How to make a portable exhibition light table. DIY folding table - the best models and projects for manufacturing (70 photos)

The need for a table that you can bring to a picnic, and then quickly assemble and disassemble with your own hands, can be great. Making a picnic table with your own hands is not too difficult, and does not take much time. This skill will come in handy later in life, as the ability to work with wood and knowledge of basic tools are important for comfortable life. It is best to choose wood for the manufacture of the table, since this material is light, durable and environmentally friendly if all stages of its processing have been completed. Working with wood is easier than with plastic, and it is good to master the initial skills of woodworking on such simple household items.

Scheme with dimensions folding table with removable legs.

Picnic table - varieties

The appearance of picnic tables differs in the shape of the tabletops - it is most often rectangular, but there are also models with a round or square, and sometimes a figured surface. Legs can be made of steel, aluminum or wood.

Most commonly folding picnic tables rectangular shape, but there are also round ones.

If the legs are parallel, it will be comfortable to sit at such a table, but the structure will become less durable. If the legs are arranged crosswise, they are very stable, but sitting at such a table is not very comfortable. For uneven surfaces, it is desirable to provide removable legs that could be adjusted in height. When choosing tables of this kind, you need to focus not on appearance and size, but on design features.

For picnics and other outings good option is a top made of lacquered plywood, as this material is moisture resistant and will last for many years. This type of material belongs to those that are easy to clean and do not absorb odors. It is convenient to provide a hole for an awning in the center of the tabletop to make outdoor recreation even more comfortable, but the ratio of the table and the awning should be well thought out so that the whole structure does not tip over from the wind.

DIY collapsible table

made of wood or laminated chipboard tables with parallel legs look very neat. The materials and tools needed to make a picnic table with your own hands are classified as common, and you can find them in almost every hardware store. For a folding table you will need:

Drawing with dimensions of a folding rectangular table.

  • shield glued from natural wood;
  • beam;
  • reinforced washers;
  • furniture corners;
  • furniture hinges;
  • wing nuts;
  • rivets;
  • screws;
  • hacksaw;
  • electric drill;
  • screwdriver or screwdriver;
  • pencil or marker.

A picnic table, depending on the functionality, can have different sizes, but one detail is common for all folding tables.

The legs, namely the folding part, must be shorter than its height, otherwise the table will not be able to fold.

You can not stand with your feet on such tables, since the folding design of the legs can withstand less weight than the permanent one. Having made a table with your own hands, you can then decorate its countertop with paints or using decoupage.

Table manufacturing procedure

Scheme of a folding square table.

The acquired timber must be cut to the size of the table, legs and crossbars between them will be made from it. You will need 4 identical pieces for the legs and 4 identical crossbars that will fasten the legs together at the bottom and at the top. You will also need a transverse beam, which will prevent the table from folding and warping its legs.

Pairs of legs are laid out parallel to each other on a table or on a workbench according to the width of the table and the crossbar. Two crossbars are placed in the upper part of the legs and the structure is twisted with screws in the corners. The diagonals of the resulting rectangle should be equal - this will ensure stability for the picnic table. After checking, the structure is twisted tightly by adding metal corners. The second rack is created in a similar way.

Furniture hinges made racks are attached to the tabletop. Indents from the edges are made 3-5 cm. Then a keeper tape is attached to the picnic table. It is needed to fix the legs-racks in relation to the tabletop. The tape on the tabletop is fixed with screws, then, setting the racks in vertical position, cut the tape to optimal length. On the rack, the ends are fixed with rivets and in such a way that it can be detached at any time.

Folding picnic table

This design turns out to be quite light, and therefore is used in hiking, in the garden and fishing. To get started, cut out the bars, with a prudent margin of diameter. It is very convenient to cut such materials on a circular saw. For the countertop, you can choose any material, but lacquered plywood or wood covered with several layers of varnish is preferable. Saws must be closed edging tape, and the beam prepared for the legs is rounded off with a jigsaw or grinder.

First of all, proceed to the assembly of the legs and supports. The legs are fastened crosswise with each other using a large bolt 3-3.5 cm long. With a marker or pencil, markings for fastening are applied to the tabletop with inside. Installation of all parts takes place with the help of self-tapping wood screws. The details are numbered, and it happens pre-assembly, after which the structure is again disassembled and all the details are varnished. After a day, for which the varnish should dry, you can do the final assembly.

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 is a complete 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.

Required for work 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 of the desired 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 it looks like finished construction, 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 due to 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

In the warm season, both children and adults want to stay longer on fresh air. A picnic in nature is not just sports and outdoor games, swimming in ponds and other pleasures. You also need to eat. Today we will discuss how to make folding table for a picnic with their own hands. The problem is that well-equipped throughout necessary furniture there are not so many recreational areas. Therefore, if you do not want to spend money on a new table, you will have to get down to business.

Types of structures

There are 2 types of tables for a hike:

  • Table-suitcase. It looks like a folding chessboard. The legs are inside the suitcase. If you need to expand the table, the legs are attached to the tabletop.
  • Table with folding legs. The design is extremely simple: when folded, the legs are removed under the tabletop. If necessary, they move apart, and the design is completely ready.

Important! Each option has strengths and weak sides. For example, it is easier to make folding furniture for a picnic with your own hands, it is also much easier to operate such products. At the same time, the “suitcase” is more compact, more convenient for transportation. In addition, there is a place for camping dishes, skewers and other accessories necessary for a picnic.

materials

What material to choose for self-manufacturing designs? Basically, there are 3 options:

  • Metal.
  • Wood.
  • Plastic.

Home craftsmen say that it is easiest to work with wood. If there is no skill in metalwork, it is better not to take on metal. At the same time, one must not forget to treat the tree with a special varnish so that it does not deform, does not lose its attractive appearance and does not warp under sunbeams or in the rain.

Plastic can be used to make both legs and countertops. But not everyone knows how to work with plastic. But plastic product literally forever: neither ultraviolet radiation nor corrosion are terrible for him.

Folding picnic table

Consider the easiest to make a picnic table with your own hands - a wooden one.

Set of tools

These tools are in the arsenal of any home master, not even very experienced:

  • Electric jigsaw. If not, you can use a hacksaw for wood or a circular saw.
  • An electric drill for drilling holes into which screws are screwed.
  • A hammer.
  • Phillips screwdriver.
  • Building level.
  • For marking - pencil, square, ruler.

Important! Listed cutting tools- a jigsaw or a circular saw, are tools that are associated with increased danger. Therefore, compliance with safety rules is mandatory.

materials

For the countertop you will need wooden boards with a thickness of 2-4 cm.

Important! You can use not boards, but a sheet of MDF or chipboard, about a centimeter thick.

You will also need:

  • Self-tapping screws.
  • Furniture bolts.
  • Under the bolts - wing nuts.
  • 2 door handles to carry the product.
  • Hooks.

First, cut out a tabletop of the desired size from plywood, chipboard or boards. The next course of action is as follows.

Table frame manufacturing:

  1. Lay the boards intended for the frame on the countertop. The distance from the frame to the edge of the table top is 20-30 mm.
  2. Using a jigsaw, cut the boards to the desired size, after checking whether the markup matches the drawing.
  3. Outline the outlines of the frame with a pencil and make holes for screwing screws.

Intermediate bars:

Cut off the stop bars on which the legs of the table will rest when unfolded, drill 4 holes for the screws in them.

Important! To avoid the legs colliding when unfolding, place wooden substrates between the frame and the stop bars.

Table top and frame assembly:

  1. Gather all the elements together, do not forget to fix wooden substrates and stops.
  2. Connect the tabletop and frame into one structure with screws.

Table legs

Transfer the appropriate drawing to the boards, then cut out the legs. At the point of attachment with the frame, the legs are made rounded, at the bottom they make a cut at an angle of 15-20 degrees. Drill holes for the bolts.

Construction assembly

  1. Connect the first 2 legs with a crossbar and fasten to the frame with a bolt and wing nut.
  2. Do the same with the second pair of legs.
  3. Check the table in action, if the legs do not cling to each other when unfolding. Otherwise, sand them at the point of friction.

The table is ready! Now it remains to fasten the carrying handle and attach hooks for towels or barbecue fixtures.

Table-suitcase

Compared with the folding design, a few more materials will be required:

  • For the countertop - a sheet of chipboard or MDF (can be replaced with ordinary boards).
  • Wooden bar. It is useful for assembling the box and table legs.
  • Loops.
  • Latches.
  • Handle (suitcase or door).
  • Self-tapping screws.
  • Bolts with wing nuts.

The procedure for making furniture is as follows:

  1. From MDF or chipboard, cut out 2 halves of the countertop. It will be foldable.
  2. Saw off pieces from the timber to the size of the frame, in accordance with the drawing. Attach them to the tabletop halves on all sides. Two halves - two frames.
  3. Fasten the 2 halves together using the loops.
  4. Cut 4 equal pieces from the timber, which will serve as the legs of the table. Poke holes in them for the bolts. At the same time, make an indent so that the legs and frame are freely connected to each other.
  5. Connect the legs to the frame using bolts and nuts.
  6. Attach a handle to the frame to carry the table.
  7. equip ready product two latches so that the “suitcase” does not open when carrying.

A folding picnic table with your own hands is ready!

Important! Before starting work, draw up a drawing in different projections, calculate all dimensions, and make an accurate calculation of the consumption of materials. This way you will be able to avoid mistakes.

Who among us does not like to go fishing with family or friends for a picnic, barbecue or just relax in nature.

However, in addition to fishing rods, food, barbecue and tents, at least some kind of camping furniture is needed - it is inconvenient to cook and sit on bare ground.

And the main item needed for a picnic outside the city is a folding table.

Now you can buy it at any tourist or fishing store, but why spend money when you can make a folding table yourself. Let's find out how to do it and what is needed for this.

Design features

If you do not go into details, then you can distinguish two types of camping tables - a table with folding legs and a table-suitcase.

In the first version, when transporting or carrying, the legs are removed under the countertop. Upon arrival, simply move the legs of the table apart to put it on.

In the second version, the tabletop is like a suitcase or chessboard- in the stowed position, the legs lie inside it, but in place they must be taken out of the "suitcase", connected to it and put the table in the right place.

Both types have their advantages. A folding table is easier to make and only takes a few seconds to set up. At the same time, the suitcase table is more convenient to carry, takes less space, and, in addition, you can put dishes, skewers and other necessary things in it during transportation.

Wood, plastic or metal?

What is the best material for making your own folding camping table?

If ease of creation is most important to you and you do not have a large set of tools or skills in working with plastic and metals, choose wood.

Timber, boards, chipboard, plywood - all this can be used to create a fairly simple folding table.

But a table made of wood, if you do not protect its surface with varnishes and special coatings, under the influence of dampness, sunlight and temperature changes, it will warp and lose its attractive appearance.

Both plastic and even metal can be used as a material for legs and countertops. But here you may need those tools that can not be found in every home. In addition, working with such materials is more difficult than with the same tree. But tables made of plastic are not subject to corrosion, and those made of metal are very strong and durable.

In order to make a collapsible or folding table, you need a set of enough simple tools, which can be found in any house or garage:

  • Electric jigsaw (can be replaced with a circular saw or a hacksaw for wood);
  • Electric drill for preparing holes for screws;
  • Hammer and Phillips screwdriver;
  • Roulette, square, ruler, pencil and level.

Attention! Remember that cutting tools such as a circular saw or a jigsaw - sources of increased danger! Follow all necessary safety precautions when working.

Folding picnic table

To make a simple and strong enough, you need the very minimum of materials and fasteners:

  • wooden boards, 20–40 mm thick. For countertops, instead of boards, you can use a sheet of chipboard or plywood, about 10 millimeters thick;
  • self-tapping screws, furniture bolts, and for each pair of legs the bolts must be of different lengths, wing nuts for bolts;
  • door handles for carrying the table and hooks.

To start, cut out from the boards or sheet chipboard countertop the right sizes. If the countertop is made up of several boards, assemble them together, lay them down and measure the length and width.



Stages of work

Step 1. Making the frame
Lay the boards for the frame on the countertop, on each side the frame should recede from the edge of the countertop by 2-3 centimeters. Using an electric jigsaw, cut the boards to the desired size, then lay them again on the countertop, check the length and width of the frame according to the drawing. Outline the contours of the frame - use them to make holes in the countertop for the screws.


Important! In order to accurately maintain the dimensions of the paired parts, connect the boards together with clamps and cut them with an electric jigsaw or hacksaw together.


Step 2. Intermediate bars
Cut out the stop bars on which the unfolded table legs will rest, make four holes for the screws in them. To prevent the table legs from colliding with each other when folding, make wooden substrates for the second pair of legs, which will be located between the frame and the stop bars.


Step 3: Assembling the Frame and Tabletop
Assemble the frame elements together, fasten the stop bars and wooden substrates, make four holes for the bolts with an electric drill. Fasten the tabletop and frame with screws.


Step 4. Table legs
Draw and cut out the legs of the table with an electric jigsaw. In the upper part, where they are fixed with the frame, the legs should be rounded, while in the lower part there should be a cut at a slight angle (15–20 degrees). Make holes for the bolts.


Step 5 Assemble the table
Connect the first pair of legs with a crossbar and secure to the frame with a bolt and wing nut. Repeat the same with the second pair. Check that the legs do not catch on each other when unfolding and folding the table. If they get stuck, treat the legs at the point of friction with sandpaper.

Folding table is ready. Additionally, you can attach a handle to it for easy carrying and hooks to hang towels or barbecue and barbecue equipment.

Table-suitcase

To do camping table IR suitcase, you will need large quantity materials and fasteners:

  • sheet of plywood or chipboard for the lid. In case of their absence, boards can be used;
  • wooden beam for legs and countertop box;
  • hinges, door or suitcase handle, two latches;
  • furniture bolts and wing nuts;
  • self-tapping screws.

Stages of work

Step 1. Take chipboard sheets, cut out the halves of the countertop. Then saw off the frame bars you need along the length, connect them to the halves of the countertop with screws from all sides. Fasten the halves of the tabletop together with the help of loops.


Step 2 Cut off four beams, which will be the legs of our table, make holes for the bolts in them and in the frame, while indenting so that the table legs freely connect to the frame.






Step 3 Connect the legs and frame with furniture bolts and wing nuts.


Step 4 Attach the carrying handle to the frame. Don't forget to make two latches , so that the suitcase does not open during transportation.


Note! Before starting work, draw up a drawing of your table in several projections, calculate the dimensions of all parts and how much material you will need. So you will save yourself from mistakes, and you will not have to redo all the work again.

Protecting the camping table

An unprotected tree ages rather quickly: dampness, temperature fluctuations, which are inevitable in nature, sunlight and many other factors have a bad effect on the material and reduce the durability of the folding table.

Therefore, do not forget to treat all its surfaces, especially the countertop, which is most susceptible to harmful effects.

For use special antiseptic compounds, stain.

Finishing with varnish or paint will improve the appearance of plywood or chipboard and make camping table more beautiful.

How to make another lung variant folding table, see the video:

Any family loves to go outdoors, and for this you need a table and chairs that are lightweight and foldable, which are easy to put in the trunk of a car.

Folding design has its advantages and disadvantages.

But, if you know how to hold a tool in your hands, then making a folding table for the street with your own hands is not difficult.

You should start by choosing the material from which you can make this design.

If you do not have experience with metal and plastic, which require a special large set of tools, then build a structure wooden- It is easy to make.

A simple picnic table can be made from boards, bars, plywood or chipboard.

Wood has many advantages:

  • naturalness;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • durability with proper processing;
  • does not cause allergic reactions.

But there are also disadvantages:

  • wood is afraid of dampness;
  • it can warp from sunlight;
  • it is affected by temperature changes;
  • it can be damaged by insects.

For this reason, it will be necessary to additional processing from rotting, exposure to moisture and insects, so that it does not change its appearance over time.

Metal- a great, durable material which has both advantages and disadvantages.

Among the advantages can be called: environmental friendliness, long term services, aesthetic appearance.

Disadvantages:

  • you need a special set of tools;
  • if you choose a thick metal, then the design will turn out to be quite heavy;
  • moisture can corrode the metal;
  • requires some skill and additional processing.

With plastic it is much more difficult to work, but it does not have such disadvantages as metal and wood, and it does not require additional processing.

Advice. In addition, the table can be combined, for example, a wooden table top and metal legs.

It is up to you to decide which material to choose, but we will consider the manufacture of a folding picnic table made of wood. For him you need to prepare:

  • wooden glued board or plywood;
  • bars for legs;
  • reinforced washers;
  • corners for furniture;
  • furniture hinges;
  • nuts;
  • rivets;
  • black screws.

Dimensions and drawings

The table can be made in any configuration, it can be:

  • square;
  • rectangular;
  • round;
  • oval.

table can be made on a frame that folds easily, and, if necessary, is brought to the desired position.

Important. main role legs play in this design. Competent calculation of thickness and length, correct setting fasteners will ensure ease of folding into a compact position and good stability of the table.

Create drawing You can independently, based on your needs, given the number of people who will simultaneously sit at the table.

But you can go on a simpler path - find a suitable drawing on the Internet.

Important. The folding part (legs) must be made shorter than the height of the structure, otherwise it will be impossible to fold the table.

Instruments

To quickly assemble the table, prepare the following tools:

  • hacksaw or jigsaw;
  • screwdriver or screwdriver;
  • emery skin;
  • tape measure and marker.

Advice. If you use a power tool, it will be much easier and faster to work.

How to make a folding tourist table?

To assemble a wooden, folding picnic table, we present the following instructions:


Finishing

To wooden surface served long time, it needs to be handled well. Algorithm action is the following:


Advice. If there is no varnish and stain, you can soak it with drying oil and paint it with paint on wood of any shade.

A photo

Picnic tables can be very different. For example, as in these photos

Useful video

Another option for a folding picnic table can be seen in the following video:

Conclusion

As you can see, making a homemade folding picnic table is not difficult if you follow the instructions. It is only important to observe safety precautions when working with power tools and carefully adjust the parts.

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