Cost: $$$
Time: 6 hours
Skill: 2 of 5 — Easy

DIY Picnic Table Plan

A classic picnic table blueprint for gathering outdoors

Build a backyard classic with a DIY picnic table designed for everything from family dinners to neighborhood cookouts. With seating for up to eight adults and separate benches for added comfort, this project creates a welcoming place to gather for meals, celebrations and everyday moments outside.

Make it your own with the optional drink trough hack, giving everyone at the table an easy place to keep beverages within reach. Whether it’s your first DIY build or your next one, this picnic table is sure to become one of the most-used pieces in your backyard.

Before you get started, please read our info on safety, fasteners and building tips, and please consult our Terms of Use.

Get The Plan

What you’ll need for a picnic table

Materials

(10) 2 x 6 x 8′ YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine lumber
(5) 2 x 4 x 10′ YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine
(1) ½ lb. box of 1¼” wood screws + appropriate bit
4″ heavy-duty wood lag screws (1 box, approx. 70 screws)
(12) ¼” x 3½” carriage bolts (galvanized)
(6) ¼” x 4½” carriage bolts (galvanized)
(18) ¼” washers and nuts (galvanized)
(12) 2″ x 5″ corner tie-plates
(72) ¼” Phillips pan-head screws + Phillips driver bit
YellaWood Protector® Stain and Sealer

Drink Trough Hack — Materials

(2) 1 x 8 x 8′ YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine
(3) 1 x 4 x 10′ YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine
Phillips bit to remove pan-head screws
1¼” wood screws + appropriate bit
1⅝” wood screws + appropriate bit
1⅛” rubber stopper
14″ roll of roof flashing
Tube of construction cement
Tube of silicone caulk
Preferred wood finish

Tools

Pencil
Measuring tape
Miter saw (or chop saw)
Combination countersink bit (with 1/8″ bit)
Drill/driver
Clamps (two at least 5′ long)
Chisel or file
Hammer
Socket wrench (with a 7 /16″ bit)
3/16″ & 1/4″ Drill bits
1/2″ & 1″ Forstner bits
Hex driver bit
Radial sander (or sanding block)

Drink Trough Hack — Tools

Pencil
Measuring tape
Miter saw (or chop saw)
Table saw
Jig saw
1 1/8″ Forstner Bits
Drill/driver
Clamps
Combination countersink bit (with 1/8″ bit)
Hammer
Socket wrench (with a 7/16″ bit)
Hex driver bit (fits lag screw head)
Metal snips
Radial sander (or sanding block)
Rag (to wipe up caulk and adhesive)
Pocket screw jig (optional)
Caulk gun

Step-by-step instructions on how to build a picnic table

Ready to tackle in a weekend, the picnic table plan combines sturdy construction with thoughtful details like half-lap leg joints that add strength and timeless appeal. Once assembled, sanded and finished, you’ll have a rugged outdoor table that’s ready for years of backyard use.