Our octagon picnic table plans are free and easy to follow. Extending to eight feed wide, perfect for a large backyard BBQ. Tabletop is 64" wide. It's a big one!
We also have an easy to build classic picnic table, a kids picnic table and a converting bench picnic table plan.

Preparation
- 1 - 2x4 @ 62" (Longest Point - Both ends tapered back at 30 degrees off square, NOT parallel to each other)
- 2 - 2x4 @ 30 1/2" (Longest Point - One end at 30 degrees off square)
- 4 - 2x4 @ 29 15/16" (Longest Point - One end at 30 degrees off square, other end at a point, 45 degrees off square)
- 8 - 2x6 @ 4 9/16" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
- 8 - 2x6 @ 9 1/2" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
- 8 - 2x6 @ 14 7/16" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
- 8 - 2x6 @ 19 5/16" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
- 8 - 2x6 @ 24 1/4" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
- 8 - 2x6 @ 32 15/16" (Both ends at 30 degrees off square, parallel to each other)
- 1 - 2x4 @ 95" (Longest Point - Both ends tapered in at 30 degrees off square)
- 2 - 2x4 @ 46 3/4" (Longest Point - One end at 30 degrees off square)
- 4 - 2x4 @ 46 7/16" (Longest Point - One end at 30 degrees off square, other end at a point, 45 degrees off square)
- 8 - 2x6 @ 31 13/16" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
- 8 - 2x6 @ 36 3/4" (Both ends at 30 degrees off square, parallel to each other)
UPDATE: One of our readers built this table and felt it could use a little more leg room. He suggested extending out the seat boards by 4" all the way around, and removing the inner seat board and adding a seat board to the outside to increase leg room. It is recommended that you cut as you go, as boards can vary in width - especially the tabletop and seat boards. As you cut your boards, make every effort to reuse angled cuts when possible to minimize waste. Try when possible to cut the longest cuts first. You may need more or less boards depending on how you lay your cuts out.
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 6
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
deanna_g
Tue, 03/15/2011 - 06:44
How many do you think it'll seat?
So I'm trying to figure out whether to make the hexagon or octagon tables. The way I figure, at almost 41" long seats on the hexagon table, I can probably fit 1-2 adults per "seat". With the octagon, at almost 37", maybe one adult on each seat and one on each corner?
Rachelle (not verified)
Tue, 03/15/2011 - 06:57
Thanks so much for this
Thanks so much for this plan. I was also rooting for the larger table. When there are already 5 people living at your house and you invite someone over, it's nice to be able to seat more than 6.
Marley and Me
Mon, 05/02/2011 - 17:21
On-Time Plan
Not two weeks before this plan posted, my friend commented that she REALLY wanted a "round" picnic table, but that all the octagonal tables she saw were priced from $400 ~ $800. My reply was that we should build one. Then, this plan popped up on my Facebook page. Talk about good timing!
We had absolutely no trouble following this plan. However, in the very last cut on the list, 8 - 2x6 @ 36 3/4" (Both ends at 30 degrees off square, parallel to each other) are called for. We found that this angle didn't line up with the angle for the cut listed above it. For us, both boards had to be cut at 22 1/2. (And, the angles should be NOT parallel). Is anyone else having the same issue? Thanks in advance!
Jeremy Hill (not verified)
Tue, 05/08/2012 - 16:42
I agree
After looking into your problem, I agree. The 36 3/4" boards for the outer layer of the seat should have angles of 22 1/2" on each end NOT parallel. Good catch. That will save me some wood and a little headache when I make mine. Thanks
Zee (not verified)
Fri, 05/06/2011 - 05:07
scaling down...
I want to build this table for my daughters American Girl Dolls, 16" in height, any idea's on what "size" of person this table would be considered average for? or what % reduction i'd need to apply for use with 16" dolls?
Thanks.
Ladybrinx (not verified)
Fri, 06/10/2011 - 14:56
LOVE IT!
I want to build one of these too! Love the table, thanks for the plans.. I too would like to build one American girl size...that would be AWESOME!
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 10/27/2011 - 14:50
Umbrella?
Any ideas how to add an umbrella without compromising the strength of this?
jsaltzy
Sat, 05/07/2016 - 14:38
Umbralla Hole for Octagon Picnic Table
Anybody have any ideas about how to add an umbrella hole?
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 09:02
step # 6 question
In step 6 whys is the support on one side of the table set at 15 inches from the bottom of the leg and the other is set at 13 inches from the bottom of the leg? Is that correct?
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 03/29/2012 - 17:47
Step 6
The 15 inch is the measurement of the angle up to the bottom of the leg and the 13 inch is straight up from the support to the bottom of the leg