How to Build a Round Picnic Table

A round picnic table, which can be a pleasant alternative from the standard quadrangle, presents unique challenges in construction. But you can use an X-leg construction, just like on other picnic tables, to provide a sturdy base and durable frame. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Arrange the five 2 x 12s next to each other to form a square 60 by 60 inches, and glue them together in position. To secure them, lay the 54-inch 2 x 4 across the center of the boards, and secure it firmly with screws. It should reach to within three inches at each edge.

2

Find the center of the square by drawing lines corner to corner and marking the intersection point. From this point, measure a 30-inch radius around the center by dragging a 30-inch length of string with a pencil marking the line.

3

Cut around the circumference line with the jigsaw to form the top of the table.

4

Measure 20 inches outward along the planks from the center 54-inch 2 x 4 and use screws to attach two of the 40-inch 2 x 4s across the planks, parallel with the center 2 x 4. These will brace the table-top and also provide a base for the legs.

5

Measure the center of four of the remaining five 2 x 4s, 20 inches from each end, and drill one hole through the center of each 2 x 4. Then cut off the ends of each of these four at a 45-degree angle, so that the ends are still parallel, and can rest flush on both the table top and the ground.

6

Line up the 2 x 4s in two X shapes, with their holes aligned, brace the final remaining 2 x 4 between them and use the 6-inch bolts to secure the leg-Xs to the 2 x 4, which will be a center brace.

7

Place the legs on the table, with one leg-X at each of the 40-inch 2 x 4s attached to the table top. Secure the legs to these braces with screws. When the legs are firmly attached, flip the entire table over to stand on its legs.