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Simple Outdoor Dining Table

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Build your own outdoor table!  We love the simple styling and clean lines of this outdoor table. This simple plan requires no special tools and is beginner friendly!  Build and enjoy this weekend!  Free plans by ANA-WHITE.com

Collections
Simple Modern Outdoor Collection

Reader submitted photos: 

This modern style outdoor table is easy to build.  The matching bench plans are available here.

Dimensions
simple modern outdoor dining table plans
Overall Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long (cut longest boards first)
  • 5 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 100 - 1-1/4" to 2" long - self tapping exterior screws (look for star bit ones)
  • 25 - 2-1/2" long self tapping exterior screws
Cut List

3 - 2x4 @ 56-1/2" - frame 

2 - 2x4 @ 28-3/4" - frame ends

4 - 2x4 @ 29-1/4" - legs

15 - 1x4 @ 31-3/4" - tabletop boards

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Build the frame of the table with the longer screws, two screws per joint.

Adjust for square by taking opposite diagonal measurements and adjusting until the opposite diagonals match.

Step 2

Attach legs to the frame (will be easiest upside down).  Multiple screws at an angle into the legs will be stronger than screws straight on.

Step 3

Clamp a straight edge to the outside of the table and lay out the tabletop boards with a 1/2" gap in between.  Screw down with the shorter screws.

For the end boards, screw to the end of the frame too - this will add considerable strength to your table.

Project Type
Dining Table Plans
Room
dining room
kitchen
Outdoor
Style
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Anthony S (not verified)

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 20:30

Nice design.
Using galvanized screws in the construction of this outdoor
table will prevent fixing points from rusting in the outdoors.
The screws suggested here could also the sprayed with a
galvanized coating available from hardware stores prior to
assembly.

travelnFog (not verified)

Tue, 06/05/2012 - 12:29

I love the table. Can you put in a link to the bench and chair build pages if they exist? if not it might be an idea....

thanks for a great DYI blog.

Céline (not verified)

Wed, 06/27/2012 - 09:28

Dear Ana and readers,

Thank you very much for all those plans. Like others have said many times, your website gives me the boldness to try and build something myself. But... I am one of your European readers and, since we don't use the same measurements or standards, I'm not sure how to interpret your instructions.
Could you, as an example, explain to me the following line ?
5 – 8′ – 1×4

Then I could "translate" the intructions more easily for the various projects in the future.

I very much hope someone can help me! Thanks a lot in advance !

Céline from Italy

Secret Agent Mom (not verified)

Sat, 07/07/2012 - 09:14

Celine,

I am building this table now!

5 - 8' -1"x4" is:
Five total boards measuring eight feet long that are one inch by four inches width/depth. This symbol ' means feet and this " means inches.

In metric conversion I believe it would be something like this:
Five total boards measuring 2.4 meters that are 2.54 x 10.16 centimenters width/depth.

I used this chart: http://www.calit2.net/~jschulze/misc/spinoff/metric-conversion.htm

I hope that helps!

cricachat

Tue, 07/17/2012 - 10:05

Yes, it helps a lot ! It is indeed much clearer now for me.
Thanks a lot for your explanations and the link to the chart.
I am now ready to try for myself!
Good work on your table and thanks again for taking the time to answer!
Céline

mrhelton

Mon, 09/03/2012 - 17:03

I have to say, I really like this table! I just made one of your adirondack chairs, and after I make the second, I'm going to be making this table (though a shorter version to sit at comfortably with those chairs.

I can't wait. This site is awesome.

mfgtcb (not verified)

Wed, 09/05/2012 - 09:27

does anyone have picutres of where and how many kreg jig holes are used to fasten this together. For example how are each of the table top boards attached to each joist? with 2 hole/screws or just one on each of 4 joists?

Also any addtional details on how the legs are attached would be helpful.

Sureka (not verified)

Sat, 09/22/2012 - 18:02

I want this for a Kitchen Table....are there any suggestions or modifications I would need to make?

Sureka (not verified)

Sat, 09/22/2012 - 18:02

I want this for a Kitchen Table....are there any suggestions or modifications I would need to make?

Jason Kermeen (not verified)

Sun, 10/07/2012 - 21:00

Great table Ana. Do you have the plans for the bench seats..

Also what wood would you suggest using.

Cheers from Australia

Roxie (not verified)

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 09:35

Love this site!! I want to build this to seat 10-12 people. I have read all the comments and don't get it. Can someone please be more specific as to how much material and cuts I need. This will be my first woodwork project!! Thanks Much!!!

cheryl xavier (not verified)

Thu, 01/17/2013 - 13:44

Hi ana,i love your web site! i am a single mama in columbia s.c. and i love to do projects too. I am looking for a web site to build me a 24x24 ft. house for me and my little girl . i am looking at some land down here and i hope some one can give me a few ideas. if you have any pointers please send them to me . thanks and keep up the awsome craft projects and WONDERFUL web site!!!!!!!!!!!! I WILL be looking back on here.

Knelgm

Tue, 04/30/2013 - 18:34

Why can't I find the directions for the chairs and bench? Please help, I am sure that is is right in front of me...I just can't locate them :)

Ang Dly

Wed, 05/01/2013 - 13:21

I have some wonderful mosaic tile bought in bulk from the "Habitat for Humanity ReStore" and was thinking of creating a tile tabletop for this outdoor table - Instead of wood slats, I think a 3/4" plywood would serve as the top to place the tiles on. My Question -Would replacing the slats with plywood and Tile increase the weight of the top enough to require more support from the bottom?

If so, is Ana and Claydowling's suggestions of replacing the 1x 4s with 1x6s or 2x4s the answer, or does tile and plywood react so differently than wood planks to require different support? 

This is an amazing website - all the accomplishments here are very motivating!

Rachel M

Tue, 06/18/2013 - 07:44

Hey Ana,
I am so in Love with this site. Thank you so much for posting these plans.
I built this and the little bench yesterday. It took 6.5hrs. and well worth it. Such sturdy sturdy builds. I no more finished but we had dinner on it!!! My husband approves. I am also going to build the small stools/tables so it all can tuck under the table. I have enough scrap from this project to and the lounge chair to build the stools FREE.So $100 total got me a table, bench, and chair. Since our HD only carried 1x4's in 8' I bought 5 extra to make up for the 12' you called for. This gave me plenty of excess to play with.
Thanks again next is the Couch. Think Big and girl power to all!!

whitebunnyflock

Tue, 01/06/2015 - 18:52

That is an amazing bed! Would you have any plans available for it that you would be willing to share?
thanks,
Craig

Shadoglare

Fri, 06/06/2014 - 21:47

So less than two years after I built it, this table went in the trash last weekend. It appears pine is no match for midwest weather, even with a thick coating of outdoor paint. The wood had gone bad already and the table pretty much collapsed on itself when my wife put a bunch of plants on it while working in the garden - thus pretty much turning this project into a huge waste of time & money.

rnfryrlife

Mon, 05/11/2015 - 08:38

Do you have plans to make this for 8? I am new at this and not very confident in making my own adjustments. Also, I made the picnic table from pressure treated wood. Didn't think about it not being safe to eat on. I did paint it . What do you recommend for outdoor furniture that is outside in coastal weather? Any recommendations for the best sealer to use?
It needs to last? thanks

NatEllis65

Sun, 07/19/2015 - 16:00

I made this with some leftover Tigerwood deck material.  I adjusted the legs to redwood 4x4.  Made the matching benches with the same material, but modified the legs to 2x4 redwood.

genegenie7

Fri, 05/06/2016 - 07:29

I love it too, but where are the plans to do the modified square table with the prependicular design? Sorry but maybe I just haven't looked deep enough into the site!

Thanks

 

 

ramacb

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 22:59

Great plan - functional table. What type of wood is recommended for outdoor tables/ chairs like these? Especially for california weather. Also is there a plan for the chair?

wdrosado

Sat, 03/28/2020 - 05:47

Ana this table is great exactly what I am looking for, but how would I go about using this table with an outdoor umbrella? Would you be able to suggest this modification?

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!