Build a Nautical Kids Picnic Table

by Kati @ Houseful of Handmade

$50

3 Days

Medium

We love spending time outside in the summer, so it's time to get our backyard ready! Last year I built this fun nautical picnic table for my kids. It was one of the best builds because they use it all the time (even just to play on cause, well, it's a boat!).

build a nautical kids picnic table, how to, outdoor furniture, outdoor living, painted furniture, woodworking projects

The best thing about this picnic table, it cost less than $50 to build. The umbrella did cost an additional $30, but I think it was definitely worth it to keep my kids shaded in the summer. Boring plastic picnic tables are $50 at a warehouse store, so this is a steal for such a great piece that will get many years of use.

This build was a weekend project, I was able to build it in one afternoon with few interruptions from the kids, and then two days of sanding, painting, and staining (since there is a lot of waiting time in between).

I started by building the two sides. The sides are built with 2x2s and 1x4s. I held everything together with wood glue and nails. The pocket holes were added to the top pieces to attach the table tops and bench tops.

After both sides were made I cut out a port hole on each side with my jigsaw.

Then with an extra set of hands, I added the side supports. It's starting to look like a real picnic table!

All that was left to do was to add 2x4s and 2x6s for the table top and seat tops. I secured these with the pocket holes I drilled in earlier so I didn't have any visible screws or nails in the top. Beautiful!

Then all it needed was some paint and sealer and it was ready for summer!

I sized the table for bigger kids, not toddlers, so my kids would not grow out of it. We can easily fit 6 kids on it, I can even sit comfortably at it! It's the perfect picnic table for a fun summer outside.

We also made a super easy umbrella stand side table for only $10 so we could keep the parents cool this summer too. Check it out here.

And to keep everyone entertained while enjoying the backyard, we made these fun colorful yard dice with a little paint and some scrap wood. So easy and so fun.

For a complete cut list and step by step directions for the picnic table, make sure to visit my blog.