Outdoor Modern Bar Table, X Base

Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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Turn your patio or deck into an entertainment meca with this simple modern bar height table. Works with the simple modern bar stools.

I’ve said it before, this collection is one of my favorites. I am especially loving the simple clean lines because the modern style contrasts beautifully with organic outdoor shapes. Your flowers will stand out next to this collection.

VERY BUILDABLE
This collection is extremely easy to build and many readers have already had success with this collection. Also, the standard board widths are readily available at most home imporvement stores, and cedar 1x4s just happen to be on sale (and about $.50 more per board than pine) right now at Lowes.

BAR TABLE
We’ll do the bar table plans today. I also will be posting the stools shortly. I love the bar table because it fits in with the casual modern theme. This bar table is a standard bar table height, and the cross bracing adds flair to the bottom.

Dimensions
Overall Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

3 – 10′ 1x4s (Tabletop Boards)
2 – 8′ 1×3 Boards (Supports and Aprons)
3 – 8′ 1x4s (Legs and Cross Braces)

Common Materials
1 1/4 inch screws
2 inch screws
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint brush
Cut List

2 – 1×3 @ 32″ (Side Aprons)
4 – 1×3 @ 30 1/2″ (End Aprons and Supports)
9 – 1×4 @ 33 1/2″ (Tabletop boards, cut from the 10′ 1x4s)
4 – 1×4 @ 41 1/4″ (Legs)
1 – 1×4 @ 46″ (Long Cross Support, both ends cut at 45 degrees PARALLEL to each other)
2 – 1×4 @ 22 3/4″ (Short Cross Support, one end cut at 45 degrees)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
General Instructions

Work on a clean level surface with straight boards. Finish all of your boards before assembly. Predrill and countersink your screws. Check for square after each step. Be safe.

Instructions

Step 1

TABLETOP FRAME
Build your tabletop frame as shown above using 2″ screws and glue. Check for square.

Step 2

TABLETOP
Screw down your tabletop boards as shown above. You can use a Kreg Jig™ to screw from the frame into the underside of your tabletop boards to hide screw holes.

Step 3

LEGS
Add your legs as directed above.

Step 4

LONG CROSS SUPPORT
Add the long cross support as shown above. You do not need glue if you plan on disassembling the table easily.

Step 5

Step 6

FINISHING
If you choose to prefinish your table, go around and fill any holes with wood filler or paintable silicone. Sand as needed and apply a finish coat of paint.

Comments

Holly (not verified)

Tue, 05/25/2010 - 02:41

THANK YOU for posting this! I really wanted to build the bigger table but we have a tiny backyard and I thought it would be overwhelming. This bar table will fit much better!

Waner Family (not verified)

Tue, 05/25/2010 - 04:44

AHHHHHHHH!!!! LOVE it! I cannot wait to build it. My list of to-builds could probably give Santa's naughty/nice list a run for its money. I never dreamed I would even have a to-build list let alone actually mark things off of it!! Thank you!

ps. I LOVE that you add the little extra pieces of flair that give your furniture more personality but yet keep it so simple...brilliant!

Yolanda (not verified)

Tue, 05/25/2010 - 06:43

Awesome, modern, and so stylish. My condo only has a patio. This would be ideal. Any chance there could be an optional short backrest for the stools? I have no idea if that overly-complicates them (and I realize it takes them out of the sleek and modern range), but when you break your baby sits so low in your pelvis that you actually break your tailbone while pregnant, you appreciate a little extra support.

Piper (not verified)

Fri, 05/28/2010 - 04:56

I love this, and I've been looking for a table that is bar height, but I want it for inside my house in my dining room... Can I just push the slats together and have the same effect?

Ana White (not verified)

Fri, 05/28/2010 - 08:47

This would make a beautiful indoor table. If you pushed the slats together, the table would end up being 2" narrower. You could add another 1x4 but the overhang would end up being 3/4" more on the ends, and the legs wouldn't match up. I would personally make the entire table 1 1/2" larger, and add another 1x4 to make the tabletop. This will change the lengths your cross braces. I would measure and cut to fit. With the large width of the legs, you should have no problem getting the brace to at least be close.

Alicia (not verified)

Fri, 06/11/2010 - 07:54

Making this right now but for a regular height (no cross supports and 2x 4's for legs). Hope it works out!

Terry Brensinger (not verified)

Tue, 06/05/2012 - 04:05

The table looks great. Is it strong enough as is to put a mosaic top on it, or would adjustments need to be made? For example, would the legs need to be enlarged (2x4's ?). Also, I assume that I would replace the top slats with a piece of plywood.