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A picnic table built on a center X of 2x4s with eight radiating spokes — every tabletop and seat board cut at 22.5°, every framing spoke at 30° and 45°, for a true eight-sided table.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table framing, center spoke Both ends tapered at 30° off square, not parallel to each other. | 1 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 62" | 2x4, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Table framing, half spokes One end at 30° off square. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 30 1/2" | 2x4, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Table framing, point spokes One end at 30° off square, other end pointed at 45° off square. | 4 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 29 15/16" | 2x4, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Tabletop boards, shortest Both ends at 22.5° off square. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 4 9/16" | 2x6, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Tabletop boards, short Both ends at 22.5° off square. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 9 1/2" | 2x6, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Tabletop boards, medium Both ends at 22.5° off square. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 14 7/16" | 2x6, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Tabletop boards, medium-long Both ends at 22.5° off square. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 19 5/16" | 2x6, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Tabletop boards, long Both ends at 22.5° off square. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 24 1/4" | 2x6, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Tabletop boards, longest Both ends at 30° off square, parallel to each other. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 32 15/16" | 2x6, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Seat framing, center spoke Both ends tapered in at 30° off square. Rotate 90° from the tabletop's full-length spoke for cross-strength. | 1 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 95" | 2x4, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Seat framing, half spokes One end at 30° off square. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 46 3/4" | 2x4, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Seat framing, point spokes One end at 30° off square, other end pointed at 45° off square. | 4 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 46 7/16" | 2x4, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Seat boards, angled Both ends at 22.5° off square. Measure and cut as you go. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 31 13/16" | 2x6, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Seat boards, parallel Both ends at 30° off square, parallel to each other. Measure and cut as you go. | 8 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 36 3/4" | 2x6, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 2x4, 8 ft | 10 each | ☐ |
| 2x6, 8 ft Tabletop and seat boards — cut as you go, boards vary in actual width. | 15 each | ☐ |
| Self-tapping exterior screws, 2-1/2" to 3", star drive | 200 each | ☐ |
| Medium grit sandpaper | 6 each | ☐ |
| Exterior finish suitable for fences | 1 qt | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Level, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 2x4, 8 ft
On a very flat, level surface, join the center spoke pieces into a big X with pocket hole screws and glue at the center joint. Metal straps or plates can substitute, but only on the underside.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Miter Saw, Pocket Hole Jig. Materials: 2x4, 8 ft
Carefully cut and add the remaining framing spokes at 22-1/2° between each spoke, using pocket holes or metal brackets.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Drill Bit Set. Materials: 2x6, 8 ft, Self-tapping exterior screws, 2-1/2" to 3", star drive
Lay out all the tabletop boards first and adjust as necessary so they meet in the center of the spokes. Screw down with two predrilled screws per board.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Miter Saw, Tape Measure. Materials: 2x4, 8 ft
Mark all your leg locations. Start with the longest remaining support, rotated 90° from the tabletop's full-length support for added strength. Add the two supports cut straight on one end, then the remaining lower supports, the same way the tabletop framing went together.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Tape Measure. Materials: 2x6, 8 ft, Self-tapping exterior screws, 2-1/2" to 3", star drive
Flip the table back over and screw down the seat boards, working from the outside in this time. Measure and cut each seat board as you go rather than trusting the cut list exactly, since board widths vary.
Tools: Random Orbit Sander. Materials: Medium grit sandpaper, Exterior finish suitable for fences
Sand the whole table and apply an exterior finish rated for fences or other outdoor lumber.