DIY Picnic Tables For Hot Summer Days
Updated on January 29, 2019
The weather might not be quite right for an outdoor picnic right now, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t already thinking about about things we can make for when springtime comes. Some people even use picnic tables as their kitchen or dining table because they love that farmhouse feel! Of course, you can buy picnic tables in stores, but we always find it more satisfying to make something ourselves, so we’ve been keeping our eyes peeled for different resources online that will help us make a picnic table of our very own.
Just in case you love the idea of making a DIY picnic table from scratch just as much as we do, if not more, here are 15 of the very best ideas, designs, and tutorials we’ve come across in our search for information and inspiration so far!
1. Simple one-day picnic table
Are you looking for a way to make a simple, run of the mill wooden picnic table because that’s the kind you’ve always liked the most but you’re also hoping to make it a quicker project than it kind of sounds? In that case, we’d definitely suggest taking a look at how Just Measuring Up made this fantastic classic picnic table in just a day.
2. Singular frame picnic table
Do you come from a big family that has a lot of boisterous members in it and you find they can be a little bit hard on things like furniture? Then you could probably use a slightly more sturdy design that won’t tip if the kids jump around in their excitement or too many people sit on one side. That’s why we simply knew we had to include this tutorial for making a well anchored singular frame picnic table on Instructables.
3. DIY children’s picnic table
Are your kids actually probably the only people in your family who will use the picnic table and you’re not so sure making a full sized version is a good idea because you have a very small yard space to work with? Then we have a feeling you’ll get along a little better with something like this miniature or kids’ sized picnic table outlined step by step on Woodworking Plans!
4. Foldable pallet picnic table
Did we catch your attention when we started talking about picnic table ideas that are space efficient but you’d still rather make a full sized one than a miniature one? Then we think you’ll get a real kick out of the way Easy Pallet Ideas not only made a simple picnic table out of reclaimed pallet wood but also made it foldable so that you can take it down and store it away when you’re not using it!
5. Picnic table with built-in drink cooler
If you’re going to make an outdoor table from scratch for your home, would you rather make it a little more unique than the average picnic table in the classic styles you’ve seen so far? Well, if sitting on the porch with a cool beverage with friends is something you enjoy, then you just might be the perfect person to make something like this picnic style dining table from Ana White that actually has an ice bucket style cooler built right into the centre!
6. Fold-up camping picnic table
Rather than just eating out in the backyard, is your idea of the perfect picnic definitely the kind where you go out to your favourite park or go on a hike and eat part way? Then we have a feeling this fantastic portable fold-up table that’s great for picnics and camping might be a little more up your alley! Get the full details for making one of your own on Instructables.
7. Floating pontoon picnic table
Are you actually quite a handy person indeed and you’re looking for something way more unique and challenging than most of what you’ve seen so far? In that case, we think you just might be the perfect person to give this fantastic floating pontoon style picnic table that features its own motor! See how it’s done in more detail on Ideas 2 Live 4.
8. Folding balcony picnic table
Are you really in love with the idea of having an outdoor picnic table in your home but you actually don’t have a yard and you’re looking for the next best thing? In that case, we think How To Instructions might have the best idea for you! They show you how to make a wall mounted half-table that folds down so you can eat out on the balcony without letting it take up space all the time.
9. Folding table to benches
Were we correct when we talked about feeling up for a bit of a woodworking challenge but you’d prefer to make something a little more versatile and usable than, say, a table boat? In that case, we’d definitely suggest taking a look at how Her Tool Belt created this fantastic wooden picnic table that splits at the middle and holds back to become two fantastic wooden benches!
10. Simple, modern picnic table for beginners
Just in case you’re actually a beginner in the woodworking world but you’re still feeling really intent on making a picnic table all by yourself, here’s a much simpler tutorial that will show you how to make a basic picnic tablet hat has a slightly more modern touch to its aesthetic. Get the full details for making it happen in surprisingly few simple steps on Modern Builds.
11. Hidden picnic table theatre
Are you actually still thinking about how much fun it would be to make a picnic table that has some kind of novelty special feature but you just haven’t quite seen the idea that caught and kept your attention entirely yet? Well, if you come from a family of movie buffs, then we think this next idea from Cottage Life might be right up your alley! Take a better look at their tutorial to learn how they
12. Octagon shaped picnic table
Do you actually come from quite a big family so you know the average picnic table structure where only a few people fit on each side just won’t work for having outdoor family meals together? In that case, we think you should absolutely take a look at the way Bob’s Plans made this fantastic octagonal shaped picnic table instead! This way, everyone can sit around the table together facing each other for great conversation.
13. sandbox picnic table
Did the idea of making a kids’ sized picnic table actually really appeal to you but you’re always looking for ways to make versions of classic ideas that are a little more unique? In that case, maybe this super fun concept from DM Idea where the tabletop is also a sandbox might be a little more up your alley! It’s another great way to save space compared to making a separate sandbox that will take up even more of your lawn.
14. Nautical picnic table
Rather than making a picnic table that has some kind of surprise feature, have you actually been looking for one that has some kind of novelty or theme? In that case, we think Houseful of Handmade might have found the perfect idea for you, particularly if your kids love boast and the seaside. Check out their tutorial to see how this adorable custom nautical picnic table that’s shaped like a boat was made. It’s part table and part toy!
15. Upcycled door picnic table with a built-in board game
If you’re going to put in the time and effort that it takes to make a picnic table of your very own from scratch, would you love to make it a chance to do some upcycling as well? Then we’d definitely suggest taking a look at how The Dabbling Crafter made this fantastically colourful picnic table from a reclaimed door! As if that and the paint job aren’t fun enough ideas, they also show you how to make board games in the window panes on the door’s face.
16. Wheelchair accessible picnic table
Just in case part of the reason you’re looking for a custom DIY picnic table tutorial is that one of your family members has accessibility needs that the classic structure doesn’t account for, here’s a version that has space for wheelchairs of all kinds thanks to a top that’s extended at one end! Get the full details for making this one to whatever dimensions you have available on Rogue Engineer.
Have you made another kind of picnic table that you were very pleased with indeed and use all the time with family and friends but that you don’t see here on our list? Tell us all about it or link us to photos of your finished work in the comments section!