Build your own outdoor table! This simple plan requires on special tools and is beginner friendly! Build and enjoy this weekend! Free plans by ANA-WHITE.com
Preparation
5 – 1×4 Boards, 12 feet long (Cut Tabletop Boards from these)
5 – 1×4, 8 feet long (Supports and Aprons)
1 – 2x4, 12 feet long
1-1/4″ self tapping exterior wood Screws
2" self tapping exterior wood Screws
2-1/2″ self tapping exterior wood screws
Wood Glue
Wood Filler
Finishing Supplies
2 – 1×4 @ 32 1/2″ (End Aprons)
4 – 1×4 @ 64 1/2″ (Supports)
2 – 1×4 @ 60 1/2″ (Side Aprons)
17 – 1×4 @ 35 1/2″ (Tabletop Boards)
4- 2×4 @ 29 1/4″ (Legs)
Work on a clean level surface. Check for square after each step. Use good straight boards. Predrill and countersink your screws. Use glue unless otherwise directed. Use proper safety precautions and equipment.
Instructions
Step 1
Aprons and Support. Build the aprons and supports for the tabletop as shown above. Use glue and 2″ screws. Make sure the project is very square.
Step 2
Outer Side Aprons. Fasten the outer side aprons to the sides, as shown above, keeping top and bottom edges flush. There will be a 2 3/4″ gap on both ends, as shown above.
Step 3
Tabletop boards. Use 2″ screws and glue to fasten the tabletop pieces to the aprons and supports. It is wise to mark all the joints on the undersides of the tabletop boards before fastening. There will be a 1/2″ gap between boards. If you happen to have a Kreg Jig™, you can fasten from underneath. (Kreg Jig™ K4 Pocket Hole System). This will hide all of your screw holes. As one reader mentioned, examining your boards and facing the board so the bark side is up will help prevent cupping in the future, and also create better water drainage.
Step 4
Legs. Screw the legs on with 2 1/2″ screws. If you leave the glue off or use bolts, you can make the legs removable.
Step 5
We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.
Comments
barbiegames
Mon, 04/22/2013 - 00:24
keep up the good work
Many thanks for such a write-up. I undoubtedly cherished reading it and talk about this it to my friends.
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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?