Making a round picnic table is a great DIY project for anyone with a bit of woodworking experience. Here are the steps to make a round picnic table:
1. Measure and cut the wooden pieces. You will need four legs and two circular centerpieces, either 3/4-inch thick particleboard or plywood. For the legs, you’ll need four pieces of 4×4-inch pine lumber and two pieces of 4×6-inch pine lumber.
The pieces should be long enough to reach the desired height, typically 28 to 30 inches.
2. Joint the legs together. Using four pieces of 2×4-inch lumber, joint the four legs together. The boards should be cut to the exact size and angles of the tabletop to ensure a secure connection.
3. Secure the center piece. Lay the two centerpieces, one circular piece of particleboard/plywood atop the other, and secure it with screws from the leg joints. Make sure to fill any gaps between the two pieces.
4. Attach the legs to the center piece. Once the center piece is secured to the legs, pre-drill holes in both the legs and the center piece. Attach the legs to the center piece using screws and washers.
5. Put the finishing touches. Sand down any rough edges, apply wood preservative, and then apply a coat of paint or stain for added protection. Finally, add a few cushions for comfort, and your round picnic table is ready for use.
How do you build an outdoor round table?
Building an outdoor round table is a relatively simple project that can be achieved in just a few hours.
First, you need to select the type of wood that you want to use for your table, taking into consideration the qualities of the wood such as rot resistance, and the ability to withstand outdoor elements.
Cedar, redwood and teak are excellent choices for outdoor tables.
Next, you will need to acquire the necessary materials to build the table. This includes the wood, screws and bolts, a saw, and a drill. You should also pick up a few screws that are designed specifically for outdoor use as they are protected from rust.
Once you have the materials you need, you will need to cut the pieces of wood to the desired size and shape. Make sure to use a saw guide or jigsaw to assist in making the cuts straight and precise.
Next, assemble the pieces together using the screws and bolts, laying them out first to ensure they fit correctly. You can also use a clamp to keep the pieces in the right place while you are drilling the screws.
Once the frame is assembled, you can attach the table top. Make sure to drill the screws through the wood for an optimal hold.
Once the table top is secured, you can then sand, stain, or paint the table as desired. You should also apply a few coats of spar varnish or marine grade varnish to seal and protect the wood. This can help protect it from weather and water damage.
Finally, you can add any final touches, such as decorations or accessories to personalize the table. This will give your new outdoor round table a unique, one-of-a-kind look that you can be proud of.
What is the wood to make a picnic table out of?
The wood most commonly used to make a picnic table is pressure-treated pine. Pressure-treated pine is a type of wood that is treated with a preservative to protect it from insects, rot, and decay. It is one of the most popular and widely available woods for outdoor use, making it a popular choice for picnic tables.
Although cedar is another common option for outdoor wooden furniture, pressure-treated pine is often preferred for its affordability and enduring strength. Pressure-treated pine picnic tables can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the size and features you desire.
Is Treated lumber safe for picnic tables?
Yes, treated lumber is generally safe for picnic tables, as long as it has been properly treated with a preservative to protect it against moisture and decay. Treated lumber is also strong and durable, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture.
Treated lumber should also be inspected for signs of rotting or other damage before use. Additionally, it is important to research the type of preservative used, as some substances may be hazardous to people or pets if ingested.
If in doubt, contact the relevant manufacturer for more information. Finally, it is important to ensure any offcuts of treated wood are disposed of safely.
What type of wood should I use for an outdoor table?
When selecting wood for an outdoor table, you should choose a durable, rot-resistant species. Cedar, redwood, cypress and teak are all good choices, as they are naturally resistant to moisture and insect damage.
If you are looking for a lighter weight material, pine may be a good choice. However, untreated pine will need to weatherproofed with a protective sealant. Tropical hardwoods such as ipe and balau are popular choices for outdoor furniture due to their superior durability, but they may be more expensive.
You may also want to consider composite materials such as recycled plastic or polywood, which require little to no maintenance. Ultimately, the type of wood you select should depend on your budget, personal preference and the elements to which your outdoor table will be exposed.
What are most picnic tables made of?
Most picnic tables are typically made of wood or metal. Wood picnic tables are usually constructed of pine, redwood, cedar, or pressure-treated wood, and can be left to weather naturally or stained and sealed for protection.
Metal tables are often made of aluminum, steel, or iron, and usually come in a powder-coated or painted finish that is resistant to the elements. Some picnic tables are also made of plastic, although these materials tend to be less durable and not as attractive as the aforementioned materials.
Is pine a good wood for picnic table?
Pine can be a good wood for picnic tables if it is properly treated. In order to ensure that pine picnic tables hold up well, they should be sanded and pre-stained before assembly. Pine picnic tables should also be treated with a waterproof sealer or varnish to protect the wood from the elements and make it more durable.
Additionally, the legs of the picnic table should be treated with a metal protection coating to prevent rusting and weathering. Finally, the picnic table should be stained or painted annually to protect against moisture and further weathering.
If all of these steps are taken, a pine picnic table can be a great choice for outdoor furniture.
What angle should picnic table legs be?
The optimal angle for picnic table legs will depend on the type of picnic table you have, as different styles of table may require different angles or design plans. Generally speaking, picnic tables feature angled legs and a traditional angle is 18-20 degrees.
However, it is recommended that you refer to the design and instructions specific to the picnic table you have, as this will provide the best guidance and assurance that the table is secure. Additionally, it is important to check with the manufacturer of the picnic table for any additional recommendations, in order to ensure that your picnic table is secure and stable.
Is pine OK for outdoor furniture?
Yes, pine can be used for outdoor furniture. Pine is a softwood that is lightweight, strong and durable. It is also quite inexpensive compared to other hardwoods, so it can be a great option for those who are looking for a cost-effective solution for their outdoor furniture needs.
The biggest concern when using pine for outdoor furniture is that it is not naturally weather resistant. However, it can be treated with a variety of finishes to help protect it from the elements. This can include staining, sealing, painting or varnishing.
When properly treated, pine can be a great choice for outdoor furniture and can last for many years. It can also look great and add a rustic charm to any space. Ultimately, the decision on whether to use pine for outdoor furniture comes down to personal preference and budget.
How long does a wooden picnic table last?
The longevity of a wooden picnic table will depend on the material used and the maintenance it receives. Generally, a well-maintained wooden picnic table should last anywhere from 7 to 15 years. The best way to lengthen the life of a wooden picnic table is to ensure that it is stored properly during the off-season and to perform regular maintenance and repair.
This can include cleaning, sanding, and applying a sealant or protective coat to the wood, as well as occasional oiling to prevent it from drying and cracking. Additionally, a weather-resistant coating or sealant should be applied to prevent the table from becoming slippery in wet weather and to protect against staining and damage from rain, snow, and UV rays.
With proper maintenance and upkeep, a wooden picnic table can last for many years as a beautiful, functional addition to your outdoor space.
