How to make a wooden folding picnic table?

Hi All,

So happy to have found this workshop community. I am keen on making my first wood project in a decade!

I want to make a folding wooden picnic table like in the pictures. I needed helpwith the below questions if someone could assist:

- Am I going to be able to find all materials at Bunnings? If so, what should I ask for?
- Would I need to waterproof the wood/ paint?- What do I need in tools to make things easier for a novice like myself?

Any pointers to get me started are welcome! Or if you think it’s too tough for a novice, let me know also 🙂

Thankyou!

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Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @naila123. It's fabulous to have you join us and many thanks for your questions.

I think this is a perfect project to choose as a novice.

It appears that they have used 70mm treated pine decking for all of the timber. The timber is already waterproof but you can paint it with Dulux Weathershield to achieve a similar finish. They have sliced a board down the centre to make the braces for the legs and some standard door hinges have been used to allow them to fold. Suitable screws would be Zenith 8 - 10 x 30mm Treated Pine Countersunk Head Screws - 100 Pack. You might like to counter-sink these so they bite into the timber further.

You could construct this folding table with only a hand saw and a screwdriver, though a drill driver and circular saw would be helpful.

I've rendered the construction pieces to give you a slightly better idea of how it is put together.

Please let me know if you need further assistance or had questions.

Mitchell

Jason

Looking forward to seeing what you can create @naila123. Great to have you join the community.

Welcome,

Jason

Jjmelbs

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/10960#Comment_10960

Do you have a step by step plan on how to build the picnic table?

JaneK

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/68363#Comment_68363

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Jjmelbs! Thanks for joining the discussion.

Did you want to build the same type of table as the one in @naila123's photo? Or did you have something else in mind? Could you share a rough drawing or a photo of the type of picnic table you would like to build? That will help us to be able to help you. @MitchellMc should be able to give you some advice when he is back from his break on Friday.

In the meantime, we have step by step guides for a range of projects available in our How to section. Have you had a look at the advice that our community members have already shared in @Shagen's discussion about folding tables ?

We're here to help and are confident you will get plenty of helpful information, advice and inspiration from our amazing community members.

Jane

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/68363#Comment_68363

Hi @Jjmelbs,

Although there is no step-by-step guide available for this particular project, as it is contributed by a member, I'd still be happy to assist with any questions you might have. You'll see from the rendering I added above that there are minimal parts and steps to this project. Let me know if you get stuck on a specific part.

Mitchell

Poppyhill

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/97094#Comment_97094

Hello,

I'm currently making the above low picnic table, although I've put an edge around my table top. I've used recycled marbau decking and made it 2000mm x 800mm.

I have 2 questions. If I do the legs as above, will they be able to support the weight of the table, or am I better off doing 2 double folding trestle legs? And how do I figure out the angle to cut on the part of the leg that connects with the ground..? I hope that makes sense.

Thank you in advance:)

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/115597#Comment_115597

Thanks for joining in the discussion @Poppyhill. It's great to see you've been inspired to build your own picnic table, and to have you as part of the Bunnings Workshop community.

Mitch (who shared the plans above) is taking a well-earned break at the moment after the birth of his child. Our other resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert @EricL will be happy to assist when he is back on the site on Friday. In the meantime, let me tag some community members with loads of woodworking experience who might like to assist you, including @woodenwookie, @JDE, @kel, @r23on and @woodalwaysworks.

Please let me know if you ever need a hand getting the most from the Workshop site.

Thanks again,

Jason

woodalwaysworks

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/115597#Comment_115597

@Poppyhill

A dead simple way of working your angles out for the table legs is to cut them after you’ve made the table.

Make all the legs longer than they need to be but equal.

Once your table is built, stand it up right,check that is is all level, use packers under the leg to equal this if required then place a straight piece of timber along the floor next to the legs on one side and draw a line. This will give you your angle.

Repeat on the other side

Take your time with your cuts and cut on the same side of your marked line for all four legs

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/125706#Comment_125706

Hello @Poppyhill

Thank you for sharing your query about the legs for a picnic table.

It's great that you've received excellent advice from one of our experienced members @woodalwaysworks. Another way to imagine the build is to make a letter "H" with the top of the letter closer to one another almost like an "A" but with the top open. You then place your horizontal timber supports one at the top and one close to the center.

Following woodalwaysworks advice make sure that the table is level before marking the bottom of the legs for cutting.

If you need more advice or information please let us know.

Eric

patrick123

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/10960#Comment_10960

Thanks @MitchellMc for providing clear instructions and links to the materials.

The link to the 70mm treated pine decking is not working but Bunnings do sell these treated pines and I’ve purchased them to make the picnic table.

Can I please ask @MitchellMc @EricL @woodalwaysworks - would you know if these pines are CCA or ACQ treated? If it’s CCA, is it safe to use as a picnic table?

I did a bit of research (after making the table unfortunately) and found the following - the “APVMA implemented a number of restrictions on CCA that became
effective in March 2006. The main implementation affecting the public is that CCA is no longer used to treat timber for structures where there is frequent and intimate contact, such as playground equipment, picnic tables, handrails, decking boards, garden furniture and exterior seating.”

Appreciate any advice to my concerns, thanks!

woodalwaysworks

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/70568#Comment_70568

They will be ACQ treated, which is alkaline Copper. This passes Australian safety standards from what I’m aware.

The only materials I’m aware of which are still using CCa treatment is fencing palings and possibly rails.

If you want to stay away from chemicals then stick to original Hardwoods. Just be prepared to pay more per meter. You also get durability though

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/98404#Comment_98404

Hi @patrick123,

It's great to see @woodalwaysworks has provided a helpful reply. You really just need to stick away from H4 treated sleepers, which are still commonly CCA treated.

Please let us know if you have further questions.

Mitchell

patrick123

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/115939#Comment_115939

Thanks @woodalwaysworks and @MitchellMc for your prompt responses.

I reached out to Bunnings head office customer resolutions before I saw your reply and was told the following:

”In regards to product 90 x 22mm 2.4m Decking H3 Treated Pine - I/N: 8032583. The timber buyer has stated ‘The decking in question is actually LOSP treated so essentially fine for a picnic table'”.

Sounds like either ACQ or LOSP is fine for a picnic table, which is great to know.

Thanks again!

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/125932#Comment_125932

Hi @patrick123,

I can't recall the last time I saw pine decking treated with CCA, but it would have been many years ago. ACQ treated pine started becoming readily available in the early 2000s. You can rest assured that we switched to its use for items like decking as soon as regulations came into effect.

I'm not sure where "In-store team members would previously advise that it's CCA treated." is from. If you've been advised of this recently by a team member, I would be happy to contact the store to discuss with them to find out what the confusion surrounding treatment is. We certainly don't want to be telling customers a product has an arsenic-based treatment when it doesn't.

Commonly, decking would be treated with ACQ, but in this case, the buyer has replied that it is LOSP, which is equally safe to use.

You can paint directly over the treated pine, but Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer & Undercoat 500mL would assist its adhesion.

Mitchell

patrick123

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/132632#Comment_132632

Thank you @MitchellMc! I’ve found this community to be incredibly helpful and it’s very much appreciated.

Have an awesome weekend 😃

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/136723#Comment_136723

Keep us updated, @patrick123; I can't wait to see your finished results!

Given lockdown in Sydney is ending in a couple of days, this table would be awesome to take to the local park for a picnic. I was at the park the other day and a family had lugged down their entire full-sized outdoor hardwood setting. It brought a smile to my face, but this would be much more convenient.

Mitchell

smileyclaire

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/10960#Comment_10960

Hi,

I am wanting to make this exact table ( x4) for my daughters birthday party. I am going to make them 1.2m long. Would love some help on how to do the legs in terms the lengths of wood needed etc? Any help would be appreciated - I have trawled the net for several hours and have not had much luck.

Also the treated pine decking - would that be my best option if I want these to be light so easy to transport?

Thanks so much.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/72494#Comment_72494

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @smileyclaire. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about constructing a picnic table.

The length of the leg will very much be determined by the angle at which you attach it and the overall height you'd like the table to sit at. I'd suggest you create them oversized and then trim them back to suit. I've created the rendering below for you, so I could have a bit of a play to try and determine a suitable length. With a leg length of 33cm, attached at a 22.5-degree angle, it gives you around 28cms of height from the ground to the bottom of the tabletop.

You'll likely find a range of Pythagoras theorem calculators online, which can assist with the angle and suitable length of leg.

Pine is likely to be the best choice weight wise.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

smileyclaire

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/99638#Comment_99638

Thanks so much @MitchellMc - I am going to get stuck into making these this weekend. I'll let you know how i go 🙂

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/116639#Comment_116639

Please keep us updated, @smileyclaire! We'd be thrilled if you could share some pictures of the construction process. They would be really beneficial to any other members who want to give this project a go. Reach out if you get stuck over the weekend; we'll be waiting to assist.

Mitchell

Marsce

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/10960#Comment_10960

Hi Mitchell,

Just wondering if I could instead use a plywood for the table top instead of the decking, and build the foldable legs as described?

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