Building your own outdoor table can be a fun and rewarding DIY woodworking project. With the right materials, tools, and techniques, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor dining table for your patio, deck, or backyard. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from planning and design to construction and finishing. Follow along to learn how to build an outdoor table that will withstand the elements while providing an inviting spot for outdoor entertaining.
Planning Your Outdoor Table
Before you start building, take some time to think through your outdoor table plans. Consider the following factors as you develop the design:
Size
How big do you need the table to be? Measure the space where it will go and visualize how many people need to comfortably fit around it. A good standard dining table size is 36-42 inches wide and 60-72 inches long. But feel free to customize the dimensions to perfectly suit your needs.
Shape
The most common outdoor table shapes are rectangular and round. A rectangular table can fit more people and may be easier to build as a beginner. But a round table creates a more intimate, conversational setting.
Height
Standard dining table height is about 30 inches. But an outdoor dining table is often a bit shorter at 28-29 inches for more casual outdoor eating. Consider if you need to match chair heights as part of your plan.
Materials
Outdoor tables need to withstand moisture, sun, bugs, and temperature fluctuations. Cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine are all great rot-resistant woods. Composite lumber or plastic lumber are also options. Choose materials rated for outdoor use.
Design Details
Consider if you want an umbrella hole in the center, a tile or stone top, built-in benches, or other unique design elements. Draw up plans to visualize the complete table.
Gather Materials and Tools
Building an outdoor table is a fairly straightforward woodworking project, but having the right materials and tools will make the process much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
Lumber
Choose rot-resistant lumber like cedar, redwood, pressure-treated pine, composite, or plastic. You’ll need boards for:
- The tabletop
- The aprons (supporting the top)
- The legs
- Shelf boards or stretchers (if applicable for design)
Add up the board feet needed for your table size and gather extra for mistakes and defects.
Fasteners and Hardware
- Exterior wood screws, 2-3″ length
- Exterior wood glue
- Corner brackets for reinforcement (optional)
Tools
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Drill and drill bits
- Countersink drill bit
- Pocket hole jig and screws (if using pocket holes)
- Orbital sander
- Tape measure and ruler
- Carpenter’s square
- Clamps
- Safety gloves and eye protection
Cut the Table Legs
Start construction by cutting the table legs. Follow these steps:
- Cut the legs to length based on your table height design using a miter or circular saw. Cut the edges square.
- If using pocket holes to attach the legs, drill pocket holes in each end of the legs using a pocket hole jig. Clamp legs when drilling pocket holes for safety and accuracy.
- Sand the legs smooth using 80-120 grit sandpaper. Break all sharp edges.
- Apply wood sealer, stain, paint, or other finish if desired. Let dry completely.
Tip: For added durability, use pressure-treated lumber for the legs. Seal and finish the cut ends after cutting to length.
Cut and Assemble the Aprons
The aprons provide support for the tabletop. Here’s how to cut and assemble:
- Cut the apron boards to length based on the planned table dimensions.
- Lay out apron pieces on a flat surface in the final table layout. Use a carpenter’s square to ensure right angles at the corners.
- Attach aprons together at the corners using wood glue and 2″ screws. Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting.
- If using pocket holes, drill pockets in the aprons and attach to legs with glue and pocket hole screws.
- Alternatively, attach legs to aprons using corner brackets for reinforcement.
- Let the apron assembly dry completely before the next steps.
Build the Tabletop
Now it’s time to construct the outdoor tabletop:
1. Cut and Join Boards for Tabletop
- Carefully measure and cut tabletop boards to proper length with a circular saw.
- Placement of seams will depend on width of boards. Stagger seams for best results.
- Join boards together edge-to-edge using wood glue and clamps.
- Allow glue to fully dry before removing clamps.
- Sand to smooth out seams. Fill any gaps with wood filler as needed.
2. Attach Tabletop to Base
- Turn assembled tabletop over and place on base. Center top and check for overhang.
- Drill pilot holes from underside through the aprons into the tabletop.
- Attach using 2” exterior screws, keeping screws several inches from edges to avoid splitting.
- Do not overtighten. Allow for wood movement.
3. Sand and Finish Tabletop
- Sand entire top smooth, starting with 80 grit and working up to 220 grit paper.
- Wipe away all sanding dust.
- Apply protective outdoor wood finish like spar urethane. Allow sufficient dry time between coats.
- Add 3-5 coats for maximum protection.
Finishing Touches
Apply any final touches to complete your outdoor table:
- Add an umbrella hole if desired. Use a spade bit to drill hole, then smooth and seal the inside edge.
- Attach tabletop inlays, tiles, or stone if using for a decorative accent.
- Seal all other exposed wood surfaces, including the bottom of the tabletop and aprons.
- Consider adding weatherproof table pads or cushions to protect and cushion the tabletop.
- Let all finish dry thoroughly before placing table outside.
Enjoy your handbuilt outdoor table! With proper care and maintenance, it will provide lasting memories for years of outdoor living and dining. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal flair to customize your table.
Outdoor Table Maintenance
Like any wood product exposed to the elements, your outdoor table will require regular maintenance and care for maximum longevity. Here are some tips:
- Inspect the table every few months for any signs of damage, wear, or deterioration. Act quickly to make any needed repairs.
- Sand and reapply protective finish as needed, especially if the finish starts feeling rough or drying out. This will maintain the protective barrier.
- Clean the table with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives.
- Cover the table with a waterproof cover when not in use for extended periods.
- During winter or extreme weather, consider moving the table to a covered location to prevent excess exposure.
- Adjust any loose joints or attachments as needed.
- Routinely clean and seal the umbrella hole opening.
With proper care and maintenance, your handcrafted outdoor table can be enjoyed for many years of alfresco dining and memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wood to use for an outdoor table?
Cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine are great options for outdoor tables because they resist rot, insects, and moisture. Plastic or composite lumber are also good maintenance-free choices.
What tools do I need to build an outdoor table?
The basic essential tools are a power miter or circular saw, drill/driver, orbital sander, tape measure, carpenter’s square, clamps, and safety equipment like gloves and goggles. A pocket hole jig and countersink bit also help.
What is the best way to join outdoor table boards?
Using exterior wood glue between the boards and securing them with screws from below or pocket holes provides the strongest, longest-lasting joints for outdoor furniture.
Should I use treated lumber for the entire outdoor table?
You mainly need treated lumber for the legs that contact the ground. Using additional treated boards for parts like the aprons and supports is recommended for maximum durability. The tabletop does not necessarily need treatment if using a naturally rot-resistant wood.
How do I prevent wood movement from warping my outdoor table?
Allow space between the boards and use elongated screw holes. Do not overtighten connections. Apply finish to seal surfaces. Store the table in a covered area during extreme weather shifts.
How often should I reapply finish to an outdoor table?
It’s a good idea to sand and reapply exterior spar urethane or varnish about once per year, or more often if you notice the existing finish wearing thin or cracking. This maintains protection.
What is the best way to clean an outdoor wood table?
Use a soft cloth or brush with mild soap and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and allow the wood to fully dry before applying any new finish.
How can I prevent mildew growth on my outdoor table?
Promote drying by keeping the table uncovered when not in use. Routinely clean with a diluted bleach solution. Maintain the protective finish. Move to a covered area during damp weather.
What should I look for when inspecting an outdoor table for damage?
Check for any cracks, splinters, loose joinery, splitting, cupping, chipping, peeling finish, rot, and insect damage. Catching issues early makes repairs easier.
Conclusion
Building your own outdoor dining table is an immensely gratifying woodworking project. Follow the techniques step-by-step, choose weather-resistant materials, and protect your creation with regular maintenance. Soon you’ll be enjoying many memorable meals alfresco at a handmade table that you can feel proud to have constructed from scratch. Don’t be intimidated to put your personal spin on the design – you’ll value furniture even more that you customized yourself. Have fun planning your ideal backyard table oasis and making it a reality!