How to build
an octagonal Picnic Table
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About the lumber and dimensions.
All dimensions are in both Metric (mm) and Imperial (inches).
The size (width and thickness) of the lumber referred to throughout this project is the nominal size. That is the size of the lumber before it has been dressed, planed and/or seasoned. When the lumber has been dressed, planed and/or seasoned it is then called the 'actual size' which is the true size. The actual size of lumber is smaller than the nominal size. For example: 150x50 (2x6) nominal size when dressed may become 140x45 (1 1/2"x 5 1/2") actual size and 100x50 (2x4) when dressed may become 90x45 (1 1/2"x 3 1/2") actual size.
Most Countries that use the Metric system generally put the bigger numeral first such as 100x50 (mm), whereas those that use the Imperial system generally put the smaller numeral first such as 2x4 (inches).
The 'actual size' of the lumber can vary slightly from place to place but that should not have any effect on the dimensions given throughout this project. What will vary, depending on the actual size of the lumber, is the gap between each row of tabletop boards and seat boards which does not really impact on the finished product.
Project update - The gap between the boards
If you are going to use stock that measures 150mm x 50mm (2 x 6), which is usually lumber that has not been dressed, planed and/or seasoned,
go to the plan drawings below.
However...
If you are going to use stock that has been dressed, planed and/or seasoned and has a finished size of approximately 140mm x 45mm (1 1/2"x 5 1/2"),
then go to the
Revised plans.
Why?
Because if you use the drawings below and use 140mm x 45mm (1 1/2"x 5 1/2") stock, you will end up with a gap of around 13mm (1/2") between each tabletop and seat board.
But, if you use the
Revised plans and use the same stock size,
you will end up with a smaller gap, about 6mm (1/4") between each tabletop and seat board.
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Instructions and drawings.
For 150mm x 50mm (2 x 6) stock size.
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If you are using 140mm x 45mm
(1 1/2"x 5 1/2") stock
go here.
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The cutting list:
Seat and tabletop boards.
Use lumber that is suitable for exterior use.
Cut all the seat and tabletop boards to the dimensions as shown in the drawing below. The lumber used for the seat and tabletop boards is 150x50 (2x6) stock. Cut eight pieces of each length, making 56 pieces in all. Cut the longer pieces first to minimize wastage.
The lumber cutting list: Table frame.
Cut all the table frame members to the dimensions as shown in the drawing below. The lumber used for the table frame members is 100x50 (2x4) stock.
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Page 1: About the lumber. Plans and instructions.
