Free And Paid Professional Woodworking Plans To Build A Picnic Table And Benches

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

By David E Paulson


If you'd like to organize an outdoor party but you're short of a picnic table? You could pop over to your retail store and get a plastic-type or wood made table.

On the other hand, if you don't need a table right now you could consider building one yourself. It would make a great weekend job. A good-looking picnic table and bench would look great in your garden.

When building your own table you can select the best of materials and wood finishes without breaking the bank. Bought plastic furniture is generally not very durable and stable. Wooden outdoor furniture from a shop is oftentimes not weatherproof.

When you want to build a table it is important that you get a professional picnic table plan to work from. Best would be a set of plans so that you can choose a size and design that is appealing to you.

Finding a set of picnic table plans Although it is tempting to go for free plans, it isn't really worth it because they are often incomplete or inaccurate. There are hardly any design choices or forum support with the free stuff. Paid plans offer good value and so much more than freebees.

Think about the space you have for the table and the bench or benches or chairs. You don't want them to be too large and bulky nor too small and flimsy.

Consider the number of people you want to accommodate at the table. Should it be your family or friends or both at the same time? Do you want to leave the table outside or store it during the winter season? Would you want a table that can be folded up for easy storage?

When considering a design think about the ambiance of your picnic area. The table would lose its charm if it looks totally out place.

Weigh up the pros and cons of chairs and benches. You can build 2 benches in a much shorter time than 6 chairs.

Make sure that your final choice has the following: 1. A picture of the final product 2. A blueprint that you can read easily 3. A lumber cutting list 4. A list of sundry materials such bolts and screws 5. A list of tools and drill sizes 6. A video showing you how to work the lumber

Use good materials Print the list of materials and go to your hardware store and see what type of wood you can get. Do not comprise on the quality of the materials. Check out the store's material samples carefully before you decide on the type of wood. The most common types of wood for picnic tables are cedar, teak or oak. Also compare tool prices like that of a good circular saw.

Getting started Make sure to follow the given measurements for the picnic table to the tee so that every piece fits well. Do not despair if you have cut a lumber too short and you have no wood left to cut another to size. That happens to the best of us. Just get another one from your merchant.

Finishing off your masterpiece Since your table could be subjected to rain and sun you need some weather-resistant varnish. The type they use on wooden sailing boats. Apply another coat of varnish whenever you see some deterioration in appearance.




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