Free eight sided octagonal picnic table plans.

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How to build

an octagonal Picnic Table

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About the lumber and dimensions.

All dimensions are in both Metric (mm) and Imperial (inches).
The size (width and thickness) of the lumber referred to throughout this project is the nominal
size. That is the size of the lumber before it has been dressed, planed and/or seasoned. When
the lumber has been dressed, planed and/or seasoned it is then called the 'actual size' which
is the true size. The actual size of lumber is smaller than the nominal size. For example:
150x50 (2x6) nominal size when dressed may become 140x45 (1 1/2"x 5 1/2") actual size and
100x50 (2x4) when dressed may become 90x45 (1 1/2"x 3 1/2") actual size.
Most Countries that use the Metric system generally put the bigger numeral first such as
100x50 (mm), whereas those that use the Imperial system generally put the smaller numeral
first such as 2x4 (inches).
The 'actual size' of the lumber can vary slightly from place to place but that should not have
any effect on the dimensions given throughout this project. What will vary, depending on the
actual size of the lumber, is the gap between each row of tabletop boards and seat boards
which does not really impact on the finished product.
Project update - The gap between the boards
If you are going to use stock that measures 150mm x 50mm (2 x 6), which is usually
lumber that has not been dressed, planed and/or seasoned, go to the plan drawings
below.
However... If you are going to use stock that has been dressed, planed and/or seasoned
and has a finished size of aproximately 140mm x 45mm (1 1/2"x 5 1/2"), then go to the
Revised plans.
Why?
Because if you use the drawings below and use 140mm x 45mm (1 1/2"x 5 1/2") stock,
you will end up with a gap of around 13mm (1/2") between each tabletop and seat board.
But, if you use the Revised plans and use the same stock size, you will end up with a
smaller gap, about 6mm (1/4") between each tabletop and seat board.

Instructions and drawings.

For 150mm x 50mm (2 x 6) stock size.

If you are using 140mm x 45mm

(1 1/2"x 5 1/2") stock go here.

The cutting list:

Seat and tabletop boards.
Use lumber that is suitable for exterior use.
Cut all the seat and tabletop boards to the dimensions as shown in the drawing below. The
lumber used for the seat and tabletop boards is 150x50 (2x6) stock. Cut eight pieces of each
length, making 56 pieces in all. Cut the longer pieces first to minimize wastage.

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The lumber cutting list: Table frame.

Cut all the table frame members to the dimensions as shown in the drawing below. The lumber
used for the table frame members is 100x50 (2x4) stock.

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Instructions: Upper and lower frames

Make up both the tabletop support upper frame (d, d1, d2) and the seat support lower frame (c,
c1, c2), on flat ground using the lumber in the cutting list above.
The center of both frames should be fixed as shown in drawing below, and the end outer
points of the frames (8 each frame) should be equal distances apart.
Nail three metal galvanized strap plates to the top side and to the underside of both frames
where they meet in the center (12 strap plates in all). See drawing below.

Instructions: Seat and table top boards.

Mark out from the center of both frames (measurements shown in diagram below) along every
arm of the two frames. These are used as guides for placing the boards. Nail the cut tabletop
boards (A's) to the upper frame (D's) beginning with the outer boards (longest boards). Ensure
the joins are in the middle of the frame arms and equal distance from the center point of the
frame. Continue around the frame with the next longest board and so on, until the table top is
complete.
Do the lower (seat) frame (C's) in the same way using the cut seat boards (B's).
Use 100mm (4") galvanized flathead nails to fix the boards to the frame. Drill nail holes first to
keep lumber from splitting.

Instructions: The legs.

Lay the finished table top upside down on even ground. Position the finished seat frame upside
down above the tabletop. Place packers or blocks under the seat frame until the seat frame
sits at the appropriate height above the tabletop frame. Position the legs in place as per below
drawing. Hold with clamps, drill and bolt.

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Eazy with a Z!
MATERIAL

USED FOR

AMOUNT

150x50 (2x6) stock

tabletop boards and seat boards

32 meters (110 ft)

100x50 (2x4) stock

frame and legs

24 meters (80 ft)

10mm x 110mm (3/8"x 4 1/2") galvanized carriage bolts

bolting legs to frame

16

4" galvanized flathead nails

300mm x 25mm (12" long x 1" wide ) galvanized strap

2kg (4.5lb)
Top and underside of frame centers

12

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