How to Build an Octagon Picnic Table

One of the excellent outdoor picnic tables is the eight-sided variety. Many a do-it-yourselfer has undertaken to learn how to build an octagon picnic table, and some have met with disastrous results. If you want to do a great than average job on constructing one for yourself, consider some of these key points.

How to Build an Octagon Picnic Table - Your Abilities and Tools

Everyone believes he/she is a carpenter of sorts, and many men and some women pride themselves on being a "handyman," but there are population who do not have the aptitude for taking raw materials and turning them into something useful. If you learn how to build an octagon picnic table but can't do the work properly, you will be unhappy with the results.

No power saw or other tool has a conscience. They will cut off your fingers and never apologize for doing it. One mistake can leave you injured, and it happens in the blink of an eye. This task requires the use of a miter saw, and if you do not know how to control one, make sure you read the by hand before attempting this project.

How to Build an Octagon Picnic Table - Materials to Use

Based on availability, there are some choices to make on what type of wood you should use. Most population will select pressure treated, above ground pine because you can find it at any construction material store. This is probably the longest lasting wood you can buy.

Redwood or cedar are two similar soft woods that are easy to work with and will last for a long time outside. An added feature is the great smell that these woods emit. You can regularly find both cedar and redwood in either planned or rough-hewn lumber. Stay away from the rough boards if you use either of these species.

In some areas of the southeast, cypress is easily ready in 2" and 1" dimensional lumber. This is someone else long lasting wood that also produces a great seeing table.

There are manufactured materials used for decks and other outdoor structures that last longer than wood and will not warp in the sun. It's not indispensable to paint this kind of material, but it can be done. Fastening the pieces together is a microscopic awkward because fasteners don't recess into the material, and often screw-heads are left protruding to hang clothes or other items.

If you use the manufactured material, it is best to pre-drill holes and use galvanized screws to attach the parts. You will also need a counter sink bit to ensure that the heads of the screws are below the surface.

When using wood for the construction of the table, it is still best to use screws in all the areas where food, clothes, and hands will make perceive because you can countersink them as you put them in with an electric drill. Nails will have a tendency to work back out over time as the wood cures.