Picnic tables are a staple for any backyard gathering, whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a quaint garden tea party, having the right table can make all the difference. So, grab your tools and join me as we share the top DIY picnic table designs with free plans. With a variety of styles and endless customization options, you'll be crafting your dream outdoor dining spot in no time! Let's dive in and get those creative juices flowing.
1. Best Convertible: Picnic Table Converts to Benches
Image Credit: STEPH99 via Ana White
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material, bolts and washers |
he tabletops rotate to form bench backs. Detailed plans give you step by step instruction to build this multi-use outdoor staple for your deck or patio.
2. Best Open Seat Octagon: Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material |
This is a more complicated plan, that does use more materials, but it is worth the investment for the comfort and coziness it provides.
3. Best Square: Square Picnic Table
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material |
Everything you love about the classic picnic table, but in a cozier, updated design!
4. Best for Big Gatherings: Long Picnic Table
Image Credit: MILLEALL via Ana White
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material |
Easy to build 8 foot long picnic table - seats more people, and more substantial (so won't blow away in the wind)!
5. Best Big Kids: Big Kids Picnic Table
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material |
Our favorite kids picnic table! Designed to fit bigger kids, this super sturdy picnic table is big enough to sit a small adult too! Super easy to build design has been built hundreds of times already!
6. Best Little Kids: Little Kids Picnic Table
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x material |
Build your own mini sized picnic table with our free plans. This toddler or preschool sized picnic table is one of the most popular plans. Due to the simple design, easy building instructions, and perfect sizing for littles, thousands of these tables have been built! We love this table as a gift too!
7. The Classic: Standard Size Easy Build Picnic Table
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material |
Build your own picnic table in a standard size for easy outdoor dining, for much less and buying.
8. Best Simple Octagon: Octagon Picnic Table
Image Credit: Reader Build via Ana White
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material |
Our octagon picnic table plans are free and easy to follow. Extending to eight feed wide, perfect for a large backyard BBQ. Tabletop is 64" wide. It's a big one!
9. Best Modern Kids: Modern Kids Picnic Table
Image Credit: ALEXE via Ana White
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material |
A modern take on the classic picnic table, in a mini size.
10. Best Themed: Nautical Picnic Table
Image Credit: Houseful of Handmade
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material |
A picnic table that looks like a pirate ship! Add an umbrella and every day dining is literally a breeze.
11. Best Beach/Lawn or Transportable: Low Boho Style Picnic Table
Image Credit: Scotshill House
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 4x material, bolts and washers |
Lounge in style with some large pillows and blankets, cozy up to this inviting setting!
12. Picnic Table with Seating on All Sides
Image Credit: Kreg Tool
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x, 2x and 4x material |
Build a picnic table with seating on all 4 sides to make room for the whole family!
13. Best New Modern Shape: Modern Picnic Table
Image Credit: Modern Builds
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material |
An beautiful and easy to build picnic table for kids, built using standard tools and materials. This modern design gives the table a unique look!
14. Best Timber/Modern Design: Timber Design Picnic Table
Image Credit: Strong Tie
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x and 6x material, strong drive timber screws |
Looking to make a statement? Here is a timeless timber frame design built with high quality materials. This table will last many years and won't blow away!
15. Picnic Table with Sandbox and Covered
Image Credit: Chantelle Lourens
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material |
Love this elevated sandbox picnic table with cover, your little ones will love it too!
16. Best for Hanging Lighting: Picnic Table with Trellis
Image Credit: East Coast Creative Blog
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Kreg Jig, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material |
Elevate your outdoor dining experience! Whether you are building a new picnic table or have an existing one, here is a great addition to give it that boho flair for the backyard.
17. Best for Beverages: Cooler Picnic Table
Image Credit: Do it Yourself
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, angle iron |
Upgrade the standard picnic table and add a place to keep drinks cold or display plants!
18. Best for Wheelchair: Accessible Picnic Table
Image Credit: Rogue Engineer
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 2x material |
Check out the story behind this build at Rogue Engineer. We love that they were able to help an outdoor camp that caters to our disabled friends, making this picnic table wheelchair accessible!
19. Best for Small Modern Spaces: Geo Modern Picnic Table for Kids
Image Credit: Lovely Indeed
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses |
| Materials: | 1x and 2x material, nut, bolts and washers |
Such a fun modern twist on this kids picnic table, they will love it!
20. Best Two Seater
Image Credit: Ana White
| Skill Level: | Intermediate Advanced |
|---|---|
| Tools Needed: | Tape Measure, Miter Saw, Drill, Sander, Safety Glasses, Clamps |
| Materials: | 2x4 and 2x6 lumber, 2-1/2" self tapping wood screws |
For small spaces, narrow decks or if you are looking for a picnic table that is easy to sit down at (no stepping over anything) this plan delivers! Plans are step by step with detailed diagrams, shopping list, cut list, and reader submitted photos.
