Today’s project

Just in time for warm-weather entertaining, this octagonal picnic set project is ideal for outdoor dining. The design seats eight adults comfortably in a minimum amount of space, making it perfect for any patio or deck.

Designed to be inexpensive, sturdy and simple to build, the set consists of three basic components – table, bench and stool. The project requires only common tools and basic materials: standard lumber (redwood as pictured, but other wood like cedar or pine will also work), dowels, screws and nuts and bolts.

What you need

Most do-it-yourselfers can finish the entire set in a weekend or two. Construction is a simple matter of cutting out the pieces (the curved cuts are traced from full-size patterns), sanding, assembling and finishing.

The standard set has two double benches and four single stools, but any combination of benches and stools can be built. When finished, the table measures 55 inches across and stands 30 inches high, and the stools are 20 inches wide by 18 inches high.

The Octagon Picnic Set plan, No. 840, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step directions with photos, traceable patterns, construction diagrams, a separate shopping list and cutting schedule for each component and a toll-free help line for project questions.

How to order the plan

A package of picnic table plans, No. C91, is $22.95 and includes this project and three others. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2. Please include $4 for postage and handling (except catalog-only orders) and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, 15241 Stagg St., Van Nuys, CA 91405.

To order by credit card, (800) 828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at u-bild.com.