Building your own picnic table costs between €80 and €250 in materials, depending on the wood species and size. For comparison: a ready-made picnic table of similar quality easily costs €300 to €700. So you save a good amount, and you get exactly the size and style you want. In this article you’ll find a complete step-by-step guide with building plans, material lists, cost overviews and tips for both a standard picnic table and a children’s picnic table. No experience needed – a circular saw, drill and a free afternoon are enough.
DIY vs Buying: How Much Do You Save?
Before you start, it’s useful to know what you actually save. The price difference depends on the wood species and size.
| DIY | Ready-made | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard picnic table (6 pers.) | €80 – €150 | €250 – €500 |
| Picnic table 8 persons | €120 – €250 | €400 – €700 |
| Children’s picnic table | €40 – €80 | €80 – €200 |
| Hardwood picnic table | €200 – €400 | €500 – €1,200 |
| Savings | 40-60% | – |
Besides the savings you have full control over the dimensions, wood species and finish. A custom-sized picnic table fits in any garden, even if you have an awkward corner or a small patio.
When buying is smarter: if you don’t have tools and need to buy those too, the price advantage can evaporate. A circular saw and drill together easily cost €100-€200. Already have them? Then DIY is almost always cheaper.
Types of Picnic Tables
Not every picnic table is the same. The four most commonly built models at a glance:
Classic A-Frame
The most commonly built model. Two A-shaped legs with a tabletop and two benches. Sturdy, timeless and relatively simple to build. This is the model you’ll learn to build step by step in this article.
Advantages: proven design, stable, easy to replicate
Disadvantages: hard to move, standard appearance
Modern (Straight Frame)
Straight legs instead of A-legs. Sleeker appearance, suits a modern garden better. Slightly harder to make stable – you need more cross bracing.
Advantages: clean design, works well with modern gardens
Disadvantages: less stable without extra reinforcement, slightly more material needed
Round Picnic Table
Round tabletop with curved benches. Ideal for larger groups because everyone can face each other. Much more complex to build due to angled cuts.
Advantages: social, lots of seating, unique look
Disadvantages: complex build, more timber needed, hard to move
Children’s Picnic Table
Scaled-down version of the A-frame, sized for children aged 3-10. Seat height of about 30 cm instead of 45 cm. A fun starter project if you don’t have much experience yet.
Advantages: quick to make (2 hours), little material, fun project with kids
Disadvantages: children outgrow it
Dimensions: What Size Do You Need?
The right dimensions determine whether your picnic table is comfortable. Below are the standard sizes per format.
| Format | Tabletop (L x W) | Seat height | Table height | Bench depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 persons | 120 x 70 cm | 45 cm | 75 cm | 25 cm |
| 6 persons (standard) | 150 x 75 cm | 45 cm | 75 cm | 30 cm |
| 8 persons | 200 x 80 cm | 45 cm | 75 cm | 30 cm |
| Children’s table (3-10 years) | 90 x 50 cm | 28-32 cm | 55 cm | 22 cm |
Rules of thumb:
– Allow 60 cm seat width per person
– The angle of the A-legs is ideally 60 degrees
– Keep at least 25 cm overhang of the tabletop on both sides of the legs
Outdoor Wood Species: Which Wood Do You Choose?
The wood species determines how long your picnic table lasts, what it looks like and what it costs. Not every wood is suitable for outdoor use.
| Wood species | Outdoor durability | Price (approx./m) | Maintenance | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spruce (pressure-treated) | Fair | €2 – €4 | Annual staining | 8-12 years |
| Douglas fir | Good | €4 – €7 | Oil every 2 years | 15-20 years |
| Larch | Good | €5 – €8 | Oil every 2 years | 15-20 years |
| Oak | Very good | €8 – €15 | Minimal | 25+ years |
| Bangkirai/hardwood | Excellent | €10 – €20 | Minimal | 30+ years |
Recommendation Per Budget
- Budget (€80-€120): pressure-treated spruce. Widely available at every DIY store. Downside: turns grey quickly without treatment and is less durable.
- Mid-range (€120-€200): Douglas fir or larch. Beautiful warm colour, naturally weather-resistant, great value for money. This is the sweet spot for most home builders.
- Premium (€200+): oak or bangkirai. Lasts decades, but the price matches. Only worth it if you’re building a table you want to use for 20+ years.
Note: always buy wood with FSC or PEFC certification. That’s sustainably harvested and widely available without any extra cost.
Required Materials and Tools
Material List (standard 6-person A-frame)
| Part | Material | Dimension | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tabletop | Planks 28 x 145 mm | 150 cm | 5 |
| Benches | Planks 28 x 145 mm | 150 cm | 4 (2 per bench) |
| A-legs | Beams 45 x 70 mm | 80 cm | 4 |
| Top cross beam | Beam 45 x 70 mm | 75 cm | 2 |
| Bottom cross beam | Beam 45 x 70 mm | 120 cm | 1 |
| Braces | Beam 45 x 45 mm | 60 cm | 2 |
Fixings
- Stainless steel wood screws 5 x 60 mm (approx. 50 pieces)
- Stainless steel wood screws 5 x 80 mm (approx. 20 pieces)
- Stainless steel bolts M10 x 120 mm with nut and washer (8 pieces) – for the A-legs
- Wood glue (waterproof, D3 or D4)
Why stainless steel? Ordinary galvanised screws rust after 2-3 years outdoors. Stainless steel costs a bit more, but prevents ugly rust stains and keeps the structure solid for years.
Tools
Minimum needed:
– Circular saw or handheld circular saw
– Drill / cordless drill
– Sander (or sandpaper 80 and 120 grit)
– Combination square
– Tape measure
– Pencil
– Spirit level
– Clamps (minimum 4)
Handy but not necessary:
– Mitre saw (for angled cuts on A-legs)
– Router (for rounding edges)
– Countersink drill bit
Step-by-Step Guide: Build a Picnic Table in 10 Steps
Step 1: Cut All Timber to Size
Cut all parts to size according to the material list. Cut both ends of the A-legs at a 30-degree angle (so they form a 60-degree angle when placed against each other).
Tip: cut all identical parts in one go by clamping them together. That way you know for certain they’re exactly the same length.
Common mistake: cutting the angle of the A-legs wrong. Use an adjustable bevel and draw the line first. Measure twice, cut once.
Step 2: Sand All Parts
Sand all parts before you start assembling. That’s much easier than sanding when the table is already put together. Start with 80 grit to remove rough spots, finish with 120 grit for a smooth surface.
Tip: round off the top edges of the seat planks and tabletop slightly with sandpaper or a router. This prevents splinters – especially important if children will sit at the table.
Tip: with professional building plans you save time and materials. At fredsdiyplans.com you’ll find building plans for picnic tables in various sizes, including material lists and step-by-step instructions.
Step 3: Assemble the A-Legs
Lay two leg beams crosswise with the ends at the correct width (75 cm at the top, 95 cm at the bottom). Pre-drill and secure them with an M10 bolt, nut and washer at the crossing point.
Note: place the bolt from the outside in, with the nut on the inside. This keeps the outside smooth with no protruding metal to bump against.
Step 4: Mount the Cross Beams
Attach the top cross beam (75 cm) to the top of each A-leg. The tabletop will rest on these later. Use wood screws 5 x 80 mm and always pre-drill to prevent splitting.
Attach the bottom cross beam (120 cm) halfway up the A-legs on the outside. This beam connects the two A-frames and gives the structure its stability.
Step 5: Fit the Braces
Attach the two diagonal braces (45-degree angle) between the top cross beam and the bottom cross beam. The braces prevent the table from wobbling forwards or backwards.
Common mistake: leaving out the braces. Without braces the table will wobble within a few months, especially on soft ground.
Step 6: Mount the Benches
Lay the bench planks on the A-legs, at the height of the bottom cross beam. Leave equal overhang on both sides (about 25 cm). Secure with wood screws 5 x 60 mm – two screws per plank per leg.
Tip: leave 1 cm gap between the two bench planks. This allows water to drain and prevents moisture from pooling.
Step 7: Mount the Tabletop
Lay the five tabletop planks on the top cross beams. Space them evenly with about 5 mm gaps. Secure each plank with two screws per cross beam.
Tip: start with the two outer planks and work towards the middle. This lets you distribute the spacing evenly.
Step 8: Check Stability
Stand the table up and check with a spirit level that the tabletop is horizontal. Does it wobble? Check all legs are the same length and sand the bottom of a leg if needed.
Test the sturdiness by sitting on the benches from all sides. The table shouldn’t wobble or creak. Hear creaking? Tighten the screws or add extra screws.
Step 9: Finish and Protect
Apply a protective coat (see the section “Finishing and weather protection” below). Do this before placing the table outside – untreated wood absorbs moisture immediately.
Step 10: Placement
Place the table on a flat, stable surface. On grass? Consider placing paving slabs or concrete tiles under the legs. This prevents the legs from sinking into the ground and stops moisture from attacking the wood from below.
Building a Children’s Picnic Table
A children’s picnic table is an ideal starter project. It’s smaller, you need less material and it’s done in 2-3 hours. Plus, it’s a fun project to do together with children.
Children’s Picnic Table Dimensions
| Part | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Tabletop (L x W) | 90 x 50 cm |
| Seat height | 28-32 cm |
| Table height | 52-55 cm |
| Leg width at top | 50 cm |
| Leg width at bottom | 65 cm |
Adjusted Material List
| Part | Dimension | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Tabletop planks 18 x 120 mm | 90 cm | 4 |
| Bench planks 18 x 120 mm | 90 cm | 4 |
| A-legs 35 x 55 mm | 55 cm | 4 |
| Top cross beam 35 x 55 mm | 50 cm | 2 |
| Bottom cross beam 35 x 55 mm | 80 cm | 1 |
Cost: approximately €40-€80, depending on the wood species.
Building Tips for a Children’s Picnic Table
- Use thinner timber (18 mm instead of 28 mm). Children weigh less and thinner timber is easier to work with.
- Round all edges extra well. Children fall, bump and grab everywhere. Use 120 grit sandpaper or a router.
- Don’t use toxic stain or paint. Choose a water-based stain that’s safe for children (look for the EN-71 mark, the toy safety standard).
- Keep the structure extra light. A children’s picnic table that’s easy to move gets used much more often.
- Consider a cheerful colour. A yellow, blue or green children’s picnic table is a hit in any garden.
Finishing and Weather Protection
Untreated outdoor wood deteriorates quickly. Within 1-2 seasons it turns grey, and after 5 years untreated spruce needs replacing. A good finish doubles the lifespan.
Wood Protection Options
| Type | Protection | Appearance | Maintenance | Price (1L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stain (opaque) | Very good | Solid colour, grain hidden | Every 3-4 years | €15 – €25 |
| Stain (transparent) | Good | Grain visible, light colour | Every 2-3 years | €15 – €25 |
| Wood oil | Good | Natural, enriches wood colour | Annually | €20 – €30 |
| Scaffold board stain | Good | Greyed/weathered effect | Every 2-3 years | €12 – €20 |
| Paint | Very good | Fully opaque, any colour | Every 4-5 years | €20 – €35 |
How Do You Apply the Protection?
- Make sure the wood is dry and clean. Sand the surface lightly with 120 grit if it has been treated before.
- Apply the first coat thinly with a wide brush or roller. Work with the grain.
- Let dry for 4-6 hours (or according to the instructions on the packaging).
- Sand lightly between coats with 180-220 grit. This ensures adhesion of the second coat.
- Apply a second coat. Two thin coats protect better than one thick coat.
- Treat the underside and end grain too. These are the spots where moisture gets in first – and they’re most often forgotten.
Common mistake: only treating the top surface. Moisture penetrates through the underside and end grain (cut surfaces). Always treat the entire piece.
Common Mistakes
These are the mistakes we see most often with DIY builders. Avoid them and your picnic table will last years longer.
- Using ordinary (galvanised) screws. After 2-3 seasons they rust, leave ugly stains and lose their holding power. Always use stainless steel.
- Not pre-drilling. Wood splits when you drive screws in without pre-drilling, especially at the end grain and with harder wood species.
- Leaving out the braces. Without diagonal braces your table will wobble within a few months. This is the most common construction mistake.
- Too little gap between planks. Without gaps (5-10 mm) water pools and the wood rots faster.
- Leaving untreated wood outdoors. Even pressure-treated wood benefits from an extra protective coat. Untreated wood turns grey and cracks within 1-2 seasons.
- Placing the table directly on grass. The legs are in permanent contact with moisture. Place tiles or concrete slabs under the legs.
- Not levelling. A table that’s not level is annoying to use and stresses the structure unevenly, leading to faster wear.
Maintenance: Making Your Picnic Table Last for Years
An outdoor wooden picnic table needs regular maintenance. The good news: it takes little time if you do it consistently.
Annual Maintenance
- Clean: brush the table clean in spring with a stiff brush and lukewarm soapy water. Remove green algae with a special algae remover. Don’t use a pressure washer – it drives water deep into the wood and damages the fibres.
- Check: check screws and bolts for looseness. Tighten where needed.
- Touch up: apply a new coat of oil or stain on spots where the protection has worn off (tabletop, benches).
Every 2-3 Years
- Fully sand with 80-120 grit
- Re-treat with two coats of stain or oil
- Check the structure for cracks or rot. Replace affected parts promptly.
Winter Storage Tips
- Ideal: store the table in a shed or under a covered area in winter
- No shed? Use a breathable cover (not plastic – that traps moisture and promotes mould growth)
- Tip the table on its side if you leave it outdoors – this helps the wood dry faster after rain
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a picnic table?
Expect 4-6 hours for a standard 6-person picnic table, including cutting, sanding and assembly. A children’s picnic table is done in 2-3 hours. Add half a day for finishing (staining or oiling), including drying time.
What’s the best wood for an outdoor picnic table?
Douglas fir or larch offer the best value for money. They’re naturally weather-resistant, have a beautiful warm colour and last 15-20 years with good maintenance. Pressure-treated spruce is the budget option, but lasts less long (8-12 years).
Do you need a building plan?
A detailed building plan is useful but not strictly necessary. With the dimensions and step-by-step guide in this article you have enough information to build a sturdy picnic table. Want a building plan anyway? Search for “picnic table building plan PDF” – there are free plans available with exact measurements.
Can a beginner build a picnic table?
Yes. A classic A-frame picnic table is one of the most accessible woodworking projects. You need basic tools (saw, drill, sander) and it helps if you’ve worked with wood before, but it’s not a requirement. Start with a children’s picnic table as a first project if needed.
How much does it cost to build a picnic table yourself?
Between €80 and €250 for a standard 6-person model, depending on the wood species. Pressure-treated spruce is cheapest (€80-€120), Douglas fir is mid-range (€120-€180) and hardwood costs €200+. Add about €15-€30 for screws, bolts and wood protection.
Ready to start building with professional plans? At fredsdiyplans.com you’ll find building plans for picnic tables in various sizes, complete with material lists and step-by-step instructions.
How do you make a picnic table weather-resistant?
Apply at least two coats of stain or wood oil, including the underside and end grain. Use stainless steel fixings. Don’t place the table directly on grass – use tiles instead. Cover the table in winter or bring it inside. With these measures even spruce will last 10+ years.
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