Looking for a picnic table that you can easily store away? This folding picnic table project is created by Houseful of Handmade, and it’s perfect for enjoying outdoor meals without the hassle of a permanent setup.
Materials Needed:
- 2 – 2×6 cedar boards (for the tabletop)
- 4 – 2×2 cedar boards (for the frame and legs)
- 3/8 inch bolts
- 2 1/2 inch pocket hole screws
- Wood glue
Tools Required:
- Miter saw
- Kreg Jig (720 Pro recommended)
- Band saw or jigsaw
- Sander
- Drill
- Clamps
Step 1: Cut the Wood
Start by cutting your cedar two by sixes and two by twos to the desired lengths for the tabletop and frame. Cedar is lightweight and durable, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture.
Step 2: Prepare the Tabletop
Add two pocket holes on each side of your two by six boards using the Kreg Jig. These boards will be sandwiched between two by two boards to form the tabletop. Create two tabletop pieces to enhance the folding design.
Step 3: Assemble the Tabletop
Clamp the boards together and secure them with blue coat pocket hole screws. Ensure that the boards are spaced three-quarters of an inch apart to allow water runoff.
Step 4: Create the Leg Mechanism
Round off one edge of each leg piece to allow for smooth folding. You can create a simple jig to help with this. Cut the curves using a band saw and finish with a sander for a smooth surface.
Step 5: Attach the Legs
Drill holes at the pivot points for the folding legs and attach the leg pieces using 3/8 inch bolts. Make sure to follow the build plans for proper spacing and attachment points.
Step 6: Final Assembly
Clamp the tabletop to your work surface and attach the leg pieces to one side of the tabletop. Make sure the angled part of the legs faces up. Once both legs are attached, check the stability and functionality of the folding mechanism.
Step 7: Enjoy Your New Table
Now that your folding picnic table is complete, you can easily set it up for outdoor meals and fold it away when not in use. While it may have a slight wobble, it’s perfect for casual dining and will serve you well through the summer.
Thank you for following along!