Picnic Table and Bench - 2 in 1

This instructable is for an easy acces picnic table that folds to a bench in two seconds.

I couldn't find any designs that i liked so i created this one.

Ideal for a deck or area with limited space.

All the wood are two by fours (89x38)

A sketchup version can be downloaded here

I used untreated 2x4 softwood which is glued and screwed .

If you use treated wood it needs special glue i think.

The triangle block in front of the legs isn't in the first picture ,ive put it on later to make it more stable.

The short supports under the table are put on after assembly of the legs to make it easier to acces the hinges and to make a tight fit.

For the seat top i used 4 12mm (0.5 inch) steel rods.

First put three 2x4's together and drilled to almost the end.

Put some glue in the holes and placed some 15 mm (0.6) blocks between them and hit the rods in and clamped it.

Or maybe some other connection can be made with trench cuts .

I've modified the hinge for the seat to make the gap between the 2x4's

This piece is best made last to make if fit perfect

This is what is made to lock the top so it won't tilt .

But a sliding lock could also be used.

I also made an extra bench to put my feet on and to add some extra seats for the picnic table.

Another option is to attach an extra bench on the legs.