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
Jessica Renee (not verified)
Tue, 05/29/2012 - 12:01
A 1x4 is typically 3/4"
A 1x4 is typically 3/4" thick. So, once you get the screw (put in straight down/square) through the table top board you'll have another 1 1/4" that will secure the board into the support/apron.
If you aren't using a Kreg Jig, you'd be screwing from the top of the table down and not from the underside. I think that's where you might be confused, too.
Jessica W (not verified)
Thu, 04/12/2012 - 17:09
Kreg
I think you use the Kreg Jig for better stability and to hide those screws. I didn't know what it was before finding this blog, but it looks like a great tool!
Anthony S (not verified)
Mon, 05/07/2012 - 20:30
Use Galvanised Screws or coat the ones suggested
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.
Chele (not verified)
Fri, 05/11/2012 - 11:54
You could use stainless steel
You could use stainless steel screws, that is what we used on our deck.
brooke jenkins (not verified)
Sun, 05/13/2012 - 20:03
did you also make the chairs
did you also make the chairs yourself? i love the way this looks!!
travelnFog (not verified)
Tue, 06/05/2012 - 12:29
Plans for the bench and chairs
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
Help for European reader !
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
conversion
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!
In reply to conversion by Secret Agent Mom (not verified)
Lady Goats
Sat, 07/07/2012 - 14:26
Just to note, nominal widths
A 1x4 tends to be closer to 3 1/2 inches, not 4, exactly. If you can't find something comparable to 4", look for the 3 1/2" conversation.
cricachat
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 10:05
conversion
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