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Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats

reader submitted photo Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats – Build the ultimate backyard gathering spot with this octagon picnic table! Designed with open seating for easy access, this table comfortably seats up to eight adults and creates a welcoming, social space for meals, games, and get-togethers.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats

Specifications

Project typePicnic Tables and Outdoor Dining
RoomOutdoor
DifficultyAdvanced

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

  • 11 - 2x6 @ 8 feet long
  • 11 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long in TREATED wood for ground contact (use for the base of the table legs)
  • 32 - 2-½ long exterior Pocket Hole Screws
  • 200 - 2-½” to 2-¾” long exterior self tapping wood construction screws
  • TOOLS: Miter Saw, Drill, Circular Saw, Kreg Jig (recommended), Level working surface at least 48”x48”, tape measure, speed square, power hand sand

Cut List

  • 4 - 2x6 @ 31-1/8” long, BOTH ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends ARE PARALLEL, long point to short point measurement - LEGS
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 31-½” long, BOTH ends cut at 45 degrees, ends are NOT PARALLEL, long point to long point measurement - INNER TABLETOP SUPPORTS
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 85-¼” - BOTH ends cut at 22-½ degrees off square, ends NOT PARALLEL, long point to long point measurement - LONG SEAT SUPPORTS
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 40-⅜” - ONE end cut at 22-½ degrees off square, longest point measurement - SHORT SEAT SUPPORTS
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 24” - LEG FOOT - Recommend treated wood
  • 8 - 2x4 @ 15” - SEAT LEGS
  • 8 - 2x4 @ 13-¾” - Both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends NOT PARALLEL, long point to long point measurement - SEAT CROSS BRACING
  • 8 - 2x6 @ 22-3/4” - BOTH ends cut at 22-½ degrees off square, ends NOT PARALLEL, long point to long point measurement - INNER SEAT BOARD
  • 8 - 2x6 @ 23” - BOTH ends cut at 22-½ degrees off square, ends ARE PARALLEL, long point to short point measurement - OUTER SEAT BOARD
  • 8 - 2x4 @ 11-¼” - BOTH ends cut at 22-½ degrees off square, ends NOT PARALLEL, long point to long point measurement - SHORT SEAT SUPPORT
  • 8 - 2x4 @ 22” - BOTH ends cut at 22-½ degrees off square, ends NOT PARALLEL, long point to long point measurement - TABLETOP OUTER APRON
  • 5 - 2x6 @ 53-1/4” - TABLETOP MIDDLE BOARDS
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 44-5/8” - Both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends NOT PARALLEL, long point to long point measurement - TABLETOP SECOND TO END
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 32-5/8” - Both ends cut at 45 degrees, ends NOT PARALLEL, long point to long point measurement - TABLETOP ENDS

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • kreg-jig
  • drill
  • circular saw
  • compound miter saw
  • sander

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Use a speed square to mark the bottom of the four legs at a 90 degree angle, so that 3-1/2" is left at the bottom, as shown in the diagram. Use a circular saw to cut off the back.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats — step 1
2

Find a level surface to work on.

Drill two pocket holes (1-1/2" material setting) on each of the inner apron boards. Attach to the legs, so the legs are splayed outward, and the outer top edge (face down on the tabletop) is flush, using the 2-1/2" pocket hole screws. This step is much easier with a second person helping support the legs.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats — step 2
3

Step 3

Please watch the video first on this step to demonstrate how we attach these pieces easily and accurately. From scrap wood, cut two blocks, 12" long, to help hold up the seat support frame while you attach. Attach one of the longer seat frame boards first, with even overhangs on the ends (past the legs). Then attach the two half supports. Build the second half of the seat frame using the first half as a pattern (just set the boards on top and screw together). Then flip into position, support with the temporary blocks, and attach.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats — step 3
4

Build four bench frames on a flat surface with the screws.

Attach centered on the base of the legs with screws.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats — step 4
5

Step 5

Attach cross supports inside the bench frames.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats — step 5
6

Step 6

Flip the picnic table over on to a flat level surface. Attach the small seat supports as shown with glue and screws to the eight smaller bench legs.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats — step 6
7

Step 7

Position the seat boards on the frames and screws down.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats — step 7
8

Step 8

Build the inner tabletop frame first using pocket holes.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats — step 8
9

Position the tabletop boards on top of the frame. Screw from underneath to attach.

Then cut off any excess with a circular saw from underneath.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats — step 9
10

Step 10

Attach the finished tabletop to the base with screws from underneath.

Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats — step 10
11

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/octagon-picnic-table-open-seats