Build your own outdoor living space with one of these creative DIY picnic table ideas!
Nothing says summer quite like a picnic in the backyard! We've been using a cheap IKEA dining table and chairs on our deck for years, but it might not survive the whole season. I've been researching unique picnic table ideas, so I'll be ready to build when our current table bites the dust!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Purchases made through these links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please visit my disclosures page for more information.
I was surprised by how many different styles of picnic tables there are out there! There's the traditional one-piece set, or you can make detached benches instead. Mix up the base depending on your skill level, then make a miniature version for the kids!
One benefit of building your own picnic table is that you can customize the size to fit your space perfectly, just by altering the length of the top. Many of these tutorials include free woodworking plans so you can print them off, adjust the cut list to suit, and get right to work!
DIY Picnic Table Ideas
Ready to tackle building your own picnic table? This basic design will have you eating al fresco in no time! The tutorial includes a video and woodworking plans to make the process even easier.
When you buy a picnic table kit, all you need to do is put it together and give it a waterproof finish! Here's a good option for an unfinished picnic table kit that will ship straight to your door.
Have some pieces left over from building your new composite deck? Use them to create the tabletop and seats of your picnic table! This low-maintenance solution would be easy to keep clean and never needs staining!
If you're short on space, this compact picnic table is a great solution! It features built-in benches on all four sides, so you can seat lots of people on a smaller deck or patio.
It's the little details that make a huge difference! Once you've assembled your picnic table, give it the farmhouse look with these custom metal accents.
Everyone has their own spot at this beautiful farmhouse picnic table with numbered seats!
This picnic table uses half-lap joints to create the X shaped legs on both the table and benches for a classic look you can complete in a weekend!
This outdoor trestle table may look like something out of a furniture catalog, but you can build it yourself for less than $100! Add in the matching benches for the perfect set!
This herringbone picnic table may look fancy, but it's not too difficult to build! This one was made from a deconstructed tree fort, so the childhood memories are kept alive in a new piece.
Linger at the table longer with cold drinks stored right in the table! You can build this DIY version, or buy a similar one online here.
Love this idea, but don't want to commit to a full table? Try this outdoor end table with built-in cooler instead!
Roll right up to this wheelchair accessible picnic table! I've seen versions of this at parks all over our city, and it's a great way to make your barbeque more inclusive.
How amazing is this! Go from picnic table to benches and back again in seconds with this convertible piece.
Turn a free wood pallet into a cute little picnic table! The size of the pallet limits how big you can make it, but it would be perfect for a small space.
Preserve a bit of history by transforming an old barn door into a brand new picnic table!
Mini Picnic Tables
Don't forget about the kids! Make them a pint size picnic table for eating, drawing and playing outdoors. This is a great opportunity to add a fun pop of color to the backyard with bright colors that you normally wouldn't see in a larger set.
I've even found travel sized picnic tables that can be used on a blanket in the grass, or a tiny picnic tables for squirrels!
This picnic table is sized for kids, but looks pretty enough for adults! You could get really creative with the pattern and color of the top.
Add a bright pop of color poolside with this fun rainbow picnic table!
I'm a sucker for the two-toned look, so I want one of these in a grown-up size!
This cute kids picnic table looks like a wooden version of the iconic Little Tykes set!
Spread out a blanket in the grass and enjoy snacks without the ants with this little table!
Turn a plant stand into a traveling picnic table with this easy IKEA hack!
These hilarious little squirrel picnic tables are all over the internet these days! Attach it to a tree or fence, add a few nuts and watch the squirrels eat their snack! Get the free plans to make your own in this tutorial.
Which one of these DIY picnic tables is your favorite? Mention it below in the comments to help me decide which one to choose!
Steve
Saturday 25th of July 2020
All DIY ideas are amazing and this squirrel picnic table is really very cute.
Ivory
Monday 2nd of July 2018
OMG, I love these picnic tables, they are fabulous. Hard to say which I love best.
Jann Olson
Tuesday 12th of June 2018
So many fun picnic tables! My favorite is the white washed farmhouse one. Thanks for sharing with SYC. hugs, Jann
Donna @ Modern on Monticello
Sunday 10th of June 2018
So glad I saw this post on the Dream Create Inspire Link up this week. We are looking for a new table for our screen porch and you included some great finds.
Marie | DIY Adulation
Friday 8th of June 2018
I love all of these. I don't know how I'll pick which one to make. Each one is awesome in its own way. I can totally get away with making 2 if one is for the kiddos, right? Lol! Thanks for sharing your round up with us at Merry Monday this week!