How to Build a Picnic Table Drink Trough

Skip the time running back inside to grab drinks with this simple picnic table upgrade. Follow the instructions below to keep your drinks cool and your guests entertained.

Cost: $
Skill Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 day

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STEP 1

Measure

Measure the opening of the container that will be used to hold ice and drinks. Using the measurements, mark the section in the center of the picnic table that will be removed.

STEP 2

Cut

While wearing proper safety goggles, use a saw to carefully cut out the marked section of the picnic table. Make sure that your cut is on the inside of your marks, so the opening is slightly smaller than the container.

STEP 3

Clean

Clean the surface with a bucket of soapy water and sponge to remove any dirt and oils before sanding. Let dry.

STEP 4

Sand

Use a palm sander to smooth the newly exposed wooden planks, then rinse. Allow surface to dry before painting.

WARNING! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.

STEP 5

Apply Stain

Use a roller to apply SuperDeck Semi-Transparent Stain (we used Mountain Ash SW 3540), staining with the grain of the table top.

Using a 4” brush, apply the stain into the wood grain and between planks of the tabletop and seating parts of the table.

STEP 6

Tape

To prep the picnic table legs for priming and painting, tape the underside of the newly stained tabletop and seating planks where they meet the legs of the table.

STEP 7

Apply Primer

Using a 2 ½” brush for the trim, prime with Exterior Latex Primer (tinted to a P-Shade Grey). Complete with a mini roller and let dry.

STEP 8

Paint Legs

Using a 2 ½” brush, edge the table legs with Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint.

Colors We Used

Like what you see? Here are the shades we used for this project.

Colors We Used

Like what you see? Here are the shades we used for this project.

STEP 9

Paint Base

Using a mini roller, paint the base of the picnic table legs.

STEP 10

Let Dry and Enjoy!