Making a Picnic Table

What You'll Need

• 6 pieces of 2x6x8 select redwood boards
• 2 2x4x8 select redwood boards
• 2 2x2x8 redwood boards
• 4 3/8"x3 1/2" galvanized carriage bolts
• 2 3/8" x2" galvanized carriage bolts
• 6 3/8" galvanized washers
• 6 3/8" galvanized nuts
• 7/16" paddle bit
• 6" speed square
• 2 wood clamps
• Driver attachment
• Table saw
• Chop saw
• Socket Set
• Hammer
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Screw gun
• Hardware: small box of 2.5 inch redwood deck screws

Instructions

First, you need to measure and cut the lumber to size with the chop saw. Cut the 6 pieces of 2x6x8 down to 72 inches. These boards will form the surface of your table. Next, cut the stringers, which bind the tabletop together. Cut one of the 2x2x8 boards down to 3 pieces, 30 3/4 inches in length. Next, cut the legs out of the 2x4x8 by setting your saw at a 25 degree angle with a length of 32 inches from long point to short point. Last, cut the diagonal support, which prevents the legs from buckling from the last 2x2x8. Set the saw to a 45 degree angle, cutting 24 inches long point to long point.

Utilizing your miter guide, carefully guide the wood from left to right back and forth, removing no more than 1/8 of an inch per pass. The pieces fit together to form an "X". For extra stability, apply some wood glue to the halflap channel before joining the two pieces. Clamp one of the 3 stringer pieces to the top of the leg assembly. Again, for extra durability use some glue between the two pieces. Then drill a 7/16" hole through both the stringer and the leg piece on both sides using the paddle bit.

Pound 3 1/2" carriage bolts through the holes with a hammer. Tighten and secure with a washer on the other side. Repeat the above using a 2 inch carriage bolt in the middle of the halflap. Lay all 6 2x6x72" pieces that compose the table top next to each other face down. Leave a 1/8 of an inch gap between the boards to allow the wood to expand. Set the legs on the exposed underside in their final position and drill pilot holes along the stringer.

Next, affix the legs to the table by going through the pilot holes in the stringer with the 2 1/2 deck screws. Install a diagonal 24 inch 2x2 support beam between the leg and the table using deck screws. Screw in a third stringer halfway between the two leg assemblies.

Enjoy your picnic table.