Do-it-yourself table for outdoor recreation. DIY folding table - step-by-step instructions for making and decorating simple hiking and stationary models
A folding table is a convenient and practical thing that is popular among owners small apartments, summer residents, lovers of outdoor activities.
Functionality of folding furniture
There is a wide variety of folding tables - the photo shows typical options. Often ready product purchased in specialized stores, it is not difficult to make a table yourself.
V small spaces often use furniture that allows you to rationalize free space - unfolds if you need a large working surface, and clean in other cases: student desks, tables in the kitchen, in the hall, garage, workshop, etc.
It is convenient to use portable models of tables: they are light, compact, moderately durable. They are made from different materials, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Wood must be protected from water, mold, but it is accessible and well processed, steel is heavy but strong, aluminum is easily damaged, but light.
It should be borne in mind that outdoor operation requires moisture protection. Metal structures should not rust, the materials used should be moisture resistant - aluminum frame and a plastic countertop is often found as the optimal combination. Plywood, timber, fiberboard are suitable for indoor use.
It is necessary to choose a suitable table by weight, dimensions. If the transportation of things involves the use of a machine, then the total weight and shape of the table top does not play of great importance, the main thing is that everything fits into the trunk of the car.
If you need to fit a folding table into a tourist backpack, the requirements are increased: minimum weight with maximum functionality.
During operation, it is important not to overload the tables - they are usually not designed for the weight of an adult, therefore it is unacceptable to use them as a stand for bulky items.
What table to take for a trip to nature
Inexpensive folding picnic tables are in high demand in stores. They are presented in a wide range. Sold separately and in combination with chairs. The height-adjustable rectangular table top is the most popular option. Manufacturers stipulate a maximum table load, an average range of 20 - 40 kg, for metal structures 2-4 times more.
Home craftsmen, having minimal carpentry skills and the appropriate tools, are able to make an analogue that is not inferior to the purchased table in the shortest possible time.
Homemade portable table number 1
Materials:
- For countertops: boards, chipboard or thick plywood, size 55cm x 30cm - 2 pcs.
- For legs: wooden beam 69 cm x 4.5 cm x 2 cm - 4 pcs., Additional supports 50 cm x 4.5 cm x 2 cm - 4 pcs., Crossbar 45 cm x 4 cm x 2 cm - 2 pcs.
The model of this folding table is convenient for transportation when folded, it is not difficult to do it yourself. A special feature is the folding mechanism, in which the tabletop splits into two parts.
The leg bar is rounded on one side and connected to the foot supports is not fixed, but movable. To do this, a hole is drilled in the upper part of each future leg for fastening, bolted to the support. The table top is attached to the support with self-tapping screws.
The crossbars are fixed so that they are located at a distance of 15-20 cm from the ground in the unfolded state of the finished table, parallel to it. To increase the overall stability, the lower part of the leg is cut 45 degrees.
Before doing the work, you need to prepare a drawing of the details.
Homemade portable table number 2
The one-piece tabletop is less compact, but it is easier and faster to make such a table compared to the previous version.
The fastening mechanism is simplified - two supports are connected to the table top and one pair of legs. The second pair moves freely, when unfolded it rests against the stopper at the bottom of the working surface.
Most folding table models have cross-shaped legs - this is how maximum strength and product stability.
For this you have to endure some discomfort - sitting at such a structure is not very comfortable.
Another option can be tried in practice, when four supports are located in parallel. The safety factor is then reduced.
Roll table
A compact product is obtained if you use lining for the tabletop, parquet boards or analogs. The size and shape is selected independently in accordance with personal preferences, it is even permissible to make round table.
The workpieces need not be rigidly connected to each other at the same distance. For this, a strong nylon tape is used. Fixation is carried out using construction stapler or small nails.
It is permissible to temporarily insert small planks into the gaps during work, which will help to ensure correct distance between the details of the countertop.
In order for the final structure to hold its shape and be strong, a pair of removable beams are placed along the edges, to which the legs are attached.
It is good to use parts of an old collapsible Soviet stool as a support, or prepare a similar one yourself. Round pads are ideal.
To use this table, it remains only to make a through hole in the tabletop, removable blocks and fasten everything with bolts.
Outwardly, such a table looks like a stationary one, but is not designed for heavy loads. Disassembled easily coils into a roll, legs and fixing boards do not take up much space - it is convenient to transport and store.
It is easy to find a portable aluminum table on sale, which also folds into a roll, is placed in a protective case during storage.
With a dead weight of 5-7 kg, such models are designed for an average load of 80 kg. They are quite durable, easy to use and have reliable mechanism fixation. This is a good option for a large company going on a vacation in nature.
Compact tables for apartments and cottages
Collapsible furniture is often used in stationary conditions with a lack of space. If the arrival of guests is expected, then the usual seating at the dining table is not enough, the presence of a folding one is an excellent solution to the problem.
Change in the number of permanent residents in the family with unchanged square meters also makes you think about the embodiment of interesting design solutions in your personal space.
A full-fledged study is a luxury available to everyone in a standard apartment, but to arrange a compact working area is quite real. Multifunctional furniture, for example, transforming tables, often used by schoolchildren and students.
Manufacturers modern furniture offer different models of folding tables, the most picky buyer is able to choose the best option for himself.
Before buying, you need to think in advance for what purposes the table is intended for, it will have a minimum useful constantly used area, or it will be stored in a secluded corner when folded.
The most popular square tables that extend to a large rectangular shape. Over the years, book tables have shown reliability and practicality. Sliding system the slider principle also finds its application.
Convenient models with "wings" significantly save space in the room. It is rational to use a kitchen folding table of the "bistro" type for a tiny room. They are laid out according to the principle ironing board, hide when not in use, freeing up useful space.
Many of the listed ideas can be realistically realized independently if there is a desire and suitable materials... For the family budget, the benefit is obvious - a manufactured product will cost less than a new purchase.
You can implement the most daring ideas that are optimally combined with the interior and the size of the room. Wooden table – classic version, but raw material you can choose any, depending on personal preferences and the amount of planned expenses.
Craftsmen are more likely to like to remodel suitable parts. old furniture rather than buying new building materials.
Choose folding tables rationally and do not experience everyday inconveniences at home and in the field.
Photo of a folding table
Today, the culture of family outdoor recreation has changed significantly. If earlier young parents with children, leaving for the whole day to relax on the bank of the river, were content with a blanket or bedspread, today it is difficult to imagine a country picnic without a camp table, and even better if a company of vacationers takes with them a set of camping furniture.
Its minimum set is a table and a few chairs, while tables can be the most various designs- starting from tabletops with folding, folding or ending with transforming tables, which take up very little space in the transport position and can be freely transported by public transport.
The industry today produces a significant number of outdoor furniture products that are used for:
- use in the country or garden plot;
- trips out of town for picnics, fishing or simple rest;
- how handy tool when carrying out repair and construction work;
- purchased as a gift that can be used in any family.
Therefore, when choosing a specific sample, first of all, one should take into account the purpose and preferential use of the product.
In addition, quite popular self-production camping tables, the design of which depends entirely on creative imagination and the constructive abilities of the host.
Design features of camping tables
The dimensions of the camping table are determined by the dimensions of the table top. Based on this feature, they can be divided into:
- products with a solid top;
- models with a folding table top;
- samples with flexible table top.
Criterias of choice
The main parameter by which a camping table is selected is the size or area of the dining plane. At the same time, most tourists choose models with a folding or flexible table top, and summer residents prefer ordinary, non-transformable tables. As a rule, the size of the dining plane for camping specimens does not exceed 140.0 × 80.0 centimeters. Then the folding copies will have in the transport position a size that is two times smaller in length, and the flexible tabletop rolls up into a tube no more than 80.0 centimeters long, the diameter of which mainly depends on the type and width of the profile used.
On a note!
The choice of a product for carrying capacity depends on the intended use. However, any modern models can withstand loads up to 30.0 kilograms without any problems.
As a material for legs and frames, found the most widespread of various kinds aluminum profile... With sufficient strength and rigidity of rolled aluminum, the weight of the entire structure can be significantly reduced. Since aluminum is quite critical to shock loads, outdoor furniture needs careful handling.
For the manufacture of solid and folding tabletops, it is used fiberboard having sufficient strength characteristics. It washes well and is not afraid of exposure to food acids and alkalis. Roller tables have a dining area made of aluminum, profile strips or reinforced polyvinyl chloride.
Important points when choosing camping tables
When buying a product, it is necessary to check the ease of operation of the transformation mechanism, as well as the reliability of fixing all furniture elements in working and transport conditions. For hiking trips and outings on picnics, it is advisable to exclude models with big amount plastic parts... In addition, the camping table should have as much simple design transformation mechanism. For a summer cottage where camping furniture is in an unfolded (working) state for a long time, the design can be any, up to the most exotic - combined products or transformer models.
Video
After watching the video, you will learn how to make a picnic table with your own hands from scrap materials.
If you are a summer resident, the owner of a private house, or just like to relax in nature, you should know that tables and tables on the street can become a real problem. This is due to the lack of mobility and the usual furniture, which cannot be safely taken with you to a picnic. An excellent option would be a folding table that you can assemble with your own hands.
If we deviate a little from the topic of rest on fresh air, then you can remember about small apartments, in the kitchen of which it is sometimes very difficult to place a large table for the whole family. This task can also be solved with folding furniture. Indeed, now practicality is more and more capturing the hearts of ordinary residents. We will talk about the complexities of the device, the parameters of the choice of materials and the process of creation.
Varieties
In this regard, it increasingly depends on the physical dimensions of the tables and their area of application. One way or another, the movable part should be at least slightly, but shorter than the height of the entire table. Otherwise, your design simply won't fold. There are many folding table ideas that you can complement with your own options for decorating an interior item or exterior.
It's no secret that the most popular places for this type of table are places Catering, in particular outdoor sections, trade, picnics, you should not discount the option of placing a similar item in your apartment. As for the latter option, most of the attention can be paid to exterior decoration table.
The main differences folding tables concentrate in countertops. They can be very different and unusual shapes though it is limited to simple geometric shapes.
If you doubt their variability, you can look on the Internet or magazines for photos of folding tables of the most different forms... It depends more and more on the taste of the owner and the purpose of the table. The most practical are the rectangular countertops, which are most often found in folding tables.
Legs design
The legs are almost always made of steel, aluminum or wood. This does not apply to the situation when the entire table is made of plastic, in which case the legs are also made of this material. This must be taken into account when thinking about how to make a folding table with your own hands, because metal and plastic are poorly processed without the necessary devices... Plastic can work at all, only if finished form constructions. In this regard, the tree is great for home options.
If you buy a table, then you should pay attention to the legs, which can be of several types. Here the division into materials fades into the background. First you need to look at their position.
If they are located parallel to each other, then it will be much easier and more comfortable to sit at such a table. But the cross structure of their positioning has a higher level of stability.
In addition, in some cases, the legs can be adjusted, which is good for the stability of the table. This is especially useful in nature and just with an uneven floor.
If you are looking for aesthetic pleasure, then pay attention to the tables, which have a parallel design of legs made of metal or wood, and wooden table top, which can be simply sanded, and can be varnished. This package looks especially attractive both at home and on the street.
But this does not apply to picnic trips. In this case, tables with a lightweight design are best suited. Usually it is aluminum for the lower part, and a light substitute for wood for the countertop, which, if desired, is not a sin to paint, or cover with some kind of application, but apply varnish on top, it is already a matter of taste.
Making a table yourself
The step-by-step instructions for the folding table can be found on the Internet along with the drawings. If you are more fond of self-invented solutions, then it would be better to make a table with a simple design. This option can be done from a tree, while it will be quite lightweight and practical. Perfect solution for outdoor recreation or just in the garden of your yard.
It is better to take the tabletop from chipboard. This will facilitate the design, but at the same time, having treated it with varnish, you will not notice much difference. There will be twelve parts in total, and this number can change depending on your preference. It is about paired legs, which will be connected by a cross, prodrugs, which will need three pieces, two parallel slats on both sides for a moving mechanism, well, and directly to the table top.
Such a design is easy to find on the Internet or in a thematic magazine, while general scheme Will not change. In addition, the drawings of the folding table can be made by yourself.
All details need to be cut, and it will be more convenient to do this with circular saw... Next, you will need: a drill, a screwdriver, screws, bolts and sandpaper. With such minimal set the tool can easily cope with the task at hand.
Moving parts are best connected with bolts that will not protrude more than twenty millimeters. First you need to connect the supports, to which the proges are attached. Next is the turn of the countertop, on which you first need to mark the attachment points, then screw the main structure.
Next are the auxiliary components of the table. As you can see, this is not difficult. The assembly of the table is, in fact, a stage that, in simplicity, is second only to varnishing and the choice of design. The most difficult thing in all this is to cut out the parts correctly and choose the size for them, before that.
Photo of folding tables with your own hands
Hello. Today I will tell you how to make a table that can accommodate 10-12 people, and at the same time it folds easily and takes up very little space in the trunk of a car. After all, its thickness when folded is only 10 cm.
The company and I often go out into the countryside. Sometimes - with tents for a week. And I thought of a table to carry with me. Purchased models usually designed for a company of 4 people, which did not suit us. And so, after some deliberation, I put together such a table.
I did it by a certain date and "from what was." For example, I cut out the elements of the countertop itself from OSB boards 10 mm thick. Therefore, my construction turned out to be quite heavy. It is quite possible to make these elements from thin plywood - hardly anyone will dance on this table!))))) But I had OSB (half a sheet remained after repairing the walls in the barn), so I used it. Bearing structures I made from 50 by 25 bars for the same reason - they were lying in the barn. And they can be made completely, without loss of strength, from the same plywood, only thicker. As a result, we get a significant reduction in weight ...
So where did I start? I started with the countertop. Having planned the width of the future table to be 80 cm, I cut out two pieces of the slab of this length. And my width turned out to be 62.5 cm. It "turned out" - because the width of the OSB sheet is 125 cm, and I just sawed in two its eighty-centimeter segment.))))
Next, I started making "legs", that is, the structure on which the countertop will be mounted. From the bars, I assembled two frames. One is 100 x 62.5 cm, the other is slightly narrower. That is, after I assembled the first one, I put two meter bars inside it and fastened them with transverse ones of such length so that the frames fit tightly one into the other. At the same time, I attached the transverse bars in both frames "with an overlap" and not along the edge, but so that there was a distance of 80 cm between them. What this gave: firstly, my pieces of the tabletop will be inserted exactly there in the folded state of the table. Secondly, there are "horns" behind the crossbeams. It was originally intended to use the table on uneven ground. And such a leg can be pressed into the ground. Finding the center of the long sides of both frames, I drilled holes and fastened them together with M8 bolts.
I got the following construction:
It turned out that the structure turned out to be shaky, so I strengthened it from lateral wobbling by screwing a rectangular USB /
Next, I started making support strips on which the tabletop will be superimposed. Since my structure has a maximum size of 100 cm, the support strips must also be folded to this length. To do this, I cut two strips of 100 cm each, and two - 90 cm each.I fastened them in pairs with M6 bolts like this:
After that, I laid out both structures and drilled through another through hole.
Now, if we spread it out in one line and pull it off with ordinary furniture bolts with a wing nut, we get two strong strips, 1 m long, 85 cm each:
Next, I expanded my "leg" to such a width that its height was equal to 75 centimeters (this is standard height table). Then, having measured the distance between the upper ends (in them I drilled holes with a diameter of 6 mm in advance). In the unfolded and fastened carrier bars, I drilled two holes at the same distance, making sure they were at the same distance from the ends. Then he fastened the strips to the stand using the same M6 furniture bolts with wing nuts:
Having placed my fragments of the countertop on the edges of the resulting "table skeleton", I came to the conclusion that between them it is possible to insert another one, 40 cm wide. After that I made it.
After placing all the fragments, I marked the attachment points and drilled through holes in the worktop and runners. Then he bolted the first one ...
Then the second ...
And finally, the last ...
In this way:
Everything. The table is ready!
In order to fix it in the assembled position, I prepared in advance such a sling:
At its ends there are two loops that can be tightened with rings cut from old jackets.
Since I used a narrow sling (again, it was))), then in the middle, where it will be hung on the shoulder, I inserted a piece of a wide car seat belt: 
One more thing ... During the first carrying, a narrow fragment of the tabletop fell out freely when loading into the trunk. To prevent this from happening, I screwed in the centers of the crossbars to trim the bar. I forgot to take a picture, but you can see them in the photo above.
I have described the very idea and methods. You can make from other materials and with other sizes. Perhaps someone is regulated by the size of the trunk of the car. We quite often go to the forest, but I don't go there in a sedan. I go to the forest in a station wagon, or in a minivan (depending on the timing for which we are going, as a result - on the number of things))). In both of these cars I have trunks - large and rectangular, so the table practically does not take up the volume - just the trunk floor becomes 10 cm higher ...
So, do it "for yourself" .... Enjoy your kebabs ...
A folding table is a very convenient and useful item in everyday life. Many owners complain about the small area of their apartments, therefore, they do not have the opportunity to put a large table in the kitchen. This problem is effectively solved by purchasing folding models. It is worth noting that they are ideal for trips and picnics in nature.
The folding table is lightweight and compact, which allows it to be easily folded into the trunk of a car.
Varieties
This furniture is different forms and sizes. They differ in the shape of the table top (round, square, oval, rectangular), material (made of wood, metal and their combinations), as well as the way they are folded.
The most popular type of folding tables is wooden. If you want to make it as lightweight and easy to transport as possible, then install an inexpensive chipboard countertop.
The easiest way to fold at tables with a cruciform foot. When folded, the dimensions of the structure change, but it itself cannot be disassembled. In addition, there are completely collapsible products. To create them, threaded fasteners are used.
If you want to make a round table with your own hands, then you need to shape the tabletop before fastening. This will greatly simplify the assembly process.
Preparatory work
If you decide to figure out how to make a folding table with your own hands, then first assess your capabilities. Craftsmen who do not have impressive experience should give preference to the simplest models with cruciform legs.
Table sizes are selected depending on your own needs. It is important to consider the maximum possible load and operating conditions.
At home, it is easier to create a table made of wood. For countertops the best option will become a chipboard. You will also need tools for work:
- Electric jigsaw;
- Level;
- Paint brushes;
- Ruler / tape measure;
- Hammer, screwdriver;
- Grinder (sandpaper).
The latter is recommended for use only by experienced craftsmen. Everyone else should give preference to regular sandpaper. Of course, using it will slow down the process of creating a table a little. But the product will turn out to be of high quality and beautiful.
For work you need wooden blocks measuring 2 x 4.5 centimeters. If you are planning to make a large table, you can order 3 x 5 centimeters parts. As for the length, it ranges from one to five meters.
The material is cut into pieces the right size according to the drawings of the folding table. It is advisable to use boards for countertops that are thick (at least 4 centimeters) and durable.
Assembly
To connect the bars, you need bolts and screws. Their length is selected in accordance with the thickness of the selected materials. Bolts are used to unite the legs, self-tapping screws - to secure the footrests.
First you need to cut the right amount bars. It is advisable to make them a little larger than originally planned. The hole must also be larger than the fastener. For example, for M4 bolts, the hole diameter must be at least five millimeters.
Each piece after cutting needs to be processed grinder or sandpaper. To extend the life span, they are covered protective compound(paint or varnish).
It is important to securely fasten the footrests (four pieces). They are at an angle of 90 degrees in relation to the "goats" (folding legs with crossbars at the bottom). For this, ordinary self-tapping screws are used.
Three pieces are required for each support. The distance between them should correspond to the dimensions of the bar from which the "goats" are made.
To understand what it looks like finished structure, find on the Internet a photo of a folding table with your own hands. So you will understand what result you should get in the end.
All parts are connected with bolts. They are placed in the through central holes of the bars. It is not recommended to overtighten them. The axle should be allowed to rotate freely. "Goats" are fixed to the table top by means of bolted connections. Foot supports must be attached to them in advance.
If you are worried that the axle mount will loosen over time and fail due to constant folding / unfolding, then use locknuts.
If you want to make a compact table, then remove the bolts that connect the "trestle" and the footrests. It is allowed to pick up one or two bolts. Practice shows that it is not worth tightening the fasteners too much in these areas.
Reliable fastening and tightening of the bolts are required only for the foot supports. This is due to the fact that it is they who guarantee the normal installation of the legs.
Diy folding table photo
