Table Ideal for ‘Eating Out’

Because it provides a lot of room in a minimum amount of space, an octagonal picnic table is ideal for dining alfresco. Plus, when eight are dining, each one gets his or her own side and a little extra elbow room.

Made of redwood for its beauty and its durability outdoors, this table can seat eight (or more) comfortably on a combination of benches and stools. The three pieces in the set are designed to be inexpensive, sturdy, weather-resistant and simple to build. With a little work, most do-it-yourselfers can finish the set in a weekend or two.

This project requires only common tools and calls for basic materials: standard 2-by-4s and 2-by-6s of redwood lumber, dowels, screws, nuts and bolts. Building it is a matter of making several straight cuts from redwood, then sanding, assembling and finishing. The curved cuts on the benches and stools are traced from full-size patterns.

When finished, the table measures 55 inches across and stands 30 inches high; the stools are 20 inches wide by 18 inches high.

For more information on today’s project, Octagon Picnic Table plan No. 840, call (800) 828-2453.