the boards were cut. Thank you for the easy directions and most of all for sharing them.

 

bhutch216

Sat, 06/20/2020 - 20:10

Knocked it out in about an hour. Review the plans before cutting because there are a couple 45 degree end cuts that aren't listed on the cut list. Very easy to build though.

Ken Stegeman

Mon, 08/03/2020 - 18:36

Ana - I have always loved your plans and have used a lot of them! For this particular one, I was able to build it with(5) 2x4's instead of the (6) called out in the plans, which was definitely a WIN! Just a matter of planning cuts to get the most out of the materials you have to buy and taking advantage of any scrap materials you might have around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!