Any ever build a octagon picnic table - child size

[Larry C]

Hello,

I have been asked to build a picnic table for the local school. It will go in the Pre-K and K play lot. I was thinking of building an octagon one but I can't find a plan that does not have open benches. I would like to have benches closed so that the kids will not fall off and you can squeeze more kids onto the table.

I found a plan that has closed benches but I am a little nervous about shrinking the plan down to little child size. I also found a child size plan that has open benches which I think I can just extend the benches to become closed.

Here is a link that has a children's plan with open benches

is an adult size with closed benches one ever do something like this? Thoughts? TIA

Larry C

[Joe]

> Here is an adult size with closed benches

My first thought is if you're going to build anything for kids, whether you're getting paid or not, have your insurance in order.

[dpb]

Larry C wrote: ...

...

On the last, nervousness, what's the fundamental difference between the adult and the child one other than size that concerns you?

You'll have to ensure have enough structural material in doing the shrinking, obviously, can't just ratio the dimensions of _everything_ except the table/bench heights and the ratios to make the proportions suitable.

The problem is it takes a lot of perimeter to get very many kids around one of those and that can lead to a lot of size of table top that isn't of any use in the middle. If it's to be used for actual eating or activities where each kid needs a space, the facing in an angled position towards each other at the intersections also reduces that functionality in comparison to the straight line orientation.

Need to consider what is purpose and numbers, etc., first and then be guided from those design constraints/objectives.

One thing on the kiddie table plan shown -- all that flat surface support is a problem from retaining a lot of moisture that will be a rot-inducer and and will also tend to make it need a very flat surface to keep from rocking--I'd toss that concept in the trash heap right off the bat.

--

[SonomaProducts.com]

Extend the benches on the kid plan. Easiest route IMNSHO.

I do have experience try> Hello,

[Larry C]

I asked over at the school and they said the standard table would serve them better. As dpb posted, they figure more kids will fit on a straight bench.

Once again guilty of making it more complicated than I had to.

I do like the look of that octagon table though.

Thank you very much for the replies.

Larry C