How to build a kidsā€™ 2 in 1 bench & picnic table

How to build a kidsā€™ 2 in 1 bench & picnic table

Bench or picnic table for the kids

Introduction

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table : Picture

A mighty little bench come picnic table ideal for kids around the three to six year age group (give or take a year or so depending on the size of the kids).

As a bench seat it does not take up a lot of room and will seat a couple of kids quite comfortably.
When activity time comes around (drawing, eating, etc) it can be opened up very easily into a picnic table with two seats (one along each side) able to seat four kids.

The unit is 900 mm (35Ā½ā€) long. When in picnic table mode it is 814 mm (32ā€³) wide and 493 mm (19 7ā„16ā€³) high to the top of the table and 294 mm (11 9ā„16ā€³) to the top of the rear seat.
When in bench mode, the complete unit is only 367 mm (14 7ā„16 ā€œ) wide.

  • Product
  • Specification
Plans for a great little bench come picnic table ideal for kids between 3 yrs to 6 yrs. An eating or activity table that folds back to a bench
Pages

21

The wood sizes

This project is written in both Metric (mm) and Imperial (inches).
The metric measurements are given first followed by the standard measurements in brackets ( ).
For example: 45 mm x 19 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 1Ā¾ā€).

For the framework of this project I used 45 mm x 19 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 1Ā¾ā€) stock.
That width is not an overly common size and if you are unable to source it or obtain it by other means such as ripping it out of wider stock,Ā you can use 38 mm x 19 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 1Ā½ā€) stockĀ in place of.
The latter is a more common size. However, if you use it changes will need to be made to the length of a couple of frame members. More about that below.

Using wood with a different width

The stock size and associated measurements (lengths, hole placements) are important to the workings of this folding unit.

If you use 38 mm x 19 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 1Ā½ā€) stock in place of the 45 mm x 19 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 1Ā¾ā€) stock used here, make the following changes:

1.)Ā Make the diameter of the template (referred to inĀ Step 1) 38 mm (1Ā½ā€).

2.)Ā Cut piecesĀ [b]Ā &Ā [c]Ā (the rear legs) 9 mm (ā…œā€) shorter than stated in the plan drawings.

3.)Ā PiecesĀ [d2]Ā (the leg stops) will need to be a little bit longer but itā€™s easy enough to check the measurements when you are up to that step.

Using wood with a different thickness

Changing the stock thickness (of that used in this project) will impact on the length of the bolts and also the difference between the lengths of the seat boards and the length of the tabletop in relation to one another.

The bolts (there are only four) will need to be long enough to go through two (frame piece) thicknesses.

The difference in length between the shorter (rear) and longer (front) seat boards is the sum of the thickness of four framing pieces.
For example, if the framing pieces are 19 mm (Ā¾ā€) thick, four times that is 76 mm (3ā€³). Therefore 76 mm (3ā€³) will be the difference between the length of the front (longer) and rear (shorter) seats boards.

Likewise, the difference in length between the tabletop and the longer (front) seat board is the sum of the thickness of four framing pieces.
For example, if the framing pieces are 19 mm (Ā¾ā€) thick, four times that is 76 mm (3ā€³). Therefore 76 mm (3ā€³) will be the difference between the length of the front (longer) seat board and the length of the tabletop.

Making the table longer or shorter

Apply the same rule as above regarding the length of the seat boards and the length of the tabletop in relation to one another. By applying that rule you can make the unit as long or as short as you want ā€“ within practical reason of course.

The task ahead simply involvesā€¦

The task ahead simply involves cutting the pieces to length, cutting the angles and rounds on the pieces that need it (strictly adhering to the dimensions given in the plans), drilling through the pieces that need it, assembling the frames, and then last but not least ā€“ adding the seats, tabletop, and a bit of bracing.

Material requirements

What you will need

Is the bench / picnic table going to be used inside or outside?
If outside, ensure the wood, bolts, screws, and glue are suitable.

Framing wood

Altogether you will need 7.5 metres (25 ft) of 45 mm x 19 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 1Ā¾ā€) stock.
That allows for a bit of waste.

Note:Ā For an alternative stock size refer to the previous two pages.

Tip:Ā When purchasing, choose the longest lengths possible. When cutting the pieces, always cut the longest lengths first to minimize waste. The shorter pieces can be cut from the off-cuts.

Seat boards

  • 1 piece of 135 mm x 19 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 5Ā¼ā€) board @ 824 mm (32 Ā½) long.
  • 1 piece of 135 mm x 19 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 5Ā¼ā€) board @ 748 mm (29 Ā½) long.

Note:Ā If you canā€™t source the exact stock size you can rip it out of wider stock.

Tabletop board

  • 1 piece of board 300 mm x 19 mm x 900 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 11ā…žā€ x 35 Ā½ā€)

Note:Ā The tabletop board can be any type of board suitable for the conditions (inside use or outside use?) such as plywood, MDF panel, shelving board etc.

You will also need

  • Four 8 mm (5ā„16ā€³) bolts 50 mm (2ā€³) long. Also eight washers and four nylon locking nuts (or similar).
  • A handful (seventy or so) of 38 mm (1 Ā½ā€) wood screws.
  • Some good wood glue.

Identifying the pieces

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table : Identifying Pieces
[a]Ā front leg
[b]Ā rear leg inner
[c]Ā rear leg outer
[c2]Ā back-stop
[d]Ā tabletop rail
[d2]Ā front leg stop
[e]Ā leg extension (rear)
[e2]Ā leg extension brace
[f]Ā rear seat rail
[g]Ā front seat rail
[h]Ā front seat rail brace
[i]Ā rear seat lower rail
[k]Ā rear seat brace

The plans ā€“ Side (sectional)

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Side View

The plans ā€“ Looking down view

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Looking Down View

The plans ā€“ Individual frame pieces

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan :  Individual Frame Pieces
[a]Ā front leg
[b]Ā rear leg inner
[c]Ā rear leg outer
[c2]Ā back-stop
[d]Ā tabletop rail
[d2]Ā front leg stop
[e]Ā leg extension (rear)
[e2]Ā leg extension brace
[f]Ā rear seat rail
[g]Ā front seat rail
[h]Ā front seat rail brace
[i]Ā rear seat lower rail
[k]Ā rear seat brace

All the above is out of 45 mm x 19 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 1Ā¾ā€) stock.

Alsoā€¦

For the seat (front):Ā 1 piece of 135 mm x 19 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 5Ā¼ā€) board @ 824 mm (32 Ā½) long.
For the seat (rear):Ā 1 piece of 135 mm x 19 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 5Ā¼ā€) board @ 748 mm (29 Ā½) long.
For the tabletop:Ā 1 piece of board 300 mm x 19 mm x 900 mm (Ā¾ā€ x 11ā…žā€ x 35 Ā½ā€)

Step 1. Make a template for the rounds and bolt holes

  • Six framing pieces need to be drilled (for the bolts) and rounded at one end.
  • Make a template to mark the rounds and the center of the bolt holes as followsā€¦
  • With a drawing compass make a circle on a piece of card with a diameter of 45 mm (1Ā¾ā€) which is the width of the framing pieces.
    The hole in the center made by the point of the compass can be used to mark the center of the bolt holes.
  • Cut out the circle and use it to mark the rounded ends and the center of the bolt holes on the relevant pieces.

The sequence of pictures below give a visual idea of the procedure.

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Template for the Rounds and Bolt Holes

Step 2. Cut and drill the frame pieces

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Cut and drill the Frame Pieces
  • Cut all the frame piecesĀ [a]Ā toĀ [k]Ā according to the dimensions given in the ā€˜individual frame piecesā€™ on page 7.
    Cut two of each piece in mirror image (see pictures).
  • Refer toĀ Step 1.Ā on how to mark and cut the rounds.

The holes

  • PiecesĀ [a],Ā [d],Ā [e], &Ā [f]Ā (two of each ā€“ eight pieces in all) need to have an 8 mm (5ā„16ā€³) hole drilled through them.
    Refer toĀ Step.1Ā on how to mark the centers of the hole.
  • PiecesĀ [e] onlyĀ need starter holes to house the bolt heads.
  • Pay special attention to the drawings, plans, and photos, to see what side of the wood the starter holes go on ā€“ or justĀ make sure that the two piecesĀ [e]Ā are a mirror image of one another when drilling the starter holes

The drilling procedure for pieces [e]

  • First drill a 20 mm (Ā¾ā€) starter hole just deep enough to house the bolt heads and then continue through the wood with a 8 mm (5ā„16ā€³) hole.
Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Drilling Procedure for Piece [e]

Step 3. Make up the frame sections

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Frame Sections

Make up the side frames, each side consisting of three separate sections:
ā€¢ The top section ā€“ piecesĀ [d],Ā [e], &Ā [e2].
ā€¢ The front section ā€“ piecesĀ [a],Ā [g], &Ā [h].
ā€¢ The rear section ā€“ piecesĀ [b],Ā [c],Ā [f], &Ā [i].

Important!

  • Make up each pair of corresponding sections so that they are a mirror image of one another, as shown in the photo.
Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Side View
  • Refer to the plans on page 5 and the drawings on this page for the dimensions.
  • Fix the pieces at each meeting with glue and two screws.
  • Take note of the position of pieceĀ [g]Ā (front seat rail) along pieceĀ [a]Ā (front leg) in the drawing below.
Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Front Seat Rail

Step 4. Connect the rear sections to the top sections

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Align Bolt Holes
  • It is now time to join the frame sections together.
  • Align the bolt holes in pieceĀ [e]Ā with the bolt holes in pieceĀ [f].
    Place a washer in each starter hole and thread the bolts through the washers and the holes so that the bolt heads are housed (countersunk) in the starter holes.
  • Add a washer and a nylon locking nut to the end of each bolt.
Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Washer and Nylon Locking Nut to the End of the Bolt

Note:Ā Each bolt is used as a pivot point for two pieces of wood, therefore the nuts cannot be tightened completely otherwise the wood would not be able to ā€˜pivotā€™ freely.
Because the nuts can only be loosely tightened (just enough to allow the wood to pivot), nylon locking nuts (or similar) are required.

  • A nylon locking nut is a nut that resists further loosening or tightening under vibration and torque. It has a nylon collar insert.
  • You will now be able to pivot the top and rear sections. They should easily move from table position to seat position just as shown in the photos.

Step 5. Connect the front sections

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Connect Front Sections Side View
  • Make up the side frames in mirror image.
  • Align the bolt holes in pieceĀ [a]Ā with the bolt holes in pieceĀ [d].
  • Thread bolts and washers through the holes and add a washer and a nylon locking nuts (or similar) to the end of each bolt.
Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Bolt as a Pivot Point

Note:Ā Each bolt is used as a pivot point for two pieces of wood, therefore the nuts cannot be tightened completely otherwise the wood would not be able to ā€˜pivotā€™ freely.
Because the nuts can only be loosely tightened (just enough to allow the wood to pivot), nylon locking nuts (or similar) are required.
A nylon locking nut is a nut that resists further loosening or tightening under vibration and torque. It has a nylon collar insert.

  • You will now be able to pivot the front, top, and rear sections. They should easily move from table position to seat position just as shown in the photos.

Step 6. Align the frames for seating

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Align Frames for Seating
  • Fold the side frames over until piecesĀ [e],Ā [f], &Ā [g]Ā are all side-by-side, horizontal, and flush (even). Place a piece of cardboard temporary in between piecesĀ [e]Ā andĀ [g]Ā and then clamp the side frames to hold them in position until the seat boards and tabletop are fixed in place.
  • The cardboard is to ensure that piecesĀ [e]Ā andĀ [g]Ā are apart and do not bind when the unit is being folded.
  • Next place the two side frames apart and parallel in readiness for the seat boards to be fixed.
  • You might have to place a little packer under the front legs to balance the side frames upright until the seat boards are fixed.
Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan

Step 7. Fix the seats and tabletop

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Fix the Seats and Tabletop
  • Fix the longer (front) seat to piecesĀ [g]Ā flush with the front and the outer sides of that piece. Glue and screw the seat in place.
  • Fix the shorter (rear) seat to piecesĀ [f]Ā flush with the end (ofĀ [f]). The seat should fit nicely between piecesĀ [e2].
  • Do not force the seat in place. If it is too tight, cut a bit off the end.
  • Turn the unit over in such a position to make it easy to fix the tabletop.
  • Make the sides of the tabletop flush (even) with the ends of piecesĀ [d]Ā (the tabletop rails).
  • Ensure the overhang of the tabletop is equal at each end and fix it with glue and screws.
Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Ensure the overhang of the tabletop is equal at each end and fix it with glue and screws

Step 8. Attach the back-stop

  • With the clamps still holding everything in position, fix the backstopsĀ [c2]Ā to the rear legsĀ [c].
    Sit the backstopsĀ [c2]Ā hard up under the edge of the tabletop.
  • The backstops are to stop the backrest (aka tabletop) going down further than intended.
  • When the backstops are fixed in place, remove the clamps and the cardboard.

Step 9. Add the front leg stops & the seat braces

The leg stopsĀ [d2]Ā are to stop the legs spreading out and the table from collapsing.

  • When the unit is in picnic table mode, and the front legs are positioned (spread apart) according to the plans (spread dimensions also given in the plan drawing below), then fix the leg stopsĀ [d2]Ā to the ends of the tabletop railsĀ [d]Ā so they are positioned flush with the ends of the tabletop railsĀ [d]Ā and against the front legsĀ [a]. Fix with glue and screws.
Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan :  Overall Leg Spread

The seat braces

Kids' 2 in 1 Bench and Picnic Table Plan : Seat Braces
  • With the rear seat unit upside down and securely resting on a work table or platform of some sort, ensure that the two side seat frames are at right angles to the seat, then fix the two brace piecesĀ [k]Ā to the rear seat board and the rear seat lower railsĀ [i].
  • Refer to the plans for placement although it is pretty much self explanatory where they go.

Guess what? Done!

The finished product

Les Kenny

Buildeazy.com started as a hobby for Les Kenny over eight years ago when he decided he would share his successful DIY projects with the wider world, putting them up online for anyone to access.

3 Comments
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  1. Fernando Oliveira, Brazil

  2. I purchased several of your plans a few months ago and finally got around to building the Kids size folding picnic table.
    It turned out great and my wife loves it. She says she wants to keep it instead of selling it.
    Hard to make any money when she takes all my projects I build to sell.
    Just wanted to let you know that item ā€œkā€ ā€“ rear seat brace is angled wrong in the plan. The angles cannot be the same direction as it is drawn in the plan.
    I also found that by making it 12-3/4 inches at the long ends, it fits much nicer on part ā€œIā€ ā€“ rear seat lower rail with very little overhang that can be cut off for a smooth flush finish.
    Thanks again for the plans.
    Curtis West

  3. Hi, just cut all my parts , but your 30% is much less sharper than yours, i,m using a trent angle ruler, any ideas please?

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