Like a lot of homeowners across the South, you probably have a small collection of woodworking tools: a couple of saws, a jigsaw, an electric hand drill, and a router. These tools, a little creativity, and some sweat equity are all you need to make this fun picnic table. Well--that and a few materials. Not to mention that it might help you win some brownie points around the house. Afterall, anyone can buy a picnic table from a hardware store, but you can make one more creative than that.

With the exception of the ball feet made of poplar, the table is made out of pressure-treated pine. (Note: Scientific studies have shown that pressure-treated lumber preserved with CCA (chromated copper arsenate) poses no significant or unreasonable risk to humans or the environment when used properly. However, due to changing market perceptions, manufacturers are making a voluntary transition to newer types of wood preservatives for consumer use. Although you can find lumber treated with these new generation preservatives now, retailers will officially phase out their current inventories by the end of 2003. In the meantime, if you are still concerned about using pressure-treated lumber, consider coating your treated wood project with paint, stain, or water sealer. Other rot- and insect-resistant lumber, such as heartwood cedar, redwood or cypress, is also an option.) It measures roughly 31 inches tall, 32 inches wide, and 67 inches long.

STEP 1:
Use a simple mortise-and-tenon construction to create your table frame. The side and end aprons are mortised into the legs, and there is a center brace to support the center of the table. Cut aprons to length.

STEP 2:
Draw freehand curved lines along one edge of the boards. Once this line is drawn, follow it with a jigsaw, and cut off one edge.

STEP 3:
Next, take a router with a roundover bit, and smooth the curved edges. Follow this step on all four aprons, and then attach them to the legs. (Note: Be sure to draw and cut out the curvy lines on the aprons before attaching them to the legs.) The top of the table is simple 5/4-inch decking boards that are screwed and glued to the table frame. The curvy top is cut out the same way as the aprons and the outside edge of the top should be rounded over too.

STEP 4:
Next, take the poplar balls, and cut an approximate 1-inch face off of each ball. (Note: The measurement of the face is not as important as cutting all of the balls consistently.) This can be done fairly easily on a band saw or power miter saw, just be careful.

STEP 5:
Attach these balls to the bottom of each of the legs; fill all nail and screws holes, sand any rough edges, and paint in desired color.

Helpful Hints Keep these tips in mind. If you prefer to make the table without the ball feet, just make the 4 x 4 legs 5 inches longer, and follow the instructions. Be creative with your edges. Yours can be curvier than ours; they can be scalloped or reflect any number of other patterns. All of the table, with the exception of the feet, is made out of pressure-treated pine. If you plan to use the table outside, put an extra coat of primer and paint on the feet so they will last longer. Also, it is a good idea to place a small scrap of asphalt shingle under each foot. This will allow more air to get under the feet, thus helping to prevent rot. If you plan to use an umbrella with your table, move the center brace a couple of inches to the left or right of center. That will prevent you from cutting into it when drilling the hole for the umbrella pole.