Cedar Picnic Table & Bench Plans

This easy-to-build cedar picnic table and bench set is an excellent weekend project that will be the focal point of your backyard. Made with beautiful and durable red cedar, it will ensure countless summers of barbecues, picnics and outdoor parties. Red cedar is easy to drill, saw and shape, and it will keep its attractiveness for years.

Materials List

		Beginning with the table, measure and cut the five 2x6 slats to 60-inch lengths. Lay the slats on a clean and stable work surface with the most attractive sides down. Separate the slats with quarter-inch spacers, and be sure they are square. Then, clamp the slats together with a bar clamp.
		Next, construct the 2x4 cleats. Cut the cleats to 27" lengths and trim the ends at 45-degree angles starting 2"down from the top edge. Place a cleat on edge, 7" from each end of the table top. Allow a 3/4"margin from the table's edge.
		Using a combination countersink bit, drill two screw holes into the cleat above each slat, deep enough to set the screw heads below the surface. Fasten to the slats with 4" screws.
		Cut the legs to 39", with 38-degree parallel angles top and bottom.
		Loosely clamp the legs together at their centers with C clamps. Adjust the tension in the clamp until you can open the legs to make a cross with a 28-1/2"span on each side and tops and bottoms aligned. Mark along the side of each leg where they cross. Remove the clamp and cut the half laps from each 2x4 leg. Reclamp the legs in position.
		Attach the leg assemblies to the table top cleat with two 3-1/2" x 1/4" machine bolts at each connection.
		Mark and cut the table braces to fit between the table leg assembly and the table top with 45-degree angles at both ends.
		Attach the braces to the table top with 4" screws from below. Drill bolt holes through the "X" of the legs and completely through the angled ends of each 2x4 brace. Countersink the bolt holes to accommodate washers and nut. Then install the bolts and remove the clamps.
		For bench construction, you will follow the same basic directions you used for the table, except that the dimensions are different. For instance, use half-inch spacers separating the two seat slats. And the crossed bench legs should be cut at 24-degree angles rather than at 38 degrees. Note that the brace will need to be offset by one-half inch to accommodate the space between the slats.
		When finished with table and bench construction, sand with medium grade sandpaper and apply the finish of your choice.

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