# Picnic table with movable benches: Separate benches [View illustrated instructions](https://diyplans.org/plans/picnic-table-movable-benches/variants/separate-benches) [Plan and other configurations](https://diyplans.org/plans/picnic-table-movable-benches.md) Five tabletop boards and two boards per seat, each on its own bolted and braced frame. ## License [CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/). You may share and adapt this free design for noncommercial purposes with appropriate credit, a link to the license, an indication of changes, and the same license on adaptations. See [the FAQ](https://diyplans.org/faq#license) for details and exceptions. Revision: 6 Status: published Difficulty: intermediate ## Before you start - This design has not been built or load-tested. No load rating is assigned. - Measure the finished lumber before cutting. Table height is 31-1/2 inches and seat height is 18 inches. - Use 1/4-inch gaps between the 2x8 surface boards for a 37-1/4-inch tabletop and 14-3/4-inch seats. - Use the cut profiles on this page. The steep brace bevels may require a guided handsaw or bandsaw. ## Dimensions - Length: 72 in. All top and seat boards. - Table width: 37 1/4 in. Five actual 7-1/4-inch boards and four 1/4-inch gaps. - Table height: 31 1/2 in. Finished tabletop above ground. - Seat width: 14 3/4 in. Each bench: two 7-1/4-inch boards and one 1/4-inch gap. - Seat height: 18 in. Each finished seat above ground. - Table foot spread: 38 in. Across the outside feet. - Bench foot spread: 16 in. Across the outside feet of each bench. - End-frame spacing: 60 in. Between outside leg faces along the length, not frame centers. ## Shopping list For one table and two benches. The 19-board layout allows 1/8 inch of saw kerf per cut and 1 inch of end trimming per board. The box of 100 screws includes 22 spares. - 8 boards: 2x8 x 8 ft lumber, 2x8 x 8 ft lumber. Actual 1 1/2 x 7 1/4 in; eight 72 in top/seat boards - 1 board: 2x8 x 10 ft lumber, 2x8 x 10 ft lumber. One 72 in board plus 37 1/4 in table center cleat - 5 boards: 2x6 x 8 ft lumber, 2x6 x 8 ft lumber. Table legs, supports and diagonal braces; follow the cutting layout. - 4 boards: 2x4 x 8 ft lumber, 2x4 x 8 ft lumber. Bench frames; five parts per board - 1 board: 2x12 x 8 ft lumber, 2x12 x 8 ft lumber. Two 14 3/4 in bench center cleats; a sound 31 in offcut also suffices - 16 each: 3/8 x 4 in carriage bolts, 3/8 x 4 in carriage bolts. Exterior-rated; table joints - 32 each: 1/4 x 4 in carriage bolts, 1/4 x 4 in carriage bolts. Exterior-rated; bench joints - 16 each: 3/8 in flat washers, 3/8 in flat washers. One below each nut - 32 each: 1/4 in flat washers, 1/4 in flat washers. One below each nut - 16 each: 3/8 in locknuts, 3/8 in locknuts. Match bolt threads - 32 each: 1/4 in locknuts, 1/4 in locknuts. Match bolt threads - 1 box of 100: #10 x 2 1/2 in exterior wood screws, #10 x 2 1/2 in exterior wood screws. 78 installed; 22 spare; use compatible pilot holes - 1 coverage purchase: Exterior wood finish, Minimum 180 sq ft coverage per coat. At least 180 sq ft of coverage per coat; multiply by chosen product coat count ## Materials in the model Installed wood inventory from the matching native CAD. Use the purchase list for full stock boards and hardware. - 2x4: 20 installed pieces - 2x6: 10 installed pieces - 2x8: 10 installed pieces - 2x12: 2 installed pieces Not quantified: - Extra lumber for rejected or damaged boards. ## Tools and equipment - Tape, square, bevel gauge, pencil and clamps. - Saw for square and leg-miter cuts; guided handsaw or bandsaw for the steep brace bevels. - Drill, 7/16-inch and 5/16-inch clearance bits, and pilot bits matched to the selected screw and wood. - Driver, wrenches, sanding tools, eye and hearing protection. - Temporary frame supports and a helper for standing and moving the units. ## Instructions ### 1. Prepare and label the stock - Cut nine 2x8 surface boards to 72 inches. Cut one 2x8 table center cleat to 37-1/4 inches and two 2x12 bench center cleats to 14-3/4 inches. Cut two 2x6 upper table supports to 37-1/4 inches and two lower supports to 35. Cut four 2x4 upper bench supports to 14-3/4 inches and four lower supports to 14. Start table legs from four 33-inch 2x6 blanks, bench legs from eight 17-1/2-inch 2x4 blanks, table braces from two 34-inch 2x6 blanks and bench braces from four 28-1/2-inch 2x4 blanks. Check: All 42 wooden pieces have labeled blanks matching the cut list and measured stock. ![Labeled leg and brace profiles with cutting coordinates and bevel instructions.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-cut-profiles/cut-profiles.png?brand=1) Angled cut layouts. Use the written dimensions, not the image scale. Inch layout labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16; retain stated clearance and fit allowances. ### 2. Cut the splayed legs - Use the broad-face coordinates in the cut-profile drawing. Table legs have parallel 15-degree miters, a 30-inch vertical rise, 31 1/16-inch long edges and a 32 9/16-inch stock envelope. Bench legs have parallel 10-degree miters, a 16-1/2-inch rise, 16 3/4-inch long edges and a 17 3/8-inch stock envelope. These are different measurements. Mirror the assembled leg positions so all feet bear level. Check: Four table legs and eight bench legs match their paired profiles and lie flat at both ends. ![Labeled leg and brace profiles with cutting coordinates and bevel instructions.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-cut-profiles/cut-profiles.png?brand=1) Angled cut layouts. Use the written dimensions, not the image scale. Inch layout labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16; retain stated clearance and fit allowances. ### 3. Lay out and cut the six braces - Transfer the narrow 1-1/2-inch edge profiles to both sides of each blank, then cut through the full board width. Table brace finished envelopes are 33 7/16 inches; bench brace envelopes are 27 7/8 inches. The broad face runs across its unit. Upper-end bevels are 52.322 degrees from square for the table and 70.286 degrees for each bench. These may exceed ordinary saw adjustment ranges; use a clamped layout and guided handsaw or bandsaw. Finish to the lines and dry-fit the vertical lower and horizontal upper bearing faces. Check: All six braces match the narrow-edge profiles and dry-fit against their receivers. ![Labeled leg and brace profiles with cutting coordinates and bevel instructions.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-cut-profiles/cut-profiles.png?brand=1) Angled cut layouts. Use the written dimensions, not the image scale. Inch layout labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16; retain stated clearance and fit allowances. ### 4. Lay out the two table end frames - On a flat surface, set each leg pair to a 38-inch outside foot span. Place upper supports against the inside leg faces, with their bottom edges 24-1/2 inches and top edges 30 inches above the ground datum. Lower supports run from 6 to 11-1/2 inches above ground. Keep the legs and supports clamped while drilling. Check: Both table frames have a 38- in foot span and supports at the shown heights. ![Dimensioned end and side views of the table.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-table-dimensions/table-dimensions.png?brand=1) Table dimensions for this configuration. ### 5. Lay out the four bench end frames - Set each bench leg pair to a 16-inch outside foot span. Upper supports sit against inside leg faces from 13 to 16-1/2 inches above ground. Lower supports run from 4 to 7-1/2 inches. Build two matching end frames per bench. Check: All four bench frames have a 16- in foot span and supports at the shown heights. ![Dimensioned end and side views of a freestanding bench.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-bench-dimensions/bench-dimensions.png?brand=1) Bench dimensions for this configuration. ### 6. Drill and bolt the six end frames - Drill two holes through each upper leg/support joint and two through each lower joint. Use 7/16-inch clearance holes for the table’s sixteen 3/8 x 4-inch carriage bolts and 5/16-inch holes for the benches’ thirty-two 1/4 x 4-inch bolts. Follow the height and centerline offsets in the drilling drawing, mirrored across each unit. Place heads on outside leg faces and one washer beneath each inside locknut. Seat the heads without crushing the wood and leave joints snug until final squaring. Check: All 48 carriage bolts pass through clamped matching members with washers and locknuts installed. ![Table of bolt heights and offsets, with exact brace and board screw positions.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-fastener-layout/fastener-layout.png?brand=1) Drilling and screw layout for this configuration. Inch layout labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16; retain stated clearance and fit allowances. ### 7. Stand and temporarily support the three units - With a helper, set each matching frame pair 60 inches apart between outside leg faces. The supports lie 27 to 28-1/2 inches from either side of the length midpoint; outside leg faces are 30 inches from the midpoint. Temporarily brace each unit with scrap. Center its horizontal cleat across and along the unit; the table cleat underside is 28-1/2 inches high and each bench cleat underside is 15 inches high. Check: The three units stand temporarily braced with outside leg faces 60 in apart. ![Table and two bench frames with surface boards hidden, exposing independent legs and V braces.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-frames/frames.png?brand=1) Frames with the top and seat boards hidden. ### 8. Fit and fasten all six braces - Seat each vertical lower brace cut against the inside face of its lower support and its horizontal upper cut beneath the center cleat. Use twenty-four #10 x 2-1/2-inch exterior screws, two at each brace end. For the table, lower screw heads sit 28-1/2 inches from the length midpoint and 9 1/4 inches above ground; drive them toward the center. Upper heads sit 2 1/4 inches from the midpoint and 30 inches above ground; drive them down. Place each pair 1 3/8 inches either side of the width centerline. For each bench, lower heads sit 28-1/2 inches from the length midpoint and 6 5/8 inches above ground; upper heads sit 4 1/4 inches from the midpoint and 16 1/2 inches above ground. Place each pair 7/8 inch either side of the bench centerline. Predrill and keep heads flush. Do not substitute longer screws at the tapered ends. Check: All six brace ends bear fully;24 screws are seated flush without exposed tips. ![Table of bolt heights and offsets, with exact brace and board screw positions.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-fastener-layout/fastener-layout.png?brand=1) Drilling and screw layout for this configuration. Inch layout labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16; retain stated clearance and fit allowances. ### 9. Install the tabletop and seats - Set five table boards with four 1/4-inch gaps and two boards on each bench with one 1/4-inch gap. Align the 72-inch ends and center each board on its frames, leaving 6 inches beyond each outer leg face. Compare diagonals and clamp. At each of nine boards, fit two #10 x 2-1/2-inch screws over each upper support and two over the center cleat, 54 screws total. Drive the screws vertically at the length midpoint and 27 3/4 inches to either side. Put the pair 1-7/8 inches from the board’s long edges. Check: Five tabletop boards and four seat boards have aligned ends,1/4- in gaps and 54 seated screws. ![Six-foot wooden table with two separate movable benches.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-assembled/assembled.png?brand=1) Table with two separate benches. ### 10. Square, tighten and finish - Set each unit on a known flat surface and check that all four feet bear evenly. Compare diagonals, tighten the 48 locknuts without crushing the lumber, and check bearing faces and screw tips. Remove temporary bracing after the boards secure the frames, then check resistance to hand racking. Ease exposed edges and sand splinters. Apply the selected exterior finish to prepared wood and cut ends, following its coverage, coat and curing directions. Check: Each unit bears on four feet, has matching diagonals and snug joints without crushed wood. ![Six-foot wooden table with two separate movable benches.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-assembled/assembled.png?brand=1) Table with two separate benches. ### 11. Place and maintain the movable benches - The illustration starts each bench centerline 32 inches from the table centerline, leaving 6 inches horizontally between the table and seat edges. Adjust this spacing for the users on firm, level ground. Lift an unloaded bench with a helper; check all four feet after moving it. The benches are independent, not folding or wheeled, and are not designed to slide beneath the table. Do not use the 6-inch end overhang as a standing platform. Recheck and tighten joints after the wood settles and seasonally; replace damaged parts before use. Check: Both unloaded benches sit on firm level ground; joints and fasteners are accessible for reinspection. ![One detached bench with two seat boards and its own braced frame.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-bench/bench.png?brand=1) Each bench moves as a complete unit. ## Drawings and views ![Six-foot wooden table with two separate movable benches.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-assembled/assembled.png?brand=1) Table with two separate benches. ![The picnic table and separate benches beside an orchard.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/30e2c5c261541ff3d898fb1b7f1016fad3137e4fea9139f1c45e314577fc2499/cad-lifestyle/lifestyle.png?brand=1) The picnic table and separate benches beside an orchard. AI Generated from CAD files for inspiration ![Table and two bench frames with surface boards hidden, exposing independent legs and V braces.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-frames/frames.png?brand=1) Frames with the top and seat boards hidden. ![One detached bench with two seat boards and its own braced frame.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-bench/bench.png?brand=1) Each bench moves as a complete unit. ![Bench end frames joined by two diagonal braces bearing beneath a wide center cleat.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-bench-frame/bench-frame.png?brand=1) Bench bracing and center cleat. ![Dimensioned end and side views of the table.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-table-dimensions/table-dimensions.png?brand=1) Table dimensions for this configuration. ![Dimensioned end and side views of a freestanding bench.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-bench-dimensions/bench-dimensions.png?brand=1) Bench dimensions for this configuration. ![Labeled leg and brace profiles with cutting coordinates and bevel instructions.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-cut-profiles/cut-profiles.png?brand=1) Angled cut layouts. Use the written dimensions, not the image scale. Inch layout labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16; retain stated clearance and fit allowances. ![Table of bolt heights and offsets, with exact brace and board screw positions.](https://diyplans.org/media/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/image-fastener-layout/fastener-layout.png?brand=1) Drilling and screw layout for this configuration. Inch layout labels are rounded to the nearest 1/16; retain stated clearance and fit allowances. ## Downloads - [Complete plan package](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/download-complete-package/picnic-table-with-movable-benches-separate-benches-r6-package.zip): ZIP, 240192 bytes, file revision 6. CAD models and schedules for this configuration. Read instructions and dimensioned drawings on the website. SHA-256: bc387db67dea63ebd7362b6295d934d948332cbebe3e390509ee3ea54fee63b2 - [Editable FreeCAD model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/download-freecad/picnic-table-with-movable-benches-separate-benches-r6-model.FCStd): FCStd, 104440 bytes, file revision 6. Editable table and two separate benches. SHA-256: b70bee6cf3417845f69a17a137cc892f672708ac431938e61b77caca6a72954b - [STEP model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/download-step/picnic-table-with-movable-benches-separate-benches-r6-model.step): STEP, 417044 bytes, file revision 6. Table and both benches for other CAD software. SHA-256: 24b2aa481211d85a15b3cca5330082ed4a62575491a61ffc295796c0a4e3cc22 - [Table model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/download-table-step/picnic-table-with-movable-benches-separate-benches-r6-model-2.step): STEP, 150095 bytes, file revision 6. Table without the benches. SHA-256: 44afb8cb8dcadd0e6d82beb21ffac405c5441a7bddd587a1b2faba1b951c3b30 - [Left bench model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/download-bench-left-step/picnic-table-with-movable-benches-separate-benches-r6-model-3.step): STEP, 132736 bytes, file revision 6. Left bench without the table. SHA-256: 41e3f5104a19343b179626864a9b882c2e9c03194520799dd35461265babe7ac - [Right bench model](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/download-bench-right-step/picnic-table-with-movable-benches-separate-benches-r6-model-4.step): STEP, 132466 bytes, file revision 6. Right bench without the table. SHA-256: 4c1069f5ed4b54cdf30123b0161c957c168a4e866cfaf33b65666d8936f4eaa1 - [Shopping list](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/download-shopping-list/picnic-table-with-movable-benches-separate-benches-r6-shopping-list.csv): CSV, 2039 bytes, file revision 6. Full board sizes, quantities and hardware for this configuration. SHA-256: 035a86dc5bf928512d044d34793ead1431c57046ec8a1f14417b5b92adf378a0 - [Cut list](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/download-cut-list/picnic-table-with-movable-benches-separate-benches-r6-cut-list.csv): CSV, 3665 bytes, file revision 6. Finished part sizes and the blanks needed to cut them. SHA-256: 387aa08d19d50badefcef860df9466048a3a597f84f6fba3b1e1a3ccab82a50f - [Fastener layout](https://diyplans.org/downloads/packages/df0d2d39bb0edacff899afe34781fedb02793dea038a1b576412b8e95abaa0b3/download-fasteners/picnic-table-with-movable-benches-separate-benches-r6-schedule.csv): CSV, 9549 bytes, file revision 6. Bolt and screw locations measured from each unit’s centerline. SHA-256: 6304ef12083da4f22b9d6ab4a0e2e35369ee3e5cc3d587334311ed05bfd6842a ## Using the CAD files - Use the FreeCAD model to inspect and edit dimensions. Import the STEP file into other CAD software. - Recheck adjoining parts, dimensions, cut lists and instructions after changing the model. ## Sources Adapted by DIY Plans from NDSU Extension Plan 379-1-2, Agricultural Engineering Department, drawing initials M.S. Redistribution requires attribution, noncommercial use and similar terms. - [NDSU picnic table with movable seats, Plan 379-1-2](https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/aben-plans/nd379-1-2.pdf) - [NDSU Extension copyright and reuse policy](https://www.ndsu.edu/sites/default/files/fileadmin/vpag/Policies/FairUseWithChart120924.pdf) - [NDSU building plan collection and source limitations](https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics/ag-buildings/building-plans)