Building the best picnic table.

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Building your own picnic table can be a very time consuming task if you dont have the proper instructions to lead you through it. Much time has been spent trying to make this as easy and cost effective for you. Thank you for allowing us to help.

Building the best picnic table.

Tools Required:
Saw (Miter saw is preferred) Hammer Drill drill bit Wrench Pencil Tape Measure Screwdriver

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Lumber and Hardware:

(x9) 2x4x8s (x4) 1x8x8s (x8) 1/2-13x4 Galvanized or Zinc plated carriage bolts (x8) Galvanized or Zinc plated flat washers (x8) 1/2-13 Galvanized or Zinc plated Hex nuts Small box of 2 deck screws (will use approximately 70 screws)

Choose lumber based on your budget and style. Redwood or treated lumber are great choices. Engineered non wood alternatives are also available. Although these are generally a heavier substitute, they are virtually maintenance free. Always consider the added cost of paint or water sealer when choosing your lumber.

Building the best picnic table.

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Step 1. Lets begin by cutting all of our lumber.

Using the 2x4s, cut out the 4 legs as dimensioned below. After they are cut, drill (x2) diameter holes. Be sure the holes are on center by measuring up 1 from the bottom edge of the board. After the legs are complete, use a pencil and write the word leg on all 4 boards.

Next, using the 2x4s, cut (x2) bench braces as shown below. After they are cut, drill (x2) diameter holes. Be sure the holes are on center by measuring up 1 from the bottom edge of the board. After they are complete, use a pencil and write the word bench brace on both boards.

Building the best picnic table.

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Next, using the 2x4s, cut the (x4) bench tops as shown below. No drilling or angles required. After they are complete, use a pencil and write the word bench top on all 4 boards.

Next, using a 2x4, cut (x1) Top center brace as shown below. After it is complete, use a pencil and write the word top center brace on it.

Building the best picnic table.

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Next, using the 2x4s, cut (x2) A-frame braces as shown below. This is similar to the previous board, with the addition of 2 added holes and 1 of length. After they are cut, drill the (x2) diameter holes. Be sure the holes are on center by measuring up 1 from the bottom edge of the board. After they are complete, use a pencil and write the word A-frame brace on both boards.

Next, using the 2x4s, cut (x2) bench braces as shown below. No drilling or angles required. After they are complete, use a pencil and write the word bench brace on both boards.

Building the best picnic table.

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Next, using the 2x4s, cut (x2) angle braces as shown below. Start by cutting a piece 32 long with 26 angles on each end as shown. Next you will need to cut a small 90 notch off both ends. This cut will be 7/8 long as shown. After they are complete, use a pencil and write the word angle brace on both boards.

Next, using the 1x8s, cut (x4) table tops as shown below. No drilling or angles required. After they are complete, use a pencil and write the word table top on all 4 boards.

Assembly Time!!!!
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Building the best picnic table.

Step #2- Assembly

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Lets begin by assembling the leg A-frames. For this step you will need (x8) carriage bolts, (x8) washers, (x8) hex nuts, (x8) legs, (x2) bench braces, and (x2) A-frame braces.

Bolt (x2) legs onto the bench brace and A-frame brace using the hardware mentioned above. The threaded end of the carriage bolt needs to first go through the leg piece and then through the brace piece so the rounded end of the bolt is on the outside of the assembly as shown above. Repeat this step for the other leg. Next, grab (x4) bench tops and (x16) wood screws.

Building the best picnic table.

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Screw the bench tops down into the bench braces following the drawing on the previous page. The bench tops will over hang 8 beyond the bench braces on both sides. This will put the spacing between the leg assemblies at 59. The gap between the bench top boards should be set at 3/8 from each other. A pencil works well for setting the gap.

Next, we will screw the table tops onto the A-frame braces. You will need (x4) table top boards, and (x24) wood screws. The table tops should overhang 8 past the bench braces on each side. Start with the 2 center table top boards and screw them down so they are equally spaced from the center of the A-frame brace which you are screwing them into. The gap between the table top boards should be set at 3/8 from each other.

Note: 3 screws per section are to be used

Next assemble the (x2) bench braces and the (x1) top center brace. To do this you will need (x20) wood screws. Be sure to place the braces on center by measuring 37 from the end of the boards as shown. Place 2 screws per section into the bench tops and 3 screws per section into the table tops.

Building the best picnic table.

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Top center brace

Bench Brace

The next step will require you to work from the bottom side of the table. In this step you will need (x2) angle braces and (x8) wood screws. Start by flipping the table over.

Angle Brace

Building the best picnic table.

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Install the angle braces as shown on the previous page. They are to be placed on center. To do this, measure in 17 5/8 from the end of the bench brace as shown and mark center. Place 2 wood screws in through the bench brace into the angle brace on both sides. Then toe-nail two more screws into the top center brace on both sides.

This completes all of the assembly steps. Depending on the type of lumber chosen, you may decide to paint or apply a water sealant to help aid in the longevity of your new picnic table, or you may decide to grab a beverage of your choice and test your new table out. Well let you make that decision.

Not to be reproduced without the permission of Shane Anderson (shanesuan2@hotmail.com)

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