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
Preparation
- 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
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
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.
Comments
Tasha Roe (not verified)
Sat, 04/24/2010 - 15:25
can i just tell you that i
can i just tell you that i love you!
i mean it. i love you!
we were pricing tables, chairs, and benches for under our covered patio and they STARTED at $700. not going to happen. this is seriously a dream come true!!
thanks so much, Ana!!
Erica (not verified)
Tue, 05/11/2010 - 02:57
I just finished building this
I just finished building this table and matching benches as my first woodworking project ever! They came out looking great, and we got to have our first meal on them on Mother's Day.
My husband has been a hobby woodworker for 8 years, so it was wonderful to build something too. I did this set all by myself, and now I have the confidence to build other projects.
Thank you Ana!
Jeannine (not verified)
Wed, 05/12/2010 - 10:21
If I wanted to adjust this
If I wanted to adjust this plan to make this a 10' table (and matching benches) would I need extra support and if so where. We have a large deck on the top of our "boat house" at our lake, and I want a big long "farm type" table for up there. This looks simple but I need it quite a bit bigger.
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 11:55
10 ft table
Jeannine,
How did your 10 ft table turn out? Any suggestions?
Joe
In reply to If I wanted to adjust this by Jeannine (not verified)
claydowling
Mon, 06/06/2011 - 12:08
Added support
Ana's suggestion of using 2x4 might work, but I think you'll get a better strength for weight tradeoff if you use 1x6 instead of 1x4 for the long stretchers. Wood resists flexing the most across its width. It's also imperative to pick wood without dead knots (the dark brown, resin-filled ones). Any knots should be roughly the same color as the surrounding wood. This is sometimes referred to as Furniture Grade lumber and you'll pay a premium for it. You'll get a big payoff in strength though. Dead knots always fail under load.
Ana White (not verified)
Fri, 05/14/2010 - 07:32
Jeanne, you would probably be
Jeanne, you would probably be fine, but if you wanted to beef up your table for a longer size, you could use 2x4s instead of 1x4s for the supports and aprons. Your cut list will change, but since you are already making it longer, you are going to be modifying anyways. I think it will be gorgeous! Can't wait to see pictures!
artkdz (not verified)
Sat, 05/15/2010 - 14:12
question from a newbie.
question from a newbie. Should we stain the wood before or after we build the table? If before, what do we do about areas that we sand, holes that are filled, etc.? We've got our wood - got some Cypress so it'll be nice outside - and it's all cut and ready to go.
Tracey (not verified)
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 14:09
Thank you SO SO SO much. I
Thank you SO SO SO much. I have been scouring the world looking for a huge wooden table, and I actually think I can make this one! I love it!
Also, Jeannine, just an idea, I think we're going to make 2 smaller tables (60 inches long each. We also want a long table, but decided that 2 small ones would be more versatile, since they could be placed end to end or side by side to make a large square.
I am so excited to make this and complete the patio of my dreams!
BloggingKitty (not verified)
Tue, 05/18/2010 - 13:40
I bought the wood for this
I bought the wood for this project but haven't started because I don't know if I use the interior conditioner and stain I already own and apply several coats of outdoor-strength varnish or buy the wood conditioner and stain specificaly made for outdoor use?
I'm tempted to use what I already have to save money. What do you guys/gals think?
Chris (not verified)
Fri, 05/21/2010 - 06:07
To make this with the 1/4"
To make this with the 1/4" gap you instructions state make all aprons 1/4" shorter.
Is this correct or did you mean just shorten the side aprons. I do not see why this would change the end aprons length.