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This step by step diy woodworking project is about free outdoor table plans. The project features instructions for building a beautiful 8′ long table for your backyard patio. The table has a rustic look with x-shaped elements on both sides. The best part of the project is that you can get the job done by yourself with common tools at a fraction of the cost of a similar retailed table.
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 project 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.
Projects made from these plans
How to build an 8′ outdoor table
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 26″ long LEGS
- B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 31 1/2″ long BASE
- C – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 31 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
- D – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 65″ long STRETCHER
- E – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 27 3/4″ long, 4 pieces – 12″ long TRIMS
- F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 2 pieces – 31 1/2″ long FRAME
- G – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 89″ long TABLETOP
- 1 piece of 4×4 lumber – 10 ft
- 15 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 1 piece of 1×4 lumber – 10 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
Time
One day
Free Outdoor Table Plans
The first step of the project is to build the base for the outdoor table. As you can notice in the diagram, you need to make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the 2×4 components. Smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper before attaching the legs.
Use 4×4 lumber for the legs. Drill pilot holes through the base and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the legs. Add waterproof glue to the joints and check if the corners are right-angled.
Next, you need to build the supports for the tabletop. Cut both ends of the supports in a decorative manner. Clamp the supports to the top of the legs, making sure the edges are perfectly aligned. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.
Build the frame for the tabletop out of 2×4 lumber. Cut both ends of the components at 45 degrees. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and drill pocket holes at both ends of the components. Insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together. Add glue to the joints and make sure the edges are perfectly aligned.
Cut the rest of the slats for the tabletop out of 2×4 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the slats and fit them to the frame, as shown in the plans. Place pieces of 1/2″ plywood between the slats to create even gaps. Insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the slats to the frame.
Lay the tabletop on a level surface and attach the legs, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 4 1/2″ screws into the tabletop. Make sure the corners are square.
If you want to enhance the look of the outdoor table, you should build x-shaped trims for both sides. Cut the components from 1×4 slats. Make the angle cuts using a miter saw and smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper. Use waterproof glue and 2″ brad nails to lock the components together.
Fit the trims to the sides of the outdoor table. Use glue and finishing nails to lock the trims to the vertical legs.
Build the stretcher from 2×4 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the the component and secure it to the base pieces using 2 1/2″ screws. Make sure the corners are square before inserting the screws.
Fill the holes and dents with wood putty and let it dry out for several hours. Use 120-200 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.
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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