Double Wide Outdoor Table

double wide outdoor dining table huge square
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Build your own double wide outdoor table, featuring extra seating for large gatherings and parties, with free step by step plans and diagrams, cut list and shopping list from Ana-White.com

double wide outdoor dining table huge square
double wide outdoor dining table huge square
double wide outdoor dining table huge square
double wide outdoor dining table huge square

Why We Built this Huge Outdoor Dining Table

My friend Jaime from That's My Letter wanted a strong and sturdy outdoor dining table to seat up to 10 guests.  Jaime and I collaborated on this oh-so-massive outdoor dining table!

Seating now less than 10 adults.

Build Post with More Photos and Details

Of course, plans follow - but please, stop over and check out lots more photos, step-by-step building pics over at Jaime's blog, That's My Letter.

 

Free Woodworking Plans to Build a Huge Outdoor Dining Table

Dimensions
double wide outdoor dining table huge square
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 19 - 2x6x8
  • 6 - 1x6x8
  • 4 - 2x4x8
  • 2- 4x4x8
  • 2 - 1x3x6 (for added support - see Jaime's post)
  • 2" and 2-1/2" exterior screws
  • 2-1/2" pocket hole screws
Cut List

BASE

  • 6 - 4x4 @ 23"
  • 2 - 1x6 @ 58"
  • 2 - 1x6 @ 60"
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 60" - shortest point measurement - both ends BEVELED at 45 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 63" CUT TO FIT! - shortest point measurement - both ends BEVELED at 30 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 64-7/8" CUT TO FIT! - shortest point measurement - both ends BEVELED at 15 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel
  • 8 - 2x4 @ 16-3/4" - both ends cut at 45 degrees off square, ends ARE parallel to each other, long point to short point measurement
  • 2 - 2x4 @ 55-1/2" (stretchers)
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 64-1/2"
  • 3 - 2x6 @ 48"
  • 2 - 1x6 @ 66"

Tabletop boards are 90" long - use less for spacing in between

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Staple Gun
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Attach three of the posts to the 1x6 end apron and the 1x6 for the bottom. Screws are recommended - use exterior screws for outdoor application. Predrill holes to prevent splitting.

Screws must be at least 2" long but could be longer if you want to use the same screws as the rest of the assembly.

Step 2

Attach base to the first 2x4 board (ends cut at 45 degrees). To hide screws, attach from underside. 2" screws and glue are recommended here.

Step 3

Attach next layer of 2x4 under the previous 2x4. Measure and cut to ensure perfect fit. Use 2-1/2" screws here.

Step 4

Add the final bottom 2x4 same as the previous one.

Step 5

Step 6

Attach stretchers to base.

Step 7

Use 2-1/2" screws to attach aprons to legs. Then attach joist to the 2x6 aprons. You'll need these for attaching the tabletop board to.

Step 8

Attach outer aprons to the outsides of the 4x4 legs. Use 2" screws and glue.

Step 9

Attach tabletop boards to joists and legs with 2-1/2" screws.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

cassiet717

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 17:49

This table is so great! One problem with most patio furniture is they're usually not big enough for a real gathering. This would be perfect for everything from family dinners to kids' birthday parties.

PedroAA

Sun, 08/03/2014 - 17:11

Though beautiful, it does look somewhat lopsided to me, with the "open" sides' overhang so much bigger than the legs'...?

Nrhodes

Fri, 10/03/2014 - 12:54

The table looks amazing! What did you use to weather proof it? Any particular sealer, teak oil or such?

 

wthalin

Tue, 03/31/2015 - 11:36

I second the last comment. What are you using for a finish and do you suggest using regular wood or pressure treated since it is outdoors?

Thanks

wthalin

Tue, 03/31/2015 - 12:38

Just caught a small correction to the plan. For all 6 cuts for the leg base that are the beveled pieces the plan has them listed as 2x4's on the cut list but they should actually be 2x6's.

lwenger1972

Mon, 07/06/2020 - 12:58

I’m getting ready to build this table for a friend. She does not like the “runners” on the bottom. Do you think it would be OK if I just take that part off and extend the 4 x 4 legs to make the correct height? Just wondering if the table will be stable enough?? Thx!

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!