Awesome 2-in-1 Picnic Table and Bench: 7-Step Project

Last Updated on May 17, 2024 by teamobn

A picnic table offers a spot to dine, unwind, and take in the outdoors and is a wonderful addition to any outdoor area. With so many sizes and designs available, finding a picnic table that meets your needs is simple. Here are several reasons a picnic table is a terrific addition to your outside area.

Apart from offering an area to dine and unwind outside, they can be utilized for a range of events, such as outdoor parties and family dinners. A picnic table can give everyone somewhere to congregate and enjoy the outdoors if you have a sizable outside area.

Considerations for picnic table selection include size and style. There is a size and style of picnic table to suit any outdoor area. Traditional, folding, and convertable picnic tables are among the style choices. Typically rectangular or oval in shape, traditional picnic tables have benches attached. Convertible picnic tables can be used as a bench as well as a picnic table and are simple to move and assemble.

Though we have already highlighted one DIY convertible picnic table and bench, you might find this one to be more to your liking! Any outside area will benefit from this 2-in-1 picnic table and bench. Picnics, BBQs, and other outdoor events are perfect occasions for its robust structure and simple assembly. Families or parties will find the table and bench to be ideal for seating up to four people.

This piece of furniture is simpler to build and use than the first picnic table/bench we displayed to you. For everyone who likes a more simple and user-friendly picnic table, this 2-in-1 picnic table and bench is an excellent piece of furniture. It is far more user-friendly because this design eliminates the need to lift and relocate the whole table and seat when converting it into a picnic table.

Just turn over the three sections of this 2-in-1 picnic table to create a piece of furniture for your house! It’s a terrific approach to save space and always have an extra bench or table available. It’s genuinely as simple as 1-2-3. 🙂 View the video after our album below to see what we mean in action!

You’ll adore the 2-in-1 picnic table and bench if you enjoy eating outside. Perfect for little outdoor spaces, this one-sided picnic table also functions as a regular table. Whether used as a picnic table or a bench, this convertible picnic table/bench occupies the same space; other versions require more space when used as a picnic table.

Building a 2-in-1 Picnic Table and Bench

Materials

• 2×4 Timber
• Hinges
• Wood Glue
• Wood Screws
• Custom Top Lock (made from scrap metal)

Tools

• Measuring Tape
• Wood Clamps
• Compound Miter Saw
• Cordless Drill

Instructions

Step 1: Design and Planning

• Begin by deciding the dimensions of your table and bench. A standard size could be about 5 feet long, which comfortably seats four people.
• Sketch out your design, noting where the table transforms into a bench. This will help you understand the placement of hinges and locks.

Step 2: Cutting the Timber

• Use the compound miter saw to cut your 2×4 timber into the required lengths. You’ll need pieces for the tabletop, seat, legs, and supports.
• For a standard 5-foot table, you might cut:
  • 5 pieces for the top (60 inches each)
  • 4 pieces for the seats (60 inches each)
  • 8 pieces for the legs (28 inches each)
  • Additional pieces for cross supports and braces.

Step 3: Assembling the Table Frame

• Lay out the legs and attach cross supports to form two rectangular frames (one for each side of the table).
• Secure the frames using wood screws and wood glue for extra stability.
• Attach additional braces in the center of the frame for more support.

Step 4: Attaching the Tabletop and Bench Seats

• Place the tabletop pieces across the top of the frames and secure them with wood screws. Ensure they are evenly spaced.
• Repeat the process for the bench seats on what will be the underside of the table when transformed.

Step 5: Installing Hinges

• Attach hinges at the connection between the tabletop and the seat. This allows the seat to lift up and the tabletop to flip over to become the back of the bench.
• Ensure the hinges are sturdy enough to support the flipping motion and weight.

Step 6: Building and Attaching the Lock Mechanism

• Construct a locking mechanism using the custom top lock. This will be used to keep the table stable when used as a bench.
• Install the lock on the side of the bench where the top and bottom meet. This will secure the structure in both its forms.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

• Sand all surfaces to remove splinters and rough edges, ensuring a smooth finish.
• Apply a coat of weather-resistant paint or stain to protect the wood and give your table/bench a finished look.

Step 8: Final Assembly

• Check all screws and hinges to ensure they are tight and the table transforms smoothly.
• Place the table in your desired outdoor location and enjoy its functionality!

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For more step-by-step instructions on how to build a 2-in-1 picnic table, check out this tutorial from André B.

Design Customization Ideas for 2-in-1 Picnic Tables

A very adaptable piece of outdoor furniture, the 2-in-1 picnic table and bench may be used as a dining surface or a sitting area with ease. Enhancing the usefulness of your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench by customizing it also makes it look great outside. 

These are some original ways to make your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench a focal point in your patio or yard.

Color and Finish

Using color is one of the easiest, but most effective, ways to personalize your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench. The finish you choose—natural wood or a vivid splash of color—can completely change the way your outdoor area looks and feels. Think about giving the wood some personality and protection using exterior paints or stains. Your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench may seem even more rustic by weathering with a gray or whitewash stain.

Artistic Touches

Adding artistic elements to your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench can turn it into a unique piece of art. This could involve intricate wood carvings, stenciled designs, or even custom wood burnings. For families, turning the tabletop into a chalkboard surface can provide a fun and reusable drawing area for children. These personal touches not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also make your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench a more engaging element of your outdoor decor.

Functional Add-Ons

Add useful elements like built-in storage beneath the seats or a concealed cooler area within the table to make your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench more useful. These upgrades make your 2-in-1 picnic table and seat more than simply a spot to sit and eat; they improve its usefulness and make outdoor entertaining simpler and more pleasurable.

Lighting Solutions

Incorporating lighting into your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench can extend its usability into the evening hours, creating a cozy atmosphere for late-night gatherings. Integrated LED strip lights under the bench or tabletop edges not only illuminate the area but also add a modern touch to the traditional picnic setup. Solar-powered lanterns hanging from the sides or placed on the table can also provide a warm, inviting glow.

Eco-Friendly Materials

For those who are environmentally conscious, customizing your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench with eco-friendly materials is a fantastic way to align with sustainable practices. Using reclaimed wood or recycled plastics not only minimizes environmental impact but also gives the picnic table a story and character that new materials lack.

By personalizing your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench, you not only enhance its functionality but also create a piece that reflects your style and values. These customization options allow you to make the most out of this versatile outdoor furniture, ensuring it meets your needs and aesthetic preferences.

Space-Saving Tips for Small Yards

Small yards might be difficult to maximise outdoor space, but you can make a comfortable and useful environment with the correct furniture and design ideas. Offering the flexibility of a picnic table and a seat in one small form, the 2-in-1 picnic table and bench is the perfect answer for such areas.

The following space-saving ideas will help you maximize your little yard with a 2-in-1 picnic table and bench.

Choose Multipurpose Furniture

Opt for multipurpose pieces like the picnic table and bench that serve dual functions without occupying extra space. This type of furniture can quickly transform from a comfortable bench to a full picnic table, catering to different needs without requiring additional room. It’s perfect for small patios or backyards where space is at a premium.

Vertical Gardening

Instead of using precious ground space for plants, consider vertical gardening. This can be done using wall-mounted planters, trellises, or hanging baskets. This approach not only beautifies your outdoor area but also keeps the ground clear for furniture like your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench, ensuring you have enough room to enjoy your outdoor meals and activities.

Foldable and Stackable Options

Look for folding and stackable choices when selecting extra tables or chairs. When not in use, these are simply tucked aside to make room for everyday chores. Small yards, where every square inch counts, require this flexibility.

Strategic Placement

Position your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench in a corner or against a wall when not in use. This placement minimizes the footprint of your furniture, keeping the central area of your yard open and accessible. When needed, the table can be pulled out into the center of the yard for use, and easily moved back to save space.

Use Reflective Elements

Incorporate reflective elements such as mirrors or glossy finishes in your outdoor decor. These can make your small yard appear larger by reflecting light and creating an illusion of depth. Positioning a mirror near your 2-in-1 picnic table and bench can also enhance the natural light during daytime use.

With the use of these space-saving ideas, even a tiny yard may have a fashionable and useful outdoor environment. Especially helpful, the 2-in-1 picnic table and bench adjust to your requirements and available area, making it a wise addition to small outdoor areas.

Conclusion

Any outdoor area may be improved in both use and beauty with the satisfying do-it-yourself effort of building a 2-in-1 picnic table and bench. Because it offers both dining and sitting options in a single, simplified form, this adaptable piece lets you maximize small spaces. Once finished, your new two-in-one picnic table and bench will be a useful and fashionable center point for outdoor entertainment and family get-togethers.