A Picnic Table

I made this picnic table this spring, based loosely on the proportions of one I saw in a picture. The tops are untreated pine, so I used a combination stain and deck sealer. I would have used a darker stain if I had known this one would come out so light. I left the treated legs and feet plain. Bolts are galvanized, the top is attached with stainless deck screws.

Here's a view of the base of the table.

A closer look at the braces. The lap joints are not-quite full depth on purpose, both to leave a little extra material, and I like the look. Also gives enough material to recess the bolt-ends without making them too thin. To lay out the angled braces, use a framing square and just measure how far down and over you want the ends to be, rather than calculating and recalculating angles. I seem to recall that the lengths I used were actually just the lengths of the legs of the square (18" and 24").

The base of the bench:

We all enjoy it, but the dogs probably most of all, for it's shade:

If anyone deperately needs to make one of these, email me for the plans, most of the pieces were drawn out in Autocad so I'd have a cut list.

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Last updated 8/9/02

© 2002 Glenn S. Lyford, all trademarks etcetera property of their respective owners.