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Hi everyone, am a complete newbie when it comes to DIY but have been thinking about building a low picnic table for my daughter's upcoming birthday party.
I would like it to look like this (see attached picture 1)
In order to make it, I am thinking of purchasing these pine planks (picture 2) or https://www.bunnings.com.au/1113-x-555mm-modular-decking-h3-treated-pine-single-panel_p8451230
I would then be putting these legs on (https://www.amazon.com.au/Folding-Hairpin-Foldable-Bracket-Install/dp/B082F45KS4/ref=asc_df_B082F45K...)
1. Would this idea work? Is the wood treated/safe for a table?
2. If it does, what screws would I need based on the hairpin legs I've linked?
3. I'll like to paint both the table and the legs white. What would be my best option for paint that is non toxic?
Thanks very much in advance for all your input!
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @bec5. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a picnic table.
It certainly sounds like your idea will work. The Good Times decking panels are LOSP treated, so it's the safer of the treatment options. Unlike arsenic-based treatments that are typically only found in sleepers. Regardless, you'll be painting over the treatment, so there's really not going to be any contact with it.
I recommend painting the timber with Dulux Aquanamel, a water-based, hard-wearing, chip-resistant coating. Once dry, it's perfectly safe for your project, non-toxic and has a low level of volatile organic compounds. Using a stain-blocking primer like Zinsser 1L Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Undercoat Primer Sealer Stain Blocker will ensure no discolouration to your topcoat.
I'd suggest using Dulux 340g Duramax Gloss White Spray Paint for the legs, and roughing up the black paint with 120-grit sandpaper before spraying will help the new paint adhere. Make sure to do several light coats instead of a couple of thick coats.
It would be best to fix the legs to the cross braces if possible, as that additional timber thickness will allow you to use a decent length screw like Zenith 12G x 38mm Zinc Plated Countersunk Head Wood Screws.
I'll be looking forward to seeing your finished results. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Mitchell
The Aquanamel should apply fine over the timber @bec5. I've suggested the primer as I'm a little concerned that the green tinge of the treatment could bleed through several coats of the white paint. If the timber is relatively smooth, then there's no need to sand it.
If you were looking for other folding leg options, then I'd suggest you read through this discussion from @naila123 on How to make a wooden folding picnic table. There's plenty of advice from our knowledgeable members on constructing your own legs out of timber. There a no pre-fabricated steel legs that I know of.
Mitchell
Hi @bec5,
Another helpful project for inspiration would be the low-cost D.I.Y. grazing board by @AidanE.
Looking forward to seeing what you can create.
Jason
