Free plans to build a hexagon shaped picnic table. Features six large bench seats and hexagon top, updating the casual classic into a more user-friendly backyard fav!
Dimensions

Dimensions are shown above.
Preparation
Shopping List
6 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
10 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
150 - 2-1/2" to 3" long self tapping exterior screws, can be "deck screws" or "general construction screws"
Common Materials
2 1/2 inch screws
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List
Frame
- 1 - 2x4 @ 51" - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement (main frame, top)
- 1 - 2x4 @ 88" - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement (main frame, seat)
- 6 - 2x4 @ 33" - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, end are parallel, long point to short point measurement (legs)
- 4 - 2x4 @ 25" - one end cut at 30 degree BEVEL, long point measurement (top frame secondary supports)
- 4 - 2x4 @ 43-3/8" - one end cut at 30 degree BEVEL, long point measurement (seat frame secondary supports)
Seat Boards
- 6 - 2x6 @ 45" - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement (seat boards)
- 6 - 2x6 @ 38" - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement (seat boards)
Tabletop
- 2 - 2x6 @ 54" - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement (tabletop)
- 2 - 2x6 @ 47" - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement (tabletop)
- 2 - 2x6 @ 40" - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement (tabletop)
- 2 - 2x6 @ 33-1/4" - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel, long point to long point measurement (tabletop)
Cutting Instructions
Cut the longer boards first to conserve wood
Instructions
Step 1
Step 2
Step 4
Cut the seat frame board ends as directed in the cut list. Then, keeping the same overall length, cut the outside end back at a 30 degree off square angle.
Attach to the center of the main frame and to the legs.
TIP: Cut a 2x4 13" long and use it as a spacer to hold up your board while attaching to maintain the correct distance.
Step 5
Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
In reply to Love this! by whitney_smith
Ana White
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 10:33
Yes!
Whitney, I also considered this when I was designing this plan. If you think about it, when you sit on the bench, it actually will cause the center supports to push UP and not sag down. And your weight is directly on the legs, not on the supports. So if you were to make all of the supports the same as the smaller supports (for each the top and bottom), this would leave a hole in the center. You would need to provide adequate joining of all the boards as well, with either a brace, a plywood gusset on the top and bottom, or metal brackets.
cakelady
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 05:47
Hexagonal Picnic Table
I like the idea but would prefer separate benches. Would that effect the sturdyness and could the legs be done so they don't stick out to trip someone with detached benches?
Sarah (not verified)
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 07:13
Love it!
Love the picnic table.. just had me thinking.. I want to build some benches for our fire pit!! :)
Kim (not verified)
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 07:31
Love it, but what are the dimensions?
I think I'm going to attempt this after we move, but is this big enough for adults? or is it more kid sized? -Kim
In reply to Love it, but what are the dimensions? by Kim (not verified)
Ana White
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 11:12
Adult Size
Kim this is an adult sized table, but what a fab idea - to do a kid sized one!
Kim (not verified)
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 14:52
kid sized
This is what I had for the kids, but something bigger for the between years would be great. http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&ds=pr&sugexp=gsisc&pq=play…
Lynn (not verified)
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 07:48
Picnic Table
I am so happy to see this. My only concern is that the new images are hard to read for the measurements. May be different if printed out, but I love the new site!
Lynn (not verified)
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 07:50
I just checked in the printer
I just checked in the printer friendly version and the numbers are clear as day! Awesome!
EmandLesTX
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 08:03
Drawing plans?!
I looove this table... and I'm curious....Is there a special program you use to draw out the plans? I love avery's house and since we have a herd (4 dogs and 3 cats) I have dreamed every night for a week on how to turn it into a five cubbie(crate) bench) with a hinged top for easy access to feed/water and on one end the cat box. (with a hidden flap to keep the dogs OUT but let the dogs in :-)
In reply to Drawing plans?! by EmandLesTX
Ana White
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 11:14
Google Sketchup
Hi, I use Google Sketchup. It's free, and I actually have a tutorial on the old site that should be moved over very soon. I encourage you to give it a go, it's easy to use, and it's always better to build for your specific needs!