Doing something yourself isn’t always cheaper, but in a lot of cases, it means you get a much better product. We’ve been looking for a picnic table or patio set on Craigslist for awhile, but haven’t found much. So, Jeremy started Googling “how to make a picnic table” and of course, once he does that it’s over – he’ll be headed to Lowe’s for supplies within an hour or two!
He found these picnic table plans online and got busy… A few hours later, it was partly assembled and ready to move to the backyard!
I’m loving my new picnic table, though to be honest, we’ve only eaten on it once – it’s been so cool, and then windy, that we haven’t had many chances to enjoy it! This weekend will change that, though.
Here’s what it cost to build this picnic table:
Two 2×6 Treated Wood Studs – $15.94
Eight 2×6 Fir Studs – $30.64
Thirteen 2×4 Fir Studs – $34.32
Washers, Screws, Etc – $25
Total Cost – $105.90 (not including stain)
So, we could have bought this picnic table kit from Home Depot for about the same price… but it’s nowhere near as big or as sturdy. It didn’t require any special tools, either – Jeremy’s taught himself how to be handy with only a skill saw and a cheaper power drill!
Anyone else working on DIY projects this weekend?
We’ve been dying to get the rest of the little projects out of the way and finally think this weekend is the time!
We’re planting our starter sets of seeds out in our garden.
With the paint rebate, we’re buying paint to do the outside of the home (though we may have to wait til next weekend to actually do it).
And if Jeremy remembers, our home had lots of little things left to finish, but the blue kitchen now doesn’t flow with all the earth tones, so I’m repainting it a nice light airy pale yellow (or brown).
We’re clearing out the yard for summer.
Planting grass seeds
Putting up a pool.
Hanging new doors to match the 6 panel we have.
Putting up the last of the tile in the bathroom on the ceiling.
Doing a quick and easy tile surround in the kitchen with leftover tile from the tub surround (it matches).
Putting down some large pavers for a firepit area (very cheap at Lowe’s and you can use an old throwaway tractor tire for the pit).
Phew…. AND I’ve got a paper to write for school!
Anyone want to babysit? :D
WOW, you are ambitious! Any chance you’d want to take some pictures of your firepit and do a guest post? Email me if so!
I’d love to!
Oh, and now thanks you to – maybe making a picnic table. :D
Why does your picnic table look striped? Is it just a trick of the light?
Hubby built me a picnic table last year for my birthday and I really love it. It’s much sturdier than the kit ones.
No major DIY projects for this weekend…we’re thinking about building a garage later this summer if our land down south sells. We built our own house, so comparatively, I think it’ll be a piece of cake! Plus, now we have all the tools. :)
Happy Memorial Day, everyone!
Nope, we stained it that way. :) Building your own house is the ultimate DIY project, I’m impressed! :)
Beautiful picnic table :) Congratulations.
I dont know where to start with my DIY projects, LOL. We cant afford much of what we need new, but since we’re renting, we dont have the space or workshop to build what I want to make (my husband is not the mechanical one, I am).
At an auction 2 months ago I picked up 2 radial saws and a cordless screwdriver for $5! Also scored some old, beat-up garden tools for free, they work fine, just arent pretty.
My grandma taught me everything utilitarian I know, and her tools were all well used and slightly rusty :)
I REALLY need an outdoor table of some kind with an umbrella…have melanoma in the genes, but love being outside. If anyone sees a REALLY cheap one, please let me know ok? We have 2 outdoor chairs I salvaged from someones garbage that are actually nice when I get around to making new cushions.