Build a Picnic Table

You can save money by building a picnic table from a kit. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I If bolts are too long, they could cause scratches or cuts. Cut them off with a hacksaw or cover them with plastic caps.

Picnic tables are great for outdoor dining, but have you checked out the prices on them lately? Don't worry. According to Beverly DeJulio, host of HGTV's HomeWise , you can buy a picnic table kit for about $30 and put it together yourself. It's easy.

Although kits from different manufacturers can vary, most will include pre-cut lumber and all the necessary fastening hardware.

Materials:

picnic table kit
drill, with drill bits and driver bits
wrenches
measuring tape
safety glasses

Steps:

1. Start by assembling the A-frame legs, which support both the table top and the bench seats. Insert carriage bolts (which have smooth tops and square "shoulders ") into the pre-drilled holes.
2. Next, lay the legs down with the bolt heads facing the floor, and slide the frame supports over the bolts (figure A).
3. Slide washers over the bolt ends, and tighten nuts over the washers (figure B).
4. Once the legs are assembled, you'll need to stabilize them. Drill pilot holes next to each carriage bolt head, and drive long screws to hold each joint in place (figure C).
5. After you get all the carriage bolts and stabilizing screws tightened, stand the support upright (figure D) and make sure all the angles are correct.
6. When both leg assemblies are together, it's time to attach the top of the table . You'll probably need an assistant for this step.
7. Measure and mark a line six inches from the ends of each tabletop board (figure E). Position the first board so that the line is even with the outside edge of the top crosspiece of the leg assembly.
8. Drill pilot holes into the board, and secure it to the crosspiece (figure F ).
9. Attach the remaining top planks in the same manner. Place a 1/2" spacer between each set of planks (figure G) to maintain proper spacing.
10. Use the same procedure to attach the seats to the leg assemblies.
11. Turn the table upside down and attach diagonal braces between the leg assemblies and the underside of the table top (figure H). The angles of the boards are pre-cut, so you can line them up, drill pilot holes and secure them with screws.
12. Attach a top stabilizer (figure I) to the underside of the table top. The stabilizer should be about four inches off-center so you won't have to drill through it if you want to make a hole for an umbrella.
13. Treat the wood with a water-repellent sealant. When the sealant is dry, you're ready to use the table.