Q&A for How to Build a Picnic Table

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I want a nice picnic table but labor is really expensive where I live. Is it cheaper to just buy one pre-made or try to build it myself?

Sina Kamran
Hardscape Specialist
Sina Kamran is a Hardscaping Specialist and the Owner of Design Scapes, Inc. in Santa Monica, California. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in customized, site-specific hardscaping and landscaping design/build projects. He's a certified National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) designer, a certified installer with the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), and a Rain Bird Certified Irrigation Professional. Additionally, Design Scapes, Inc. has many 5-star rated reviews.

Sina Kamran

Hardscape Specialist

Expert Answer

In areas with high labor rates, like California, it usually makes more sense cost-wise to buy a pre-made picnic table online. You can find decent ready-made ones on Amazon or Ebay for about a third of what a custom build would run. Building it yourself can be rewarding, but is rarely the economical option when labor is pricey. However, if you have a very specific design in mind and want something truly custom, then paying more for bespoke work might be worth it to you. Overall, for general savings, go pre-made when local construction is at a premium.

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Question

What type of wood should I use for an outdoor table or bar?

Sina Kamran
Hardscape Specialist
Sina Kamran is a Hardscaping Specialist and the Owner of Design Scapes, Inc. in Santa Monica, California. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in customized, site-specific hardscaping and landscaping design/build projects. He's a certified National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) designer, a certified installer with the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), and a Rain Bird Certified Irrigation Professional. Additionally, Design Scapes, Inc. has many 5-star rated reviews.

Sina Kamran

Hardscape Specialist

Expert Answer

When constructing an outdoor table or bar for your home, consider opting for materials such as pressure-treated wood, cedar, redwood, cypress, pine, or oak. Redwood, in particular, is a good choice as it withstands outdoor conditions well.

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Question

How far do the picnic-table legs need to be to prevent tipping?

Community Answer

The legs where they touch the ground should measure the same distance as the outside edge of the benches. Leg tips span 55 inches.

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Question

How can I print these steps out?

Community Answer

On this page, where the instructions and videos are, hold the ctrl and P keys at the same time. It will make you a printable version of the instructions.

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Question

How long does it take to build a picnic table?

Colin Knight

Community Answer

You can do it in about 2 hours start to finish. If you'd like to take your time, street house it out, or don't have a power saw, it can take around 3 hours.

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Question

How many pieces of wood do I need?

Community Answer

You'll need 14 6' 2x6s. You can have 7 12' 2x6s cut in half at the store. Then you will need 2 8ft 2x4s to make the braces and your cuts for underneath the table.

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