Our preschool picnic table is one of the most popular plans. Due to the simple design, easy building instructions, and perfect sizing for preschoolers, thousands of these tables have been built! We love this table as a gift too!
We also have a bigger kids picnic table plan, and an adult sized one too! Photo by Tinsel + Wheat
One of my first project ever was a simple kid's picnic table. It must have been years ago, because here is Grace blowing out two candles. Where does time go.
We love this picnic table and have made it many times - it's the perfect birthday gift!
The sizing is appropriate for preschoolers. For older kids, we recommend the bigger kids picnic table plans.
Preparation
1 – 1×6, 8′ Long (About $5.00 Each)
3 – 1×6 @ 31″ (Tabletop Pieces)
General Instructions. Work on a clean level surface and use proper safety precautions. Check for square after each step. Predrill and countersink all screws.
Instructions
Step 1
Tabletop and Supports. Begin by cutting the support board ends off at an angle as shown above. Then fasten the top boards to the supports using 2″ screws and glue.
Step 2
Top Support. Attach the top support, centered on the end supports and the center tabletop board, as shown above. Use 2″ screws and glue. It is very important that you have checked for square before fastening.
Step 3
Legs. Cut your legs from 1×3 boards with a starting overall length of 22 7/16″. Use the above diagram to guide you.
Step 4
Legs to the Top. Fasten the legs to the top of the table, as shown above. Notice how the tip of the leg comes even with the outer tabletop boards? And the side of the leg meets up with the end of the support? Use 1 1/4″ Screws and glue to fasten in place. Notice the marks on the legs with a measurement of 12 3/4″? Make these marks on the legs, this is where the tops of the step 5 boards will be placed.
Step 5
Step 6
Bottom Support. As you did in step 2, fasten the remaining support board in place, using 2″ screws and glue. It is a good idea at this step to square up your project by taking a square of the bottoms of the legs.
Step 7
Seat Boards. Mark the seat boards 2″ from the ends. Position the outer seat board flush with the ends of the seat supports and fasten in place with 2″ screws and glue. Leave a 1/2″ gap and fasten the next seat board in place in the same manner.
Step 8
Finishing. Fill screw holes with wood filler, sand and finish as desired.
Comments
Jen @ Sunshine… (not verified)
Tue, 03/23/2010 - 04:39
Haven't been able to decide
Haven't been able to decide what project to start on first and then I saw today's post. Just came from the lumber yard and can't wait to spend the day on this!
Cammi (not verified)
Tue, 03/23/2010 - 04:44
Ana - you are AMAZING! I
Ana - you are AMAZING! I can't wait to start some of these projects today! I'm headed to Home Depot... Pics coming soon!
Bobette (not verified)
Tue, 03/23/2010 - 04:51
Bring on the outdoor fun!
Bring on the outdoor fun! Can't wait to make this. Thank you.
Suze (not verified)
Tue, 03/23/2010 - 05:12
Another to add to the "To Do"
Another to add to the "To Do" list!
aimeewrites (not verified)
Tue, 03/23/2010 - 06:34
This is GREAT!! You
This is GREAT!! You constantly amaze me.
Request: A larger size, appropriate for elementary school-aged kids, but smaller than the adult-sized ones. My boys, especially my 10yo, would knock their knees on this.
Twiddle Thumbs (not verified)
Tue, 03/23/2010 - 06:44
Very cute! I just sent this
Very cute!
I just sent this link to my husband to see if he's up for a little companionship type weekend project with me.
P&J(or one or … (not verified)
Tue, 03/23/2010 - 06:49
Yup, adding this one to the
Yup, adding this one to the list! Thanks!
Holly (not verified)
Tue, 03/23/2010 - 07:18
Fabulous! I hope this is
Fabulous! I hope this is just the start of many other outdoor projects. . .spring is in the air, and I could really use some outdoor/patio furniture! Ooh, and maybe some planter boxes for the front porch too? :)
Celia Marie (W.) B. (not verified)
Tue, 03/23/2010 - 07:46
Yay!! I have so many projects
Yay!! I have so many projects I want to do and this is going on top of the list! Thanks so much.
Lesli (not verified)
Tue, 03/23/2010 - 07:50
I can't wait to try this! I
I can't wait to try this! I was waiting for a project that seemed easy and fast, and that I could paint a funky color. I think I might make this be our date night this week. Thanks!