How to Build an Outdoor Dining Table

This step by step woodworking project is about how to build an outdoor dining table. This article features detailed instructions for building a nice outdoor table, ideal for any patio or deck. The best part of this project is that you can build the table in less than a weekend using common tools and materials. We have designed the rustic dining table to keep the expenditures under control and to involve the least amount of work possible.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the table won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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Building a dining table

Cut & Shopping Lists

A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 33″ long, 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 3 1/2″ long BASE
B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 25 3/4″ long LEGS
C – 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 84 1/2″ long STRETCHER
D – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 44″ long, 2 pieces – 77 1/2″ long, 1 piece – 33″ long TABLETOP FRAME
D – 24 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 36 1/4″ long TABLETOP
E – 4 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 7″ long CORNER DETAILS

1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 2 ft
2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 2×8 lumber – 3 ft
12 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 8 ft
1 1/4″ screws
1 5/8″ screws
2 1/2″ screws
filler, stain
glue

Tools

Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

One day

Free outdoor dining table plans

Building the vertical supports

The first step of the project is to build the vertical support for the dining table. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you should use 2×6 lumber. Make a notch inside the component by using a jigsaw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper.

Building the base supports

Next, build the base supports. Cut the ends of the 2×4 supports in a decorative manner using the instructions described in the diagram. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper.

Assembling the sides

Continue the project by fitting the supports to the vertical component. Drill pilot holes through the horizontal supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the vertical supports. Make sure the corners ate square and add glue to the joints. Leave no gaps between the wooden components.

Fitting the leg supports

Attach 3 1/2″ long pieces of 1×4 lumber to the base of the outdoor dining table. Use glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails to lock the pieces of lumber to the base. Make sure the edges are flush before inserting the nails.

Building the corner details

Build corner details for the outdoor dining table out of 2×8 lumber. Mark the cut lines on the lumber and get the job done with a jigsaw. Smooth the edges with 120-grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Fitting the corner details

Fit the corner details to the sides of the table. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure them to the sides. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess before it dries out.

Building the stretcher

Build the stretcher out of 2×6 lumber. Cut both ends of the component using the information from the diagram. Smooth the edges with sandpaper. Make sure the corners are right-angled.

Assembling the frame of the table

Fit the stretcher to the sides of the outdoor dining table. Plumb the sides with a spirit level and make sure the stretcher is horizontal. Add glue to the joints and insert a few galvanized screws.

Building the frame of the tabletop

Building the tabletop for the outdoor dining table can be made in several ways, so you can adjust it to suit your needs. Cut the components for the frame out of 2×6 lumber. Drill pocket holes as shown in the diagram and lock them together tightly using 2 1/2″ screws. Add glue to the joints to add support to the whole structure.

Fitting the tabletop slats

Next, fit the 1×3 slats to the frame of the table. Cut the slats at the right dimensions and drill pocket holes at both ends. Place the slats to the frame, making sure the gaps between them are even. Use a piece of 1/4″ plywood to create consistent gaps. Insert 1 1/4″ screws to lock the slats to the frame. Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth.

Attaching the tabletop

Place the tabletop on a level surface. Center the frame of the outdoor table to the tabletop, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the top supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the frame of the tabletop. Add glue to the joints and leave no gaps between the components.

Outdoor dining table plans

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the project and to protect the wooden table from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain.

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How to Build an Outdoor Dining Table

Projects made from these plans