Camping tables: as an essential attribute of modern outdoor recreation. DIY folding picnic table
Folding table - very convenient and indispensable in many cases. Most apartments in our country have a small area, and many do not even dream of placing a large kitchen in the kitchen. dinner table. To solve this problem, there is a wide choice of designs of folding tables. And when organizing a picnic in nature, it is optimal to take a small aluminum folding table with you, which is lightweight and folds compactly.
Variety of folding table designs
Dimensions vary depending on their functionality, but in any case, the folding part must be shorter than the height, otherwise it will not be able to fold. A hand-made table can be decorated with decoupage or simply painted, not forgetting to final stage apply several coats of varnish.
Folding tables are used in trade, picnics, cottages and apartments. They are indispensable when you need functional, but compact and lightweight tables. Depending on the place of their use is selected suitable material. So, for the street it is best to take aluminum structure with plastic top. Such a table is moisture resistant and has a small weight. Natural wood, plywood or laminated fiberboard are suitable for the home. wooden frame. But all folding tables have one drawback, you can’t get up on them. Such a load for a folding structure is too large.
First of all, they differ in the shape of the tabletops - rectangular, round, oval or square. The most versatile tables with a rectangular top.
Legs are made of wood, aluminum and steel. Parallel legs make the design less rigid, but it is comfortable to sit at such a table. And located in a cross, although less convenient, but they provide maximum stability. In addition, there are removable and adjustable legs, they are especially convenient for uneven surfaces. Therefore, when choosing a table, one must be guided not only by its appearance and the size of the table top, but also by design features frame.
Tables made of wood or laminated fiberboard with parallel legs look beautiful. But you can use them only indoors and provided that you do not have to often lay out.
Perfect for nature outings inexpensive table from lacquered plywood. It is waterproof and will last long years. To quickly and easily fold the legs should be placed crosswise.
How to make a folding table on different cases life will be discussed in this article.
DIY folding picnic table
Outdoor recreation is becoming more and more popular. It helps to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. But even far from civilization, you want to make your pastime as comfortable as possible. An important attribute is folding camping table which has a number of advantages. First, it is small and a light weight which greatly simplifies its transportation. Finished tables have special coating countertops that do not absorb food odors and are easy to clean. Secondly, it is made of reliable material, most often aluminum, and can be used in the harshest conditions for many years. It is convenient if there is a hole for an awning in its center, then rest under the hot sun will be as comfortable as possible. Today there is big choice folding tables for a hike: for children, sets with benches or simple tables. They combine time-tested materials with modern ones such as plastic.
Consider how to make a folding table with your own hands using the example of a simple and very reliable design.
It will turn out to be compact and lightweight, which will allow you to use it for different purposes: on a hike, in the garden or on a fishing trip. The following is a drawing of a folding table. If necessary, the dimensions can be proportionally changed.
First, the required number of bars is cut with a small margin in size. The easiest way to do this is with a circular saw.
The tabletop can be made of any material, but it is better to make it from lacquered plywood or wood (in the future, it must be carefully covered with several layers of varnish).
All saw cuts of blanks are closed with an edge tape. The bars for legs and footrests are rounded with a jigsaw or a right angle is cut off and smoothed with a grinder.
They are fastened to each other with a bolt, the length of which should not exceed 35 mm.
Having prepared all the details, you can proceed to the pre-assembly. First of all, the legs and supports are fastened together. After that, markings are applied to the table top for fastening (it will be mounted on wood screws). Having numbered all the details, the table is disassembled, all irregularities are polished, and several layers of a protective composition are applied. That's it, it's ready for final assembly.
DIY universal folding table
For home use the most convenient mechanism is the "table-book". It has a beautiful and noble appearance, is stable and reliable, and most importantly, a large number of people will fit behind it.
Consider how to create such a table with your own hands.
A - tabletop 700x670x20 mm - 2 pcs. It is optimal to use hollow shields.
B - table cover 700x200x20 mm - 1 pc. Joiner's boards are used as a material (legs, drawers and underframe are also made from them).
B - leg 720x190x20 mm - 2 pcs.
G - tsarga 628x120x20 mm - 1 pc.
D - underframe 628x190x20 mm - 1 pc.
E - horizontal bar frame 500x40x25 - 4 pcs.
AND - vertical beam frames 500x40x25 - 2 pcs.
Z - movable leg 720-40-25 - 2 pcs. Made from solid wood.
I - piano loop - 4 pcs.
The book table is assembled in stages:
- all saw cuts are processed with an edge;
- first, the central part is fastened - a movable leg (З) with vertical (Ж) and horizontal (Е) bars. All parts are connected with deaf straight spikes;
- then a tabletop is assembled, consisting of a leg (B), a drawer (G) and a underframe (D).
- the cover (B) is attached to the ends of the table legs with round plug-in spikes;
- a movable leg with a frame is attached to the piano hinges, having previously attached an elastic band or a metal button to its end;
- after the table is fully assembled, if necessary, it is varnished.
As you can see, all the complexity lies only in the manufacture of parts, the assembly itself will take a little time. As a result, the price of a do-it-yourself table will be much lower than the market price.
Tourist folding table: features of choice
High-quality furniture for a picnic will allow you to comfortably enjoy outdoor recreation. Depending on the needs, there is a wide variety of individual folding tables, as well as entire sets consisting of both tables and benches that fold compactly.
The price of a folding picnic table depends on the materials from which it is made, its size, design and, of course, dimensions. Today, there is a wide variety of folding designs, which makes the choice more difficult. In any case, choosing it should be based on functionality - a small folding table designed for 1-2 people, or a large one - for a whole company.
The durable steel frame and aluminum tabletop can withstand even heavy loads. Wish it had a protective case.
For small company a very light table is best small size. If it will be used outdoors, then you need to choose aluminum or plastic countertops.
Whether it's not big table ik, which is intended to be transported by hand, or a large table, it is important that the design is light in weight. In the first case, there should be a convenient carrying handle, and when choosing the second option, take into account its dimensions when folded - it should easily fit in the trunk of a car.
All materials from which tables are made have their advantages and disadvantages. So, aluminum, although light, but short-lived, steel is reliable and durable, but begins to rust over time, wood will require additional care.
When choosing a mechanism for the design of a folding table, you should be guided by the main rule - the simpler the better. Such a table, although it will fold less compactly, will last for many years.
The tabletop is selected according to your taste and preferences. The easiest and most convenient to care for -
plastic or aluminium. Appearance is also important, but should not be dominant in the choice.
Folding table photo
A folding table is a very convenient and useful item in everyday life. Many owners complain about the small area of their apartments, respectively, they do not have the opportunity to put a large table in the kitchen. This problem is effectively solved by purchasing folding models. It is worth noting that they are ideal for trips and picnics in nature.
The folding table is lightweight and compact in size, which allows it to be easily folded into the trunk of a car.
Varieties
This furniture is various forms and sizes. They differ in the shape of the tabletop (round, square, oval, rectangular), material (wood, metal, and combinations thereof), as well as the method of folding.
The most popular type of folding tables is wooden. If you want to make it as light and easy to transport as possible, then install an inexpensive chipboard countertop.
The easiest way to fold at tables with cruciform legs. When folding, the dimensions of the structure change, but it does not disassemble itself. In addition, there are fully collapsible products. To create them, threaded fasteners are used.
If you want to do round table with your own hands, then you need to shape the countertop before fastening. This will greatly simplify the assembly process.
Preparatory work
If you decide to figure out how to make a folding table with your own hands, then first evaluate your capabilities. Masters who do not have impressive experience should give preference to the simplest models with cruciform legs.
The dimensions of the table are selected depending on your own needs. It is important to consider the maximum possible load and operating conditions.
At home, it is easier to create a table made of wood. for countertop the best option becomes chipboard. You will also need tools for work:
- Electric jigsaw;
- Level;
- Paint brushes;
- Ruler / tape measure;
- Hammer, screwdriver;
- Sander (sandpaper).
The latter is recommended only experienced craftsmen. Everyone else should give preference to ordinary sandpaper. Of course, using it will slow down the process of creating a table a little. But the product will turn out to be of high quality and beautiful.
For work, you need wooden bars measuring 2 x 4.5 centimeters. If you plan to make a large table, then you can order parts 3 x 5 centimeters. As for the length, it ranges from one to five meters.
The material is cut into pieces right size in accordance with the drawings of the folding table. Boards for countertops, it is desirable to use thick (at least 4 centimeters) and durable.
Assembly
To connect the bars, you need bolts and screws. Their length is selected in accordance with the thickness of the selected materials. Bolts are used to connect the legs, self-tapping screws - to fix the foot supports.
Need to cut out first right amount bars. It is advisable to make them a little larger in size than originally planned. The dimensions of the hole must also exceed the dimensions of the fasteners. For example, for M4 bolts, the hole diameter should be at least five millimeters.
Each part after trimming needs to be processed grinder or sandpaper. To extend the period of operation, they are covered protective composition(paint or varnish).
It is important to securely fasten the foot supports (four pieces). They are at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the "goats" (folding legs with crossbars at the bottom). For this, ordinary self-tapping screws are used.
Three pieces are required for each support. The distance between them should correspond to the size of the bar from which the "goats" are made.
To understand what the finished design looks like, find on the Internet a photo of a folding table with your own hands. So you will understand what result you should get in the end.
All parts are connected with bolts. They are placed in the through central holes of the bars. It is not recommended to tighten them too much. The axle must be allowed to rotate freely. "Goats" are fixed to the tabletop by bolted connections. Foot supports must be attached to them in advance.
If you are worried that the axial fastening will loosen over time and fail due to constant folding / unfolding, then use locknuts.
If you want to make a compact table, then remove the bolts that combine the goats and footrests. It is allowed to pick up one or two bolts. Practice shows that it is not worth tightening the fasteners in these areas.
Reliable fastening and tightening of bolts require only foot supports. This is due to the fact that they guarantee the normal installation of the legs.
DIY folding table photo
Hello. Today I will tell you how to make a table that can fit 10-12 people behind it, and at the same time it folds easily and takes up very little space in the trunk of a car. After all, its thickness when folded is only 10 cm.
My company and I go out to nature very often. Sometimes - with tents for a week. And I thought about a table that you can carry with you. Purchased models are usually designed for a company of 4 people, which did not suit us. And so, after some thought, I assembled just such a table.
I did it by a certain date and "from what was." For example, I cut out the elements of the tabletop itself from OSB boards 10 mm thick. Therefore, my design turned out to be quite heavy. It is quite possible to make these elements from thin plywood - hardly anyone will dance on this table!))))) But I had OSB (Half of the sheet remained after repairing the walls in the shed), so I used it. Bearing structures I made 50 by 25 from the bars for the same reason - they were lying in the barn. And they can be made completely, without loss of strength, from the same plywood, only thicker. As a result, we get a significant reduction in weight ...
So where did I start? I started with the table top. Having planned the width of the future table to be 80 cm, I cut out two pieces of the slab of this length. And my width turned out to be 62.5 cm. It was "turned out" - because the width OSB sheet- 125 cm, and I just sawed an eighty-centimeter segment of it in two.))))
Next, I proceeded to the manufacture of "legs", that is, the structure on which the countertop will be mounted. I assembled two frames from the bars. One is 100 by 62.5 cm in size, the other is a little narrower. That is, after I assembled the first one, I put two meter-long bars inside it and fastened them transversely of such a length that the frames fit snugly into one another. At the same time, I attached the transverse bars in both frames "overlapping" and not along the edge, but so that there was a distance of 80 cm between them. What did it give: firstly, my pieces of the table top would be evenly inserted there when the table was folded. Secondly, the "horns" remained behind the crossbars. It was originally intended to use the table on uneven ground. And such a leg can, by pressing, deepen into the ground. Finding the center of the long sides of both frames, I drilled holes and fastened them together with M8 bolts.
I got this design:
It turned out that the structure turned out to be wobbly, so I strengthened it from transverse wobbling by screwing a rectangular trim USB /
Next, I proceeded to the manufacture of load-bearing slats, on which the countertop will be superimposed. Since my design is maximum size 100 cm, then the load-bearing strips must be folded to this length. To do this, I cut off two strips of 100 cm each, and two of 90 cm each. I fastened them in pairs with M6 bolts like this:
After that, I laid out both structures and drilled one more through hole.
Now, if we lay it out in one line and tighten it with ordinary furniture bolts with a wing nut, we get two strong planks, each 1 m 85 cm long:
Next, I spread out my "leg" to such a width that its height was 75 centimeters (this standard height table). After that, measuring the distance between the upper ends (in them I pre-drilled holes with a diameter of 6 mm). In the unfolded and fastened load-bearing strips, I drilled two holes at the same distance, making sure that they were located on the same distance from the ends. Then I fastened the planks to the stand using the same M6 furniture bolts with wing nuts:
Having placed my tabletop fragments on the edges of the resulting "table skeleton", I came to the conclusion that another one, 40 cm wide, could be inserted between them. After that, I made it.
After placing all the fragments, I marked the attachment points and drilled through holes in the tabletop and guides. Then I bolted the first...
Then the second....
And finally, the last one...
Like this:
All. The table is ready!
In order to fix it in the assembled position, I prepared such a sling in advance:
At its ends are two loops that can be tightened with rings cut off from old jackets.
Since I used a narrow sling (it, again, was))), then in the middle, where it will be hung on the shoulder, I inserted a section of a wide car seat belt: 
One more thing... During the first transfer, a narrow fragment of the tabletop fell out freely when loaded into the trunk. To prevent this from happening, I screwed in the centers of the crossbars along the trimming of the bar. I forgot to take a picture, but you can see them in the photo above.
I described the very idea and methods. You can make from other materials and with other sizes. Perhaps someone regulates the size of the trunk of a car. We quite often go to the forest, but I don’t go there in a sedan. I go to the forest in a station wagon, or in a minivan (depending on the dates for which we are going, as a result, on the number of things))). In both of these cars, I have trunks - large and rectangular, so the table practically does not take up volume - just the trunk floor becomes 10 cm higher ...
So, do it "for yourself" .... Enjoy your barbecue ...
We often go outdoors with my family. To comfortably spend time on a picnic, I made a compact folding table.
Used as a base metal frame with legs from an old crib. According to its size, I cut out a tabletop from multilayer plywood with an allowance of 15 mm on the sides and fixed it with self-tapping screws on the frame. On the protruding edges of the table top, I fixed a frame from a plank with a section of 20x15 mm from below.
Important!
The size of the tabletop allowance must be selected based on the thickness of the available planks.
To make it comfortable to sit at the table, I increased the height of the legs. To do this, I cut the tubular racks in half, placed a bar of suitable diameter between each and scalded it on both sides (photo 1, item 1)
For the stability of the structure at the attachment point of each rack, welded stops with screws (photo 2), which fix the legs in the unfolded form. I lengthened the lower jumper of one of the supports by 10 mm, so that when the table was folded, the legs fit one into one. To do this, cut it in the middle, inserted a small rod and scalded it (photo 1, item 2)
On a note
Choose the length of the bars so that the folded leg does not protrude beyond the tabletop.
The tabletop was decorated with decoupage. Using PVA glue diluted 1:1 with water. glued newspaper clippings to the surface. After drying, I applied a layer of colorless varnish on wood. The frame of the table was painted with waterproof paint for metal.
Maxim Abramchuk, Kobrin.
Photo by Irina Savosina
Take note
The barbecue won't get cold
To keep the barbecue freshly cooked on the grill hot and juicy throughout the feast, my husband made a convenient heater.
From a metal bar with a section of 10x10 mm, I assembled two figured (ordinary can be used) tripod stands with rings according to the size of bowls from of stainless steel(acquired at a hardware store).
I installed both structures on top of each other and welded (I processed the welding points with a file). I primed the entire surface of the stand and covered it with gold spray paint in two layers.
During the rest, I put the finished kebab in the upper bowl, and put the coals in the lower one. The heat coming from them does not allow the meat to cool down throughout the entire rest time. If necessary, coals can be poured.
By the way
The height of each tripod is arbitrary and depends on the dimensions of the bowls or other containers used.
With the onset of summer days, I so want to go on a picnic in the forest with the whole family or relax cheerful company friends on the shore of the pond. But rest on bare ground can hardly be called comfortable, so you should get comfortable, compact and light-weight furniture. Great option there will be a folding picnic table, types and recommendations for the selection of such items garden furniture described below.
Advantages and disadvantages
Outdoor recreation cannot be neglected, because it allows you to escape from problems at work, household chores or other kinds of troubles. But in order to relax under the open sky in the forest, by the river or in the garden on suburban area it was most comfortable, worth picking up comfortable model folding picnic table. It is easy to make such furniture with your own hands, but if you do not have time for this, read our selection recommendations. optimal models later in this article.
But first, let's describe the main advantages that distinguish folding picnic tables with your own hands. They have the following significant advantages:
- low weight, compact, easy transportability. Often, in the process of manufacturing such furniture, manufacturers use light metals, plastic, thin wooden planks. In addition, the collapsible table can be folded, which will make it very compact;
- high level of comfort - such pieces of furniture in combination with chairs allow you to comfortably accommodate a large campaign, arrange cutlery and favorite dishes, which allows you to make your stay comfortable;
- affordable cost - sets of tourist furniture, including a folding table, chairs often do not differ in high cost.
Types of folding picnic table
Today, outdoor tables come in a wide variety of styles. All of them are very practical, easy to use, but have their own characteristics. So, depending on the form, models are distinguished:
- square;
- rectangular;
- round;
- oval.
Rectangular 
Oval Depending on the location of the legs, you can choose a product with:
- parallel arrangement - not very durable options, but they are highly comfortable;
- cruciform arrangement - highly stable, but with an average level of comfort;
- removable legs - optimal for uneven surfaces.
cruciform 
Parallel Manufacturing materials
The most commonly used materials for making picnic tables are:
- aluminum - the material is resistant to corrosion, has a light weight, is durable, stable;
- plastic - models that are light in weight and resistant to negative factors, however, are prone to fading and scratches;
- wood - somewhat larger, less durable than the previous options, if completely made from natural wood. But at the same time they are very natural, environmentally safe;
- combination of materials - they often combine wooden, plastic countertops and stainless steel legs, as well as countertops made of water-repellent materials, chipboard or plywood and aluminum legs.
Aluminum 
Wood 
Combination of materials 
Plastic Shape and dimensions
Regarding the shapes of picnic tables, the most convenient to use are, of course, standard options with rectangular, square tops. Slightly less common are tables, the top of which has a round or oval shape. The dimensions of such furniture may be different.
Selection rules
Choose lightweight models so that even a teenager can move the product from place to place. Prefer wear-resistant materials, because on outdoor furniture renders Negative influence many factors.
It is also worth giving preference to folding models, for the transportation of which to the place of rest, you can use the trunk of a car.
And if you want to save money, you can make a folding picnic table with your own hands. A lot of drawings can be found further, here there is a workflow diagram. Thanks to this, do-it-yourself folding picnic tables, the drawings of which are presented below, will not be difficult to make.
Video
The video shows how to make a folding table yourself.
Photo of folding picnic tables
From the selection of photos you can find out what options are found folding tables for outdoor recreation.
