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Beginner Projects

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Free step by step plans to build a picnic table that converts easily to two separate benches. The
tabletops rotate to form bench backs. Detailed plans give you step by step instruction to build
this multi-use outdoor staple for your deck or patio.

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Ana's Adirondack Collection

Here's one plan that easily goes from bench to picnic table, and back to bench - all very simply
and easily.
This is a great addition to a small space.
The benches are very comfortable sit at and generous sized. Then easily move into a table set
up.
Dimensions

Dimensions shown above

Preparation

SHOPPING LIST
 •7 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long

•5 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long

•2 1/2" self tapping exterior deck screws (star bit recommended)

•8 - 4" long, 1/2 diameter bolts with washers and nuts

COMMON MATERIALS

Elmer's Wood Glue

Elmer's Wood Filler

120 grit sandpaper

primer

wood conditioner

paint

paint brush
CUT LIST

CUT LIST IS FOR 2 BENCHES CONVERTING TO ONE PICNIC TABLE

•4 - 2x4 @ 28 7/8" (Back Legs - Both ends cut at 10 degrees off square,

parallel to each other, long point to short point measurement)

•4 - 2x4 @ 27" (Seat Support - Short point to short point measurement -

both ends cut at 10 degrees off square, NOT parallel to each other)

•4 - 2x4 @ 16 3/4" (Front Legs - Both ends cut at 10 degrees off square,

parallel to each other, long point to short point measurement)

•12 - 2x6 @ 47 7/8" (Seat and Tabletop boards)

•4 - 2x6 @ 17" long (Tabletop Supports)

•2 - 2x4 @ 41" (bottom back support)

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS
Carefully cut all of your boards with a compound miter saw, or mark angles with

a protractor and carefully cut with a circular saw.

TOOLS
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this

project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all

necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface,

free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square
after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with

finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained

projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if

you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

STEP 1
Additional dimensions shown above. We found that this table/bench was most

comfortable as a bench. If you are expecting to use the convertible picnic table bench

mostly as a picnic table, I suggest you first review our free as always picnic table

plans. The wide seat when converted to a picnic table makes for climbing into the

seat a tad more difficult than traditional picnic tables - but let me tell you, the wide seat

as a bench is quite nice.

STEP 2
First things first. From your back legs, drill 1/2" diameter holes as shown above,

centered on the top. Drill on all four legs.

STEP 3
Lay the front leg over the bottom of the back leg, with bottom and outside edges flush.

Trace the top edge - this will be the line that you will line your seat support top up with.

Lay the seat support on top of the legs as shown above and predrill holes and attach

the seat support to the legs with 2 1/2" galvanized screws and wood glue. You will need

to make four of these. Make two with the seat support on the right and two with the

seat support on the left - it does matter.

STEP 4

Mark all of the seat boards 2" from the ends. The seat boards overhang the legs by 2" on

the outsides. Attach the seat boards to the legs, using 2 1/2" galvanized screws and
wood glue. Adjust for square. Leave 1/4" gaps between the seat boards. Use one left

and one right leg for each bench as shown above in the diagram.

STEP 5
STEP 6

Now that you have constructed the top, line the holes in the back legs up with the holes

in the tabletop supports. Thread your 4" bolts through, add washer and nuts, and
tighten. Lay a level on top of the table, perpendicular to the tabletop boards. With the

tabletop level (use a clamp to hold in place) drill holes through the back legs and the

tabletop supports and insert a pin (you can just use another 1/2" bolt). Do this on both

sides.
STEP 7

Remove the pins and rotate the tabletop so it becomes a backrest. Sit in the bench, and

determine a comfy backrest position. When satisfied, clamp the tabletop supports to
the back legs and drill another 1/2" diameter whole. Insert the pin. Do the same on both

sides. To convert the benches to picnic tables, simply remove the pins and rotate the

backrest to a tabletop, and reinsert the pins in the correct holes.

STEP 8

Add the back support piece to the back legs, with two screws per end, 6" from base of

legs.
 Longer Picnic table: for a longer convertible picnic table bench, above shows how you

would use standard eight feet long boards for the tabletops, and simply add an extra leg

in the center. You will also need to add a back brace as shown above.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When
wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit
sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on
work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color
evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.