We all love to spend time outdoors, enjoying refreshing summer breeze and having meals with family and friends. Apart from the company, food and drinks, it is the seating which ensures a pleasurable experience for all. Having a perfect picnic table is essential for outdoor picnics and lunches and if you don't want to invest in the expensive picnic tables available in stores, then you can build one of your own. It is easy and reasonable, if you keep the following in mind.

Consider the style: Rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, oval, circular? Attached seating, chairs or benches? Is it for adults or kids?

Consider the size: If you usually arrange large get-togethers or have a big family, then you might want a big table, but they're bulky and difficult to move around. A portable and compact table, with enough seating space for 4 to 6 people, will be a better option.

Consider the materials: Wood is definitely the most common and simple material for picnic tables. Use pressure treated wood, cyprus, or cedar as you will want the table to be durable, strong and able to withstand the weather. Also, contemplate the table surroundings to select the wood color, as it should complement the overall ambiance. Paint or otherwise treat your completed wood table to extend its life. With biannual painting, your table should last 15-20 years. You can also consider composite materials. Your table should last a lifetime then but will also cost twice as much. Concrete is also an option, if you are handy with masonry.

You'll also need hardware, such as nuts, bolts and screws. They are available in various metals, and at varying cost. For permanence, consider brass or stainless steel wood screws, but galvanized nails can also be used. You may also use nuts and bolts. Be sure to use cap nuts wherever possible so no one gets scrapped or hurt. Lag bolts will also help prevent slippage so maintenance is less of a problem.

Plans are easily available online (and at some local hardware stores) and YouTube has several 'how to' videos. If you like to work with your hands, or get satisfaction from 'building it yourself', building your own is definitely the way to go!

Free Table Plans:
Classic Picnic Table Plan
15 Free Picnic Table Plans
32 FREEE Picnic Table Plans
Build a Bigger Kid's Picnic Table

Instructions & Video:
Building a Picnic Table - Home Depot
How to Build a Picnic Table - wikiHow
How to build a picnic table - A step by step guide