Kids picnic table plans

Untreated Lumber can be used if the table is to be used indoors. But if the table is going to be left outside, you need choose lumber that has a natural resistance to decay (doesn't rot easily) in preference to a pressure-treated lumber. The chemicals in some pressure-treated lumber can make for a potentially dangerous eating surface.

Your local lumber merchant can advise you on the available options.

Lumber sizes used in this project (Ft & Inch) are 1x6 (seats and table top) and 1x3 (legs, seat supports, table supports and brace)

1x6 lumber usually machines (dresses, planes) down to approx 3/4" x 5-1/2".

1x3 lumber usually machines (dresses, planes) down to approx 3/4" x 2-1/2".

Legs (x4): 23 1/2" long and angled each end 30 degrees off square
Cross member table top supports (x2): 16-1/2" long.
Cross member seat supports (x2): 33" long.
Brace / Spreader (x1): 24-1/2" long.
Table top boards (x3): 35-1/2" long.
Seat boards (x2): 35-1/2" long.

Cut all the pieces of lumber as per cutting list and drawing below. The most important cut is the leg angle cuts because they are your kid's picnic table support system so make sure you take your time and mark the angles clearly and cut them carefully. The angles on the seat support and top support are optional; they are decorative and have no structural purpose.

All the bits are cut out and you may not be able to wait to assemble your kid's picnic table but you will find it a lot easier to finish the individual pieces than to finish the whole kid's picnic table once it's assembled and it also last longer because it will be sealed better.

A light sanding will help your lumber to absorb the stain and add a finished look, so sand, stain and add the polyurethane each piece on both sides and ends.

The best way for the lumber to absorb the stain or paint is to give it a light sanding before applying it to each piece on both sides and ends. The choice to paint or stain it is yours, you might decide to leave it natural but this may shorten the life of the table.
Whatever you do you must choose the appropriate products for indoor or outdoor use and remember because it is a kid's picnic table the finish needs to be easy to clean.

The first thing to build is the two end frames. To do this lay the table supports and seat supports on a flat surface then lay the legs in place on top of them. Ensure the seat/table supports and the legs are as dimensions shown in the 'end profile' diagram below and screw together using 4 1-1/2" wood screws at each intersection

Stand the two end frames up and fix the brace in place using two 1-1/2" wood screws at each end. Ensure the brace is in the middle of the two end frames and flush with the top. This brace also acts as a spacer for the two end frames.

Lay the remaining five boards, one seat board per side and the three top boards, in place on top of the seat and top supports. Check that the overhang is equal at both ends and that all is square.
Screw the seat and top boards to the end frames using two 1-1/2" countersunk wood screws at each meeting.

Stand the two end frames up and fix the brace in place using two 1-1/2" wood screws at each end. Ensure the brace is in the middle of the two end frames and flush with the top. This brace also acts as a spacer for the two end frames.

Lay the remaining five boards, one seat board per side and the three top boards, in place on top of the seat and top supports. Check that the overhang is equal at both ends and that all is square.

Screw the seat and top boards to the end frames using two 40x10g countersunk wood screws at each meeting.