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Hexagon Picnic Table

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Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 04/08/2020 - 11:59
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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!

round picnic table plans

Photo by Amauter Steph

This plan has been updated.  If you need the original plans they are still available here.

Dimensions
round picnic table plans
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
2-1/2" Pocket Hole Screws
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
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

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

On a flat level surface, carefully layout the first section of the picnic table.  It can help to have two people at this stage.

Attach at all joints with three 2-1/2" self tapping wood screws.

Step 2

First, cut the table supports according to the cut list.  Then, keeping the same overall length, cut the outside end back at a 30 degree angle.  

Attach centered on the main frame with the 2-1/2" screws, two screws per joint.

Step 3

Attach remaining legs with 2-1/2" self tapping wood screws, three screws per joint.

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

Flip the project over.  

Cut seat boards and lay outside seat boards in place.  Make sure all the angles line up with the seat boards joining in the middle of the frame boards.

Attach with two screws per joint.

Step 6

Attach the tabletop boards on top, starting at the center and working outward, with a 1/2" gap in between.

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.
Project Type
Picnic Tables and Outdoor Dining
Room
Outdoor
Style
Cottage Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Ana White

Mon, 03/14/2011 - 10:33

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

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 the picnic table.. just had me thinking.. I want to build some benches for our fire pit!! :)

Lynn (not verified)

Mon, 03/14/2011 - 07:48

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!

EmandLesTX

Mon, 03/14/2011 - 08:03

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 :-)

Ana White

Mon, 03/14/2011 - 11:14

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!