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Octagon Picnic Table

Submitted by Ana White on Tue, 2011-03-15 05:39
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Octagon Picnic Table

About Project

An eight sided picnic table, extending eight feed wide, perfect for a large backyard BBQ. Tabletop is 64" wide.

Author Notes: 

Thank you to everyone that requested this picnic table, the octagon or 8 sided picnic table plans.  This is a large table, eight feet in diameter at it's widest, so be aware of that before you get your saw out.  


I'm so glad we are getting these plans done now, instead of when summer shows up for me!  Although, I will admit, I'm a little envious of you all right about now.  While thankful for the sunlight, we are a long ways from seeing anything but white.

And a quick update on the moving status . . . I've opened up the Plan Posts and Blog Posts (yes, you can blog your building journey with blogs posts too) and some of you have already posted plans!  Thank you so much, I'll be adding a thumbnail group on the front page of Blog Posts (I'm going to use this as my journal and also to keep everyone updated on what's going on in Alaska) and also one for community contributed plans.  So look for that soon, and let me know if there is anything I can do to simplify posting.  Remember, the goal is more building, less browsing!

We are getting so close to changing the domain over!  This Friday is the plan, so don't forget to move your To-Do Lists, print out any plans you are in the middle of, or bookmark those plans on the new site.

Our Community is also getting migrated, so all the valuable information that our readers have contributed will not be lost.  And The Community is going to be directly integrated into the site, so I'm looking forward to that too!

And one more note, I've spent much time considering the different ways to construct this picnic table.  I encourage you to review this plan and also the Hexagon Picnic Table Plans because I purposely chose different assembly methods so you can pick what works for you.

Okay, more building, less babbling too!  Here's the plan!

Dimensions

Dimensions: 
Octagon Picnic Table
Dimensions: 
Dimensions are shown above. This table is LARGE. And it will be heavy.

Materials and Tools

Shopping List: 
10 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
15 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long

2 1/2 inch screws
2 1/2 inch pocket hole screws
wood glue
wood filler
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Tools: 
measuring tape
square
pencil
hammer
safety glasses
hearing protection
Kreg Jig™
drill
compound miter saw
sander
level
countersink drill bit

Cut List

Cut List: 
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 62" (Longest Point - Both ends tapered back at 30 degrees off square, NOT parallel to each other)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 30 1/2" (Longest Point - One end at 30 degrees off square)
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 29 15/16" (Longest Point - One end at 30 degrees off square, other end at a point, 45 degrees off square)
  • 8 - 2x6 @ 4 9/16" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
  • 8 - 2x6 @ 9 1/2" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
  • 8 - 2x6 @ 14 7/16" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
  • 8 - 2x6 @ 19 5/16" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
  • 8 - 2x6 @ 24 1/4" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
  • 8 - 2x6 @ 32 15/16" (Both ends at 30 degrees off square, parallel to each other)
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 95" (Longest Point - Both ends tapered in at 30 degrees off square)
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 46 3/4" (Longest Point - One end at 30 degrees off square)
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 46 7/16" (Longest Point - One end at 30 degrees off square, other end at a point, 45 degrees off square)
  • 8 - 2x6 @ 31 13/16" (Longest Point - Both ends at 22 1/2 degrees off square)
  • 8 - 2x6 @ 36 3/4" (Both ends at 30 degrees off square, parallel to each other)
Cutting Instructions: 
UPDATE: One of our readers built this table and felt it could use a little more leg room. He suggested extending out the seat boards by 4" all the way around, and removing the inner seat board and adding a seat board to the outside to increase leg room. It is recommended that you cut as you go, as boards can vary in width - especially the tabletop and seat boards. As you cut your boards, make every effort to reuse angled cuts when possible to minimize waste. Try when possible to cut the longest cuts first. You may need more or less boards depending on how you lay your cuts out.

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Step 1

Octagon Picnic Table

I wanted to add a diagram so that you can take measurements of the leg room.

Step 2

Octagon Picnic Table

It starts with a big X. Be sure you are working on a very flat, level surface. Use pocket hole screws and glue to joint in the center as shown above. You could also use metal straps or plates but you can only place the metal plates on the bottom side.

Step 3

Octagon Picnic Table

You will then need to carefully cut the remaining supports as shown above (click for a larger view) and add, with 22 1/2 degree angles between the "spokes". Pocket holes or metal brackets.

Step 4

Octagon Picnic Table

Layout all of the tabletop boards first and adjust as necessary. The tabletop boards should meet in the center of the "spokes". Screw down, two screws per board, predrilled.

Step 5

Octagon Picnic Table

Flip the tabletop over and measure in on all the legs 7". Mark and begin attaching legs. You will know your legs are at the right angle by placing a level on top of the legs. When the level reads level, you are at the correct angle, and you can screw the legs to the tabletop "spokes".

Step 6

Octagon Picnic Table

Mark all of your legs as shown above. Start by adding the longest remaining support as shown above. TIP: For added strength, rotate the full length support to 90 degrees from the full length tabletop support. This is shown incorrectly above.

Step 7

Octagon Picnic Table

Then add the two supports cut straight on one end as shown above.

Step 8

Octagon Picnic Table

As you did the tabletop, add the remaining lower supports.

Step 9

Octagon Picnic Table

Flip the table back over and screw down the seat boards as shown above.  This time, start to the outside and work your way inward.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions: 
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
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Submitted by deanna_g on Tue, 2011-03-15 13:44. #
How many do you think it'll seat?

So I'm trying to figure out whether to make the hexagon or octagon tables. The way I figure, at almost 41" long seats on the hexagon table, I can probably fit 1-2 adults per "seat". With the octagon, at almost 37", maybe one adult on each seat and one on each corner? 


It's hard for me to say without actually setting out a template. What do you think, Ana?

 
Submitted by Rachelle (not verified) on Tue, 2011-03-15 13:57. #
Thanks so much for this


Thanks so much for this plan.  I was also rooting for the larger table.  When there are already 5 people living at your house and you invite someone over, it's nice to be able to seat more than 6. 


 
Submitted by Marley and Me on Tue, 2011-05-03 00:21. #
On-Time Plan

Not two weeks before this plan posted, my friend commented that she REALLY wanted a "round" picnic table, but that all the octagonal tables she saw were priced from $400 ~ $800. My reply was that we should build one. Then, this plan popped up on my Facebook page. Talk about good timing!


We had absolutely no trouble following this plan. However, in the very last cut on the list, 8 - 2x6 @ 36 3/4" (Both ends at 30 degrees off square, parallel to each other) are called for. We found that this angle didn't line up with the angle for the cut listed above it. For us, both boards had to be cut at 22 1/2. (And, the angles should be NOT parallel). Is anyone else having the same issue? Thanks in advance!

 
Submitted by Jeremy Hill (not verified) on Tue, 2012-05-08 23:42. #
I agree

After looking into your problem, I agree. The 36 3/4" boards for the outer layer of the seat should have angles of 22 1/2" on each end NOT parallel. Good catch. That will save me some wood and a little headache when I make mine. Thanks

 
Submitted by Zee (not verified) on Fri, 2011-05-06 12:07. #
scaling down...

I want to build this table for my daughters American Girl Dolls, 16" in height, any idea's on what "size" of person this table would be considered average for? or what % reduction i'd need to apply for use with 16" dolls?

Thanks.

 
Submitted by Ladybrinx (not verified) on Fri, 2011-06-10 21:56. #
LOVE IT!

I want to build one of these too! Love the table, thanks for the plans.. I too would like to build one American girl size...that would be AWESOME!

 
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Thu, 2011-10-27 21:50. #
Umbrella?

Any ideas how to add an umbrella without compromising the strength of this?

 
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Thu, 2012-03-29 16:02. #
step # 6 question

In step 6 whys is the support on one side of the table set at 15 inches from the bottom of the leg and the other is set at 13 inches from the bottom of the leg? Is that correct?

 
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Fri, 2012-03-30 00:47. #
Step 6

The 15 inch is the measurement of the angle up to the bottom of the leg and the 13 inch is straight up from the support to the bottom of the leg

 
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on Tue, 2012-04-10 23:55. #
leg room

To get more leg room an option would be to overhang the outer seat board 2x6 by 1 inch and use a 2x4 for the inner seat board. you would gain 3 inches or more depending on how much you overhang the outer 2x6.

 
Submitted by Jeremy Hill (not verified) on Tue, 2012-05-08 23:47. #
Any alteratives to the Kreg joint?

I don't have a Kreg jig. Don't really want to buy one either. Is there another way to join the cross members with out having to buy the Kreg jig? Thanks

 

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