How to make a DIY "Chicknic Table" - Plans and step-by step directions to make a picnic table for your chickens

barred rock, golden comet and rhode island red chickens eating at a chicken sized picnic table chicknic table

2020 has seen its share of viral chicken keeping content!

First, there was a major run on chicks and chicken-keeping supplies as everyone suddenly figured out that raising chicks at home was the HOT quarantine activity for adults and kids.

Then the summer of 2020 brought us both "chicknic tables" and "Chicken Daddies"...
babe, babe, babe. My chickens need a chicknic table


I don’t care what you say; Chicken Daddies are the best thing on the internet right now! #ChickenDaddies

I can't help you guys with chicken daddies (I may have been told "no" 100 different ways when I simply informed my man that chicken daddies are even a thing) BUT he did volunteer to make some chicknic tables and let me publish his plans!


Looking for more chicken keeping tips and DIY projects?

Do you have backyard chickens? Are you dreaming of backyard chickens? You'll love these articles and books:


What is a chicknic table?

A chicknic table is an adorable chicken-sized picnic table designed to hold chicken food or treats for your chickens.

Who invented the chicknic table?

The chicknic table phenomenon started going viral on Facebook in May of 2020. The best reference we can find for the original source is this post on Crafty Morning's Facebook page attributing the clever design to "Melissa Kusak's dad."

Where can I get chicknic table plans?

Right here! We have plans, a supply list and step-by-step instructions to teach you how to make your very own chicken-sized picnic table feeder - AKA a chicknic table!

How to Make a DIY Chicknic Table
free chicknic table plans and directions

How to make a DIY chicken sized picnic table - AKA a Chicknic table (or chic nic table)! This is an adorable project to make a custom feeder for your backyard chickens that keeps their food up off the ground. It's one of those fun ideas that doubles as decor for your chicken run and keeps your chickens from getting bored. #ChickenKeeping #backyardchickens #chickenDIY


DIY Chicknic Table Supplies:

Some of the links below may be affiliate links where a purchase made after clicking will support this website without costing you extra!
PRO TIP: Use the links above to order everything you need for this project for curbside pick up at your local Home Depot

Should you use nails or screws to build your chicknic table?

We built two tables, two different ways while writing up the directions for this chicknic table tutorial. 

The first table was a gift so we decided to use screws as they tend to be stronger and last longer - especially as the wood warps over time in the Pacific Northwest weather (read: rain!). 

Because we used a countersink bit to drill the pilot holes, the screws are all nicely sunk and you could fill over the tops of the screws with wood putty to make a nicer finish where you can't see the screws. This would be especially nice if you wanted to paint your finished chicknic table.

The second table was for me so I used my favorite tool, my Ryobi brad nailer to assemble my table and compare the process. With the pieces all precut and ready to go, I was able to assemble the table with my brad nailer in just a few minutes.

At the end of the day, I say use whatever tools you have at home but if you are making this as a gift the extra time and effort to drill pilot holes and use screws will make the table extra fancy.

Chicknic Table Plans Cut list:

Want a list of all the lumber cuts you will need to make in one place?
  • 1 x 6 board
    • 24" (cut 2)
  • 1 x 3 boards
    • 24" (cut 2)
    • 12.5" (cut 2)
    • 15" - with 45 degree angles - see step 3 for details (cut 4)
    • 18 1/2" (cut 2)
    • 27" (cut 2)
  • 2 x 2 board
    • 24" (cut 1)

Chicknic Table Step-by-Step Directions:

How to make a DIY chicken sized picnic table - AKA a Chicknic table (or chic nic table)! This is an adorable project to make a custom feeder for your backyard chickens that keeps their food up off the ground. It's one of those fun ideas that doubles as decor for your chicken run and keeps your chickens from getting bored. #ChickenKeeping #backyardchickens #chickenDIY

How to Build a Chicknic Table Step 1: Cut the top pieces

Cuts from the 1 x 6:
Cut two 24" pieces of the 1 x 6 board.

Cuts from a 1 x 3:
Cut two 24" pieces and two 12.5" pieces of a 1 x 3 board

How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

PRO TIP: Before turning the saw on, be sure the line up the blade just outside the pencil line so the cut piece is exactly the length marked.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

PRO TIP 2: After cutting the first piece, use it as a template for cutting the second piece to make them the exact same size.

Sand the ends of the cut boards as needed.

How to Build a Chicknic Table Step 2: Glue the top platform together

Lay the long sides of the two 1x6 boards together to find the way the boards fit together best (due to minor warping, one side may be more concave or convex than the other).

Once you have decided which sides to glue together, run a bead of glue down the 24" length of the board.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

Smooth the glue with a finger to cover the full side of the board.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

Adhere the two boards together, being sure to line up the ends flush.

Secure with clamps and allow to set for a minimum of one hour.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

How to Build a Chicknic Table Step 3: Cut the legs

Cuts from a 1 x 3:
The legs need to be cut with parallel 45 degree angles on each end.

Use your speed square or your miter saw as a guide to cut the very end off a 1x3 board at a 45 degree angle.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

Measure 15" down from the first 45 degree mark and mark a parallel 45 degree angle and cut.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

After cutting this first leg, use it as a template to cut three more legs.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

Sand the ends to clean them up as needed.

Set the leg pieces aside until step 6.

How to Build a Chicknic Table Step 4: Cut the benches

Cuts from a 1 x 3:
Cut two 18 1/2" pieces (braces) and two 27" pieces (benches) of a 1 x 3 board.

Cuts from a 2 x 2:
Cut one 24" piece (center brace) from the 2x2.


How to Build a Chicknic Table Step 5: Assemble the top

After the boards you glued together in step 2 have been allowed to set for a minimum of one hour, you can assemble the top with the 24" and 12 1/2" 1x3 pieces you cut in step 1.

Unclamp the top platform and use a scraper and/or sand paper to remove any glue residue that leaked out of the seam.

Keep in mind while attaching the top frame pieces, that they need to extend both above and below the platform. The best way to do this evenly is to use a scrap piece of 1x3.

Hold the 1x3 scrap against the platform and then line up the edge of one of the 24" pieces with the scrap like this:
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions - how to use a spacer board to line up the frame edge and where to put the nails or screws

Attach by either using the brad nailer or drilling holes with the countersink bit and then attaching with screws. Push down while attaching the pieces to get a tight join.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

Repeat the same process on the other side to attach the other 24" piece to the long side of the platform. This is what you will end up with:
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

Attach the 12 1/2" pieces on the ends, lining up the ends so the top is square. This is what the top will look like with all sides attached:
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

How to Build a Chicknic Table Step 6: Assemble the legs

Turn the top platform on its side so it is standing on the 12 1/2" long side.

Line up the corners of two 45 degree angle leg pieces in the center.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

Attach to the bottom frame with nails or screws using the countersink bit.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

PRO TIP: Use the seam from gluing the top boards together as a centerline reference

Repeat on the other side so all four legs are now attached.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

How to Build a Chicknic Table Step 7: Assemble the benches

Attach one of the 18 1/2" brace pieces on the outside of the table legs, 2 1/2" down.

PRO TIP: Use a scrap piece of 1x3 to act as a spacer between the bottom of the frame and where you attach the board to the legs
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions- how to use a spacer board to line up the side brackets on your chicken picninc table

Center and attach the second 18 1/2" brace to the other side the same way.

To further increase the stability of the table, fit the 24" center brace piece cut from 2x2, running the length of the table between the two braces. Secure with two screws or two nails on each end.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

To attach the side benches, lay one of the 27" bench pieces across the two braces at each end of the table and attach with two nails or two screws on each end. Repeat on the other side.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

How to Build a Chicknic Table Step 8: Finishing

To prevent your chicknic table from flooding in the rain, use a 3/16" or larger drill bit to drill holes in the corners of the top to help water drain off when wet.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions - how to drill holes in your chic nic table so it doesn't fill with water in the rain

Use your sander or sandpaper to sand all edges and ends smooth.
How to make a DIY Chicknic Table - free plans for how to build a chicken picnic table including step-by-step directions

The table can be left as-is or painted or stained with a non-toxic food safe finish.


That's it!
Fill your table up with food or treats and let your chickens enjoy!

How to make a DIY chicken sized picnic table - AKA a Chicknic table (or chic nic table)! This is an adorable project to make a custom feeder for your backyard chickens that keeps their food up off the ground. It's one of those fun ideas that doubles as decor for your chicken run and keeps your chickens from getting bored. #ChickenKeeping #backyardchickens #chickenDIY

How to make a DIY chicken sized picnic table - AKA a Chicknic table (or chic nic table)! This is an adorable project to make a custom feeder for your backyard chickens that keeps their food up off the ground. It's one of those fun ideas that doubles as decor for your chicken run and keeps your chickens from getting bored. #ChickenKeeping #backyardchickens #chickenDIY

How to make a DIY chicken sized picnic table - AKA a Chicknic table (or chic nic table)! This is an adorable project to make a custom feeder for your backyard chickens that keeps their food up off the ground. It's one of those fun ideas that doubles as decor for your chicken run and keeps your chickens from getting bored. #ChickenKeeping #backyardchickens #chickenDIY

How to make a DIY chicken sized picnic table - AKA a Chicknic table (or chic nic table)! This is an adorable project to make a custom feeder for your backyard chickens that keeps their food up off the ground. It's one of those fun ideas that doubles as decor for your chicken run and keeps your chickens from getting bored. #ChickenKeeping #backyardchickens #chickenDIY

How to make a DIY chicken sized picnic table - AKA a Chicknic table (or chic nic table)! This is an adorable project to make a custom feeder for your backyard chickens that keeps their food up off the ground. It's one of those fun ideas that doubles as decor for your chicken run and keeps your chickens from getting bored. #ChickenKeeping #backyardchickens #chickenDIY

If you love these chicknic table plans be sure to pin this tutorial to save it for later!
How to make a DIY chicken sized picnic table - AKA a Chicknic table (or chic nic table)! This is an adorable project to make a custom feeder for your backyard chickens that keeps their food up off the ground. It's one of those fun ideas that doubles as decor for your chicken run and keeps your chickens from getting bored. #ChickenKeeping #backyardchickens #chickenDIY

PRINTABLE CHICKNIC TABLE DIRECTIONS

DIY Chicknic Table - A picnic table for chickens!

Yield: 1 table
Author: Carissa Bonham
Estimated cost: $15
prep time: 10 Mperform time: 1 H & 15 Mtotal time: 1 H & 25 M
Feed your backyard chickens in style with this adorable chicknic table. This tiny picnic table sized for chickens features a lip around the top to keep the food from spilling off as well as drain holes to allow rainwater to drain away.

materials:

  • 1 x 6 lumber (4 feet needed)
  • 1 x 3 x 8ft lumber (three 8-foot boards)
  • 2x2 lumber (2 feet needed)
  • Wood Glue
  • Fasteners of choice (choose screws OR nails)
  • #4 x 1 1/4" wood screws (about 30 screws)
  • 1 1/4" brad nails

tools:

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Saw
  • Clamps
  • Speed square
  • Mouse sander or sandpaper
  • Drill
  • 3/16" drill bit or larger
  • #6 3/32 pilot hole and countersink bit (if using screws)
  • Impact driver or electric screwdriver with fine point head (if using screws)
  • Ryobi finish brad nailer (if using nails)

steps:

Cut and glue top of chicknic table
  1. Cut two 24" pieces of the 1 x 6 board.
  2. Cut two 24" pieces and two 12.5" pieces of a 1 x 3 board.
  3. Sand the ends of the cut boards as needed.
  4. Glue the 1x6 pieces together by running a bead of glue down the 24" length of the board.
  5. Smooth the glue with a finger to cover the full side of the board.
  6. Secure with clamps and allow to set for a minimum of one hour.
Cut legs and other pieces
  1. Cut legs from a 1x3 with 45 degree angles at each end. To do this, use your speed square or your miter saw as a guide to cut the very end off a 1x3 board at a 45 degree angle. Measure 15" down from the first 45 degree mark and mark a parallel 45 degree angle and cut. After cutting this first leg, use it as a template to cut three more legs.
  2. Sand the ends to clean them up as needed.
  3. Cut two 18 1/2" pieces (braces) and two 27" pieces (benches) with straight ends from a 1 x 3 board.
  4. Cut one 24" piece (center brace) from the 2x2.
Assemble the table
  1. After the 1x6 boards you glued together have been allowed to set for a minimum of one hour, you can assemble the top with the 24" and 12 1/2" 1x3 pieces you cut in step 1.
  2. Unclamp the top platform and use a scraper and/or sand paper to remove any glue residue that leaked out of the seam.
  3. Attach a 24" side piece to the platform by either using the brad nailer or drilling holes with the countersink bit and then attaching with screws. Push down while attaching the pieces to get a tight join. (see full directions for tips on how to line this up evenly)
  4. Repeat the same process on the other side to attach the other 24" piece to the long side of the platform.
  5. Attach the 12 1/2" pieces on the ends, lining up the ends so the top is square.
  6. Turn the top platform on its side so it is standing on the 12 1/2" long side. Line up the corners of two 45 degree angle leg pieces in the center on the underside. Attach to the bottom frame with nails or screws using the countersink bit. (see full directions for helpful pictures)
  7. Repeat on the other side so all four legs are now attached.
  8. Attach one of the 18 1/2" brace pieces on the outside of the table legs, 2 1/2" down. (see full directions for helpful tips on lining this up)
  9. Center and attach the second 18 1/2" brace to the other side the same way.
  10. To further increase the stability of the table, fit the 24" center brace piece cut from 2x2, running the length of the table between the two braces. Secure with two screws or two nails on each end.
  11. To attach the side benches, lay one of the 27" bench pieces across the two braces at each end of the table and attach with two nails or two screws on each end. Repeat on the other side.
  12. Add drain holes with your drill fitted with a 3/16" or larger drill bit to drill holes in the corners of the top.
  13. Use your sander or sandpaper to sand all edges and ends smooth.
  14. The table can be left as-is or painted or stained with a non-toxic food safe finish.

NOTES:

For helpful step-by-step photos, see the full article on the Creative Green Living website.
Did you make this project?
Tag @CreativeGreenLiving on instagram and hashtag it #creativegreenchickens
chicknic table, chick nic table, chic nic table, chicken picnic table, free chicknic table plans, how to make a chicknic table, picnic table for chickens
Created using Craft Card Maker





Carissa Bonham

About the Author:

Carissa Bonham is a lifelong crafter and mom of two creative boys. Her goal is to empower families to make easy projects and healthier choices that are beautiful and delicious! 

The owner and lead writer at Creative Green Living, she is an award-winning blogger and most recently won the ShiftCon Media "Best Green Lifestyle Blogger" award in 2019.

She is also the author of several books including Proven Techniques for Keeping Healthy Chickens (Skyhorse, 2018), Beautiful Smoothie Bowls (Skyhorse, 2017) and The Little Green Book of Mothers' Wisdom (Skyhorse, 2020).

Her projects have been featured in magazines like Capper's Farmer and Urban Farm Magazines. Follow her on PinterestInstagramTwitter or join the Creative Green Living Tribe.
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3 comments

  1. How does this not have any comments?! This post is amazing. This will be my Memorial Day project. Thanks for the detailed instructions!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I’m so glad you liked it! I’m not sure why there haven’t been comments here - maybe in their enthusiasm to rush out and make their chicknic table they forgot!? 😂

      I hope your table turned out well for you!

      Delete
  2. Thank you so much! I'll try and convert to cm to make it easier for my father in law to read and make, but awesome you made a printable version of this. Again, thank you very much!

    ReplyDelete

I love comments! I welcome your comments and questions about this article here!