Free, easy, step by step plans to build a picnic table that converts easily to two separate benches. The tabletops rotate to form bench backs. Detailed plans give you step by step instruction to build this multi-use outdoor staple for your deck or patio.

Preparation
7 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long 4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long 2 1/2" galvanized exterior screws 8 - 4" long, 1/2 diameter bolts with washers and nuts
CUT LIST IS FOR 2 BENCHES CONVERTING TO ONE PICNIC TABLE
Carefully cut all of your boards with a compound miter saw, or mark angles with a protractor and carefully cut with a circular saw.
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 1
Additional dimensions shown above. We found that this table/bench was most comfortable as a bench. If you are expecting to use the convertible picnic table bench mostly as a picnic table, I suggest you first review our free as always picnic table plans. The wide seat when converted to a picnic table makes for climbing into the seat a tad more difficult than traditional picnic tables - but let me tell you, the wide seat as a bench is quite nice.
Step 2
Step 3
Lay the front leg over the bottom of the back leg, with bottom and outside edges flush. Trace the top edge - this will be the line that you will line your seat support top up with. Lay the seat support on top of the legs as shown above and predrill holes and attach the seat support to the legs with 2 1/2" galvanized screws and wood glue. You will need to make four of these. Make two with the seat support on the right and two with the seat support on the left - it does matter.
Step 4
Mark all of the seat boards 2" from the ends. The seat boards overhang the legs by 2" on the outsides. Attach the seat boards to the legs, using 2 1/2" galvanized screws and wood glue. Adjust for square. Leave 1/4" gaps between the seat boards. Use one left and one right leg for each bench as shown above in the diagram.
Step 6
Now that you have constructed the top, line the holes in the back legs up with the holes in the tabletop supports. Thread your 4" bolts through, add washer and nuts, and tighten. Lay a level on top of the table, perpendicular to the tabletop boards. With the tabletop level (use a clamp to hold in place) drill holes through the back legs and the tabletop supports and insert a pin (you can just use another 1/2" bolt). Do this on both sides.
Step 7
Remove the pins and rotate the tabletop so it becomes a backrest. Sit in the bench, and determine a comfy backrest position. When satisfied, clamp the tabletop supports to the back legs and drill another 1/2" diameter whole. Insert the pin. Do the same on both sides. To convert the benches to picnic tables, simply remove the pins and rotate the backrest to a tabletop, and reinsert the pins in the correct holes.
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
loniwolfe
Sun, 05/01/2011 - 20:19
Awesome!!!
This is great! Thank you!
Guest (not verified)
Sun, 05/01/2011 - 20:45
Great plan, just in time for summer
I'm afraid to make one. Everyone I know will want it.
Ana White
Sun, 05/01/2011 - 21:25
Thanks Everyone!
You are going to be shocked at really how easy this table is to build! We are so pleased with it, we are building two more (benches) to surround our firepit!
Jessica Haines (not verified)
Sun, 05/01/2011 - 21:39
Funny Coincidence
The other day I was driving down my street and I saw my neighbor lady building something. I drove back by later and saw she had built some awesome benches that seem to convert to a table....low and behold I open up facebook today and they are your plans! Awesome, I'm gonna have to go make friends with this neighbor and start some building parties! Thanks for all the free plans! You're awesome!
dena-stewart
Sun, 05/01/2011 - 21:41
I searched the internet high
I searched the internet high and low for plans to make these benches, and none were as well laid out as this. Another project on my To Do List!
Ana White
Mon, 05/02/2011 - 09:54
One more note
For an even sturdier picnic table, choose bolts for the joints too, instead of exterior screws.
tracysmith
Mon, 05/02/2011 - 10:37
This is great!
My mom was just asking me if I could whip up some of those neat picnic tables that turn into benches. I laughed and told her that I'm not quite that good ... yet. Now I can make some and really surprise her!! Thanks Ana! That's really awesome!!!!!
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 05/02/2011 - 11:04
picnic table/benches
This design is amazing!
I just wanted to confirm the cut list vs. shopping list. You list 7- 2"x6"@8ft to purchase but the cut list says 12- 2x6@48 7/8 inches (that's 6 2x6@8ft) plus
4- 2x6@8ft for tabletop supports. That doesn't seem to jive with shopping list or the overall size of the table/bench.
I assume they should be 4- 2x6@17 inches- just want to get this right. I really love this plan.
thanks so much
Ana (not verified)
Mon, 05/02/2011 - 12:09
Cut list error
Cut list has an error should be 12 2x6@47 7/8. I am traveling today will fix when I get to my computer. Thanks for catching this. Ana
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 05/03/2011 - 05:58
picnic table/benches
sorry, I put 48 7/8, I meant 47 7/8 which is what you have- that part seems right. I wanted to clarify just the tabletop supports that are listed as 4- 2x6@8ft.
My apologies for making this more confusing by my error.