Kids’ Picnic Table

Scott Cam built a classic picnic table, but in a smaller version for his 4 year old kids. This project will take around 2 days, and cost about $100.

Tools

saw power drill screw driver tape measure spirit level sandpaper rags paint brush protractor work/construction bench ruler and marking pencil

Materials

Order the timber in advance and ask your local timber yard or hardware to precut the pine to the appropriate lengths. Scott chose Australian cypress pine for his table, because it is termite and weather resistant.

Timber for table frame

• 2 x 75mm x 50mm x 445mm DAR
• 2 x 75mm x 50mm x 1255mm DAR (will need to be trimmed down to measure)
• 4 x 75 mm x 50mm x 660mm DAR (trim legs 20° both ends)
• 1 x 75mm x 50mm x 1600mm DAR
• (DAR = dressed all round)
  

Timber for table top and seats

• 12 x 70mm x 20mm x 1800mm

Fixings

• 68 screws

Finishings

• sandpaper
• 1 litre of exterior varnish

Pre-construction Tips

Pre-drill your screw holes so that the timber won’t split. This is especially important with hard woods like Australian cypress pine. Height may vary depending on the age of your children. Scott measured this table out based on an existing chair and table used by his children. The table should finish about 580mm high. The 5mm spacing between the seating and bench-top timbers can be easily measured by slotting a piece of Masonite between the slats. If you work around timber all the time, consider investing in a drop saw. It is safe, fast and a great way to cut angles.

Assembly

1. Cut your timber to the lengths listed above. The 4 x 75x50x660mm (DAR) sections of timber will form the table legs.
2. Cut the timbers at both ends to form a 20 degree angle. The cut edges should be parallel with each other.
3. To the top of 2 of the 4 legs attach a 75x50x445mm (DAR) length of timber. Around 350mm up from ground level, centre and attach a second cross-piece that measures 75x50x1255mm (DAR). The overhanging sections will provide the support for the seats. It will also help keep the structure rigid and stop the legs from wanting to push out. The large and small cross-pieces should be level and parallel. Repeat for the other side.
4. Connect the two ends by attaching in the centre of the bottom cross piece the length of timber that measures 75x50x1600mm (DAR).
5. Now add the seat and table top. Attach 6 lengths (70x20x1800mm) to the table top, allowing a spacing of 5mm between each slat - and then do the same for each of the seats, which will take 3 lengths each.
6. Lightly sand the timber back.
7. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, finish the job by applying some exterior varnish.
   

Approximate costs

Australian cypress pine:

Table frame - $20 (8 lineal metres at $2.25 per metre)
Tabletop and seats - $45 (22 lineal metres at $1.94 per metre)
(max length of timber at timber yard - 4.2 metres)
Screws: $5
Sandpaper: $3
Exterior varnish: $20

Further information

Drop saws are available at hardware stores and cost from $100. 

Copyright CTC Productions 2003