The lumber sizes referred to in this project are the nominal sizes.

The nominal size of a piece of lumber is

the size of the lumber before it is dressed or seasoned and is the size generally referred to when
purchasing from the lumber yard. The actual size, or dressed size of the lumber will be less than the
nominal size. For example, a piece of 100x50 lumber when dressed may be 90x45actual size. Please
make necessary allowances.
All the timber used in this project is 100x50 stock suitable for exterior use.
You will need......
100x50 lumber suitable for exterior use : 18 metres (allowing for wastage)
8 only m12 galvanized coach bolts 110mm long
2 only m12 galvanized coach bolts 150mm long
1 kg 90mm galvanized flathead nails.
Below are the precise sizes and angle cuts of every piece of lumber required to construct the garden
seat. Always cut the longer pieces first and then cut the shorter lengths from the off cuts.
All timber illustrated below is 100x50 stock

Garden seat plans

Fig.1 side view

Fig.2 front view

Garden seat assembly instructions

step 1:
Cut all pieces of timber to lengths and angles as shown in previous page. All angle cuts are 10 degrees
off square.
step 2:
Lay out one of the end frames flat on the ground with the two legs (A) first, followed by the leg brace (B)
and the seat support (D) on top of the two legs, and then the back support (E) on top of that. Position as
shown in the plan ensuring all ends are flush. (refer fig.1 in the plan)
step 3:
Hold the frame in place with clamps and drill and bolt all adjoining pieces. (4 only 12mm bolts at 110mm
long and 1 only 12mm bolt at 150mm long.) That's the first end frame complete.
step 4:
Make up the second end frame in the same way as described in step 1 and 2 but as a mirror image of the
first.

step 5:
Stand up both frames and nail the spreader (C) in place. See fig.1 & 2 in the plan.
step 6:
Commence nailing the seat slats (F) to the seat frames beginning with the first slat flush with the front
edges of the legs and overhanging the sides of the legs by 150mm. see fig.2 in the plan.
Continue nailing the rest of the slats to the seat frames, spreading them out evenly (approx 10mm gap
between slats.)
Constantly check that all slats are overhanging the seat frames by the same amount and that the seat
frames are square and parallel.
Nail with 90mm galvanized flathead nails.

BBQ picnic table

This is the metric version

Note: For a larger version of this picnic table with detailed plans and instructions click here.
To see an assortment of picnic tables click here.
Plans - Material list
below are the detailed plans and material list for every piece of timber needed to construct a bbq picnic
table. There are no instructions for this one, as everything is pretty much self explanatory. Have fun.
Picnic table plans: End profile

Picnic table plans: Front profile

Picnic table plans: individual pieces

Materials required
90x35 treated pine. 22 meters required allowing for 10% waist. Cut the longer lengths first
and the shorter lengths from the off cuts.
8 only 10mm galvanized coach bolts 90mm long with nuts and washers.
500gm (1/2 a kilo) bag of 75mm galvanized nails
The plans followed by a list of the parts

Cut the longest pieces first to minimize wastage.

Step 3: Place the legs

Place the picnic table legs in the template as shown in the picture and also in the template plan.
The legs should fit neatly into place provided they were cut according to the cutting list plan.

Step 4: Place the support pieces

Lay the seat and table support pieces in place on top of the legs.
Refer to the template plan for placement measurements.

Step 5: Nail the end frame

Nail the table and seat support pieces to the legs.

The nails are to hold the frame together to enable drilling and
bolting once the frame is removed from the template.
Pre-drill the nail holes in the support pieces to avoid splitting.
Use two 90mm (3 1/2") flat-head galvanized nails at each meeting.
Refer to the template plan for nail placement.

Step 6: Remove the end frame

Lift the end frame out of the template and place on a couple of work stools in preparation for
drilling and bolting.

Step 7: Drill and bolt

Drill and bolt the seat and table support pieces to the legs.
Use two bolts at each meeting.
Step 12: The bracing
Turn the table upside-down.
Add the strengtheners [f] and [e] to the under side of the table and the seats.
Position them midway between the end frames.
Next ensure that the end frames (legs and supports) are at right angles (square) to the table. Then add
the two braces [g].
Off-set the bracing from the center in case you want to drill a hole for an umbrella.