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Things to Consider Before Building a Picnic Table

Ashwini Kulkarni Sule
A picnic can be a great source of relaxation, a break from the everyday routine that we all find ourselves mired in. However, to make the most of the picnic, you need to have a good picnic table. Here, we give you plans to make a picnic table yourself, that can save you quite a bit of money.
Holidays are the times to go backpacking with your friends and family. Along with your travel gear, you also need to carry picnic tables during a camping trip. Oftentimes, these picnic tables also serve a good purpose in our backyards or patios.
If you decide to buy a picnic table, then that would be quite an expensive affair. If you have a knack for carpentry then you can consider making a picnic table on your own. You may have to go through several plans to find one that suits your needs and specifications. Given next are some factors to be considered while making a picnic table.

Picnic Table Ideas

Size

The size of the picnic table would primarily depend upon the purpose of the picnic table. If you plan to take the picnic table outside, then it has to be compact and portable. A small table that can be assembled on-site is a great utility. A large, bulky picnic table is not suitable for carrying along in a vehicle.
However, if you are going to use it as an outdoor table, you might want to go for a large table that sits 5-7 people. For kids picnic tables, you will have to consider the size of the chairs. A large table with small chairs can comfortably accommodate 10-12 kids.

Wood

The type of wood is a vital factor to consider when designing a plan for a picnic table. The wood for the table must be strong, sturdy and capable of withstanding rough weather. If you plan to use it as an outdoor table, then it should sustain rain, snow and sun. Redwood, cedar and cypress are some types of wood that are commonly used to make picnic tables.
These are heartwoods or sapwoods, meaning the lumber comes from the center of the tree, which is rich in sap. These woods are rich in natural oils which protect the table in rough weather. Another option is to use pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is cheaper than natural wood and can also withstand all sorts of weather.

Materials

Apart from lumber, you will also need some additional materials such as screws, nuts, and bolts to secure the pieces of wood in place. Wood screws are preferable than iron screws, as they fit in more tightly. Iron screws loosen with time and eventually fall off.
The other materials used for making a picnic table should be weatherproof as well. Materials that get eroded easily may leave large stain marks on your table which look awful. Always buy quality materials from a reputed shop only.

Tools

If you are planning to do the job yourself, then you will need an array of tools and equipment. For fine cutting and fitting of lumber you need to have electric tools. An electric saw can cut the lumber accurately while an electric drill is useful in driving the screws deep inside.
The tools can even be hired. If you are a novice in this area, gain a little experience in handling electric tools before starting the project; even then make sure you follow all safety precautions.
You can find many plans on the Internet which can give you step by step instructions along with illustrations. You may have to make slight variations in the plan as per your individual measurements and designs.