How to Build a Classic Octagon Picnic Table

There are several different table designs you can consider before you build one for yourself. You can purchase plans for some of these if you are not sure how to build them on your own.

Personal preferences and the number of people who will be using the picnic table should be taken into consideration to ensure that you have the design most suited for you and your family. A decision on how to build an octagon picnic table designed for your lifestyle is your first order of business.

How to Build an Octagon Picnic Table - the Classic Type

Your father probably built a rectangular table from the long-time design that featured cross members for the table support and separate ones for the seating. They ran horizontally and the legs were angled outward from the top. The table top and the bench seats were attached to the legs.

This simple design has been around for a very long time and it works quite well. You can build an octagon table along similar lines where you have an all inclusive unit. The positive aspect of this is that you don't have to move seating separately from the table.

Negative features are that you must step over the bench into the opening and this is a bit difficult for older people, and if the table is not designed correctly, light materials can allow the table to tip over if people are not sitting on both sides.

How to Build an Octagon Picnic Table - Detached Seating

Some designs have a pedestal style table with four detached benches. Each bench is two separate pieces attached at a 22.5 degree angle for two people to sit on. This makes it possible to move the bench closer or further from the table, and an older person can be seated without having to step over the bench.

Another advantage is the table is not shaken each time a person moves as it is with a single unit.

The biggest disadvantage is getting the table stabilized because of the small base, and it is easy for someone to knock the table over.

How to Build an Octagon Picnic Table - Split Seating

A very nifty design features a one piece unit that is similar to the classic design but the seats are designed similar to the detached seating above. The table has four legs and benches. The separation between each bench allows the person sitting down to slide through to the bench end without having to step over the bench.

This design is probably the best of the three in overall advantages. It is virtually impossible to turn over accidentally, and older people can seat themselves with less possibility of tripping and with much less effort. It takes a little more material than the other two designs, but not enough to make a substantial difference in cost.

Any design like these three should serve you well as long as you have a plan that makes sense to you. How to build an octagon picnic table is up to the person who is to do the work too, so go with a plan that you feel is easiest for you to build.
You are welcome to read about Wooden Picnic Tables