Trestle tables can be an alternative to a picnic table.
Trestle tables are long bench-like tables that can be built to accommodate large families. Benches for these tables can be built using the same construction process with reduced wood measurements. The benches can be slid underneath the table when not in use to increase free space in your kitchen.
Instructions
1. Measure, mark and cut 10 pieces of 1 by 6 lumber that are 26 inches long. These are the boards for the table top.
2. Measure, mark and cut 2 pieces of 2 by 4 lumber that are 20 inches long. These are the side supports for your table top. Measure, mark and cut 2 pieces of 2 by 4 lumber that are 58 inches long. These are the front and back supports for your table top.
3. Arrange the side, front and back supports in a rectangle shape. The wood should be positioned on the narrow edge. Screw the supports together at the top and bottom of each corner using 3-inch wood screws.
4. Lay the boards on top of the support so that the long edge of each board aligns and there is a 1-inch overhang on all four sides of the table support. Screw the table top boards to the top support using 2-inch wood screws. Turn the top upside down.
5. Measure, mark and cut four pieces of 2 by 4 lumber that are 29 inches long. These are the table legs. Align one leg at each corner in a vertical position inside the corners of the support frame. The 4-inch sides should be along the left and right edges of the support frame. Secure the legs to the support frame using 3-inch wood screws in all four corners of the intersecting areas.
6. Measure, mark and cut two pieces of 1 by 6 lumber that are 23 inches long. These are the leg braces. Measure 4 inches from the bottom of the legs. Align the leg brace horizontally at the measurements. The six-inch side should be against the outer edge of the legs. Secure the support to the legs using 2-inch wood screws spaced 1 inch from all four corners of the support.
7. Measure, mark and cut two 6-inch squares from a 2 by 6 piece of lumber. Cut each piece in half diagonally. Position one triangle in each corner so the sides fit snugly against the legs and side. Secure the triangles to the legs and table support with 3-inch wood screws.
8. Measure, mark and cut one piece of 1 by 6 lumber that is 59 inches long. This is the horizontal leg brace. Measure 11 inches from the edges of the leg braces. Slide the horizontal leg brace between the measurements. The six-inch side should be vertical. Secure the horizontal leg brace to the leg braces using 2-inch wood screws on the top and bottom of each side.
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