People who love throwing backyard parties and barbeques see the necessity of having a picnic table. Though it is possible to buy a picnic table, building one using picnic table plans is a better proposition. By building your own picnic table, you can customize it as per your requirements, taste and design.
There are various types of picnic tables you can build at home. You can build octagon, hexagon or rectangular picnic tables, round or square ones, fold-able picnic tables and even picnic tables with attached benches. The choice is based on your expertise at woodworking and the number of people you intend to have using it. It also depends on whether kids or adults will be using the table and where you plan to keep the table.
First-timers should attempt the classic picnic table
If this is the first project you are doing, it’s better to opt for the classic, square picnic table without attached benches. However if you are an expert woodworker, you can use your imagination, skills and the right picnic table plans to create something unique and special.
Besides the shape of the picnic table, you have to choose your picnic table plans based on any specific styles you wish to implement in it. You could want to place an umbrella in its middle or you may opt to have attached benches, which is best if the picnic table is meant for children. If you plan to use the table with friends and colleagues, tables with non-attached benches are a better option as it provides extra space.
Look for easy-to-follow plan
You have to carefully choose your picnic table plans as they mainly have to be easy to follow, and come with lots of illustrations you can use for reference purposes while building your table. Moreover, if this is your first project, it’s better if you choose plans that come with additional instructions on basic woodworking.
Picnic table plans can be bought or are available for free on the internet. However you have to be careful while using free plans as they may not provide all the information you require to build a great picnic table. Sometimes they may miss out on some important instructions or may miss mentioning some important tool or material required to build a picnic table.
Wood and tools required
The best picnic table plans are of course, those that have a detailed list of materials and tools required to build the table. There is a variety of wood you can choose from for making your table. The most economical lumber of choice is pressure treated pine. It is able to withstand rot, insects, rain, sun and snow. Cedar or redwood can be also for its durability in harsh weather conditions and is resistant to rot and insects.
A circular saw with a good sharp blade is needed for cutting your boards to length . A cordless drill for drilling holes for hardware and putting in the screws you are going to use. A tape measure and a carpenters square for laying out your cuts are all the tools needed for your project. It’s better to use coated screws that are resistant to rust, instead of nails as comparatively, they have better holding power in the long run
Using these tips, you will be able to choose the best picnic table plans for help in building your picnic table. You can complete this great home project in weekend start to finish.
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