A 3D model of a wooden table with a slatted top and two block-style legs. The table is shown in a digital design environment with construction lines.
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DIY Outdoor Dining Table Full Tutorial

ByLisa

You ask, and you shall receive! Two years ago I built our outdoor patio furniture for the Spring One Room Challenge. While I shared a tutorial for our sofas, I never wrote one for our DIY Outdoor Table. To this day I still receive comments and DMs requesting a tutorial, so better late than never! This outdoor dining table is a fairly easy DIY project that will elevate your outdoor space and enhance your outdoor activities! Now, onto the highly requested outdoor table plans! The best part is they are free plans 😉

A computer rendering of a DIY outdoor table is shown above a real-life photo of the completed wooden dining table surrounded by black metal chairs on a patio. The image includes text about a DIY tutorial from Garrison Street Design Studio.

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DIY Outdoor Table

First things first. In order to build our outdoor dining table, you are going to need lumber. When I originally built our furniture, our local hardware store did not carry the 6×6 timbers we used for the table base, so I purchased mine from a local lumber yard. I have since seen 6x6s at Home Depot.

I should also mention that I ordered all of the wood for the outdoor furniture pieces (the two sofas and the dining table) at the same time and had it delivered because a) all that lumber would not fit in my Honda Fit 😉 and B) those timbers are pretty heavy. For one dining table you will need the following items to build the table as I did.

All lumber sizes are noted as common sizes in inches x inches x feet.

DIY Patio Table Materials List

2 – 6x6x10 Timbers*
2 – 2x6x8 Boards
3 – 2x8x8 Boards
5 – 2x4x8 Boards
1 – 12in Sliding Miter Saw
1 – Miter Saw Stand (optional) 
1pk – #8 2in construction screws
1pk – GRK 5/16in x 5-1/8in Structural Screws
1 – 3/4 in Spade Drill Bit
1 – Impact Driver and Drill **
1 – Impact Driver Extender
1 – Kreg Jig
1 – Kreg Jig Clamp
1pk – Kreg Jig 2.5 inch Screws
2 – Extra Clamps (optional) 
1 – Belt Sander
1 – Orbital Sander
1gal – PPG Timeless Semi Solid Exterior Stain in Chestnut Brown
1gal – Water Based Spar Urethane Satin Finish
1- 48 inch Level
1 – Tape Measure
1 – Safety Glasses
1 – Work Gloves
4-6 Dining Chairs

Know before you build

If you are not an experienced builder you may not be that familiar with wood sizing. Common wood sizes such as a 2×4 are not actually 2 inches by 4 inches, they are 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches. If you choose to build the table with different dimensions, you will need to account for this. Always double check the actual dimensions of your lumber before making cuts.

Stacks of wooden planks are neatly arranged on a concrete floor in a garage. Various tools and materials are organized along the walls.

Note, this picture is all the wood I used to build the dining table and both sofas. I originally wanted to build an outdoor bench as well but decided against it. I ordered sizes that minimized the waste based on this. If you choose to build more than just the table, it might be more cost effective to purchase different lengths.

*I used smooth sawn Douglas fir timbers. Mine were not pressure-treated lumber, however, I do recommend using pressure treated wood. Pressure treating protects against termites, fungi and rot. Despite the fact that ours were not pressure treated, our wooden furniture has held up well.

**Make sure both your impact driver and your drill each have fully charged batteries and have an extra standing by if possible. You will need them.

Step 1

A workshop with a miter saw on a stand, cutting a long wooden beam. Shelves in the background hold paint cans, tools, and other materials. Cables and safety gear are also visible, cluttering the space.

 

First thing, cut the 6x6s to size. You will need to cut the 6x6s into 10 pieces, each 20 inches long. These will be your table legs. I used our 12 inch miter saw to cut these but the blade is not large enough to cut all the way through in one pass. So if you are in the same boat, you will have to rotate the wood until the blade goes all the way through.

Below is a video clip of how we cut ours. This will not produce a perfect cut, however, you will be sanding them a lot if you want to achieve the same look I have.

You will not be able to make this cut with a circular saw unless you have access to a timber circular saw. A circular saw will come close, depending on the size of your blade, but even after rotating you will still have a little bit leftover that you will need to cut with a hand saw or reciprocating saw.

<div
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How to cut a 6×6 timber with a 12 inch

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Step 2 

Measure and cut the 2x4s for the table framing. Our dining table is 70 inches long by 40 inches wide. I chose to use slender, metal dining chairs with our table. I HIGHLY suggest you choose your chairs before you decide on your table length and width to make sure they will fit comfortably with your table. Many outdoor chairs are quite bulky and will require more space. If you choose to make your table with different dimensions, you will need to adjust the lengths and amount of wood you will need.

Based on the table size we decided on, I cut two 2x4s to 70 inches long and two 2x4s to 40 inches long, all with mitered corners cut at a 45 degree angle so no cut edges would be seen on the outside edges of the table. I joined the two mitered corners and used the Kreg Jig to drill the holes ensuring none of the screws would be seen once fully assembled.

If you have never used a Kreg Jig before, I HIGHLY recommend you practice on some scrap wood before you attempt on your table pieces. I did just that.

Carpentry tools and supplies for building your own DIY outdoor table are neatly arranged on a concrete floor, featuring a wooden right angle, a grey drill bit kit, a red clamp, and a box of 2-1/2 inch screws.

Once I understood how to use the Kreg Jig, I clamped the first 40 inch piece to a table so I could drill the holes.

A piece of wood, destined to become part of a DIY outdoor table, is clamped to a workbench using several red and blue clamps. The setup resides in a workshop filled with tools and materials eagerly anticipating their role in the creative process..

The Kreg Jig creates pocket holes making the construction cleaner and stronger. This part of the frame will not be seen.

Close-up of two wooden planks joined together using pocket screws, perfect for a DIY outdoor table project. The light-colored wood contrasts beautifully against the concrete surface, with the screws partially visible within the material.

A wooden rectangular frame, soon to become a DIY outdoor table, lies on the concrete floor in a workshop. Several tools and a chair are visible in the background, hinting at the creation process for this charming piece of patio furniture.

Step 3

Cut your table top pieces to size. I used wooden boards for this to keep it simple, but you could also use plywood that is trimmed out or do a herringbone pattern. The choice is yours.

DO NOT do this step before your have assembled your frame. In a perfect world, your table frame is exactly square and all edges are exactly the same measurements. But let’s be honest, this is DIY and things don’t always go perfectly as planned. So save yourself some headache and measure out each piece as you go just in case because once you cut, you can’t add wood back.

Our table top wood is laid out like this. DO NOT ATTACH THE TOP PIECES TO THE FRAME YET!

A partially assembled wooden pallet lies on a concrete floor in a workshop, the first step in creating your DIY outdoor table. A table with various tools and materials is visible in the background. The pallet consists of several wooden planks placed parallel to each other, ready for transformation.

At this point I would also recommend labeling the order in which you laid out all your table top boards and taking a picture to make sure you do not forget which one went where in case some boards fit better a certain way. You will want each piece to be a straight board.

*NOTE – When I originally built our table I did not plane the table top pieces because I do not own a planer. But before I re-stained the table a few weeks ago, a friend planed the top pieces for me. This does help them to be more flat since the wood you buy at a store might have some bowing. I did originally buy the wood at a lumber yard which I think tends to have higher quality wood with less warped and bowed pieces. However, after two years out in the elements we did have some bowing and warping. I do cover the table top in the winter with a tarp though because we get a lot of snow.

Step 4

Cut your frame supports. These will ultimately be what attaches your legs (the stacks of 6x6s) to the frame. Use two scrap 6x6s as stand ins for your table legs. Measure 7.5 inches from the inside frame edge and place your scrap 6×6. Measure the width between the inside of the frame on either side of the 6×6. This should be about 33 inches, but measure before you cut because these should be a tight fit. You will attach these in a later step.

Wooden frame on a floor made of natural, unpainted lumber, crafted as the base for a DIY outdoor table. Two horizontal support beams align inside, with blue tape marking measurements of 33 inches and 7.5 inches. A block sits at the center intersection, and tools are scattered in the background.

A DIY Outdoor Table sits on a concrete floor, its wooden frame supported by two large blocks. Tools and materials are scattered in the background, with a partially covered workbench nearby, hinting at ongoing craftsmanship.

Step 5

Sand all the wood smooth. I used my orbital sander on the flat surfaces of the timbers, 2x4s, 2x6s and 2x8s. If you have access to a planer, you will not need to do as much sanding.

A red Black & Decker orbital sander rests on a dusty surface in a workshop, hints of an unfinished DIY outdoor sofa project nearby. Bicycles are visible in the blurred background, suggesting a multifaceted workspace.

Then, I sanded all the edges of the timbers with a belt sander to create a bevel.

A green Ryobi belt sander rests on a dust-covered surface. Sawdust is scattered around, and the background includes slightly blurred workshop items.

I am not going to lie, this part was far from fun but gave the pieces a lot more character in my opinion. If you have never used a belt sander before I highly recommend you practice on some scrap wood first. They are pretty powerful and can damage your wood quickly if you are not careful.

Stack of large, square wooden beams standing on end in a workshop, with smaller wooden pieces beside them. Sunlight casts soft shadows on the concrete floor.

Stack of four pine beams with visible wood grain, placed upright on a concrete floor. Additional wooden planks and a tape measure are in the background. Natural light enhances the texture and details of the wood.

Step 6

A yellow DEWALT cordless drill with an 18V battery rests on two stacked wooden planks, perfect for crafting a DIY outdoor sofa. The drill sports a spade bit, and wood shavings are scattered nearby. In the background, more planks lie on the concrete floor, ready for the next step in your project.

 

Attaching your timbers for the table legs. This part is a little tricky, so pay attention. I attached the timbers for the table legs with screws, but before you drill any holes, determine the orientation you want for your wood. Meaning, if not all of your pieces look the same on all sides or have a blemish you don’t want seen, stack them up the way you want to see them. Then when you are satisfied, flip each piece upside down and number them on the bottom so you remember the order.

 

Instructions for assembling your DIY Outdoor Table leg include two diagrams labeled "Left Leg" and "Right Leg." Each diagram shows stacked numbered blocks from 1 to 5, with clear markings for the "Top of Table Leg" and "Bottom of Table Leg.

You will be drilling pilot holes to attach the pieces from the bottom side of each block. This way none of the screws or holes will be seen when fully assembled. To begin, use the 3/4 inch spade drill bit to drill 3 staggered holes into block two about 3 inches deep (I actually measured mine every time so they would be the same). Remember, these are all upside down right now so you are drilling into the bottom of piece 2.

Word of caution. These timbers are pretty heavy duty and take some serious force to drill into. Wear gloves and hold onto your drill tight so it doesn’t pull you unexpectedly or swing around and hit you. As I mentioned above, you will need a fully charged battery for your drill as this drains the battery pretty quick.

A blue spade drill bit attached to a drill is shown pointing horizontally, perfect for crafting your DIY outdoor sofa. Behind it, a piece of wood showcases a cleanly drilled hole.

Two wooden beams on a concrete surface await transformation into a DIY outdoor table. The top beam features three drilled holes, while the lower one displays pencil marks, including several 'X' marks. Both beams showcase natural wood grain patterns, hinting at their rustic potential.

Now stack block two (still upside down) onto block one (also upside down). Make sure all edges are lined up and it is positioned to your liking. Then use the GRK screws to attach the two pieces. Since the holes are drilled 3 inches deep, your screw will go through block two into block one securing them together. 

Note, if you choose to use different screws to attach the blocks, you may have to drill different size holes.

A package of GRK Fasteners UberGrade structural screws sits on a wooden surface scattered with drilled holes, perfect for your DIY outdoor sofa. The label highlights their star drive and self-tapping design, making them an excellent lag screw alternative.

I found the impact driver to work best for this part since you are driving the screw through 5 1/8 inches of wood, about 2 1/2 inches on each block. This is why you will need an extender for your driver.

A yellow DeWalt 18V cordless impact driver sits on a wooden board, ready to conquer your next project. Nearby, a box of screws waits its turn, set against a backdrop of stacked wooden beams—perfect inspiration for building that DIY outdoor sofa.

From a diagram perspective, this is what you are ultimately doing.

Assembly instructions for a DIY outdoor table leg. Diagrams detail three wooden pieces with staggered holes in both top and profile views. The guide advises against drilling holes in the top piece and emphasizes staggering the holes between each section for your DIY outdoor table project.

Diagram titled "DIY Outdoor Dining Table Leg Assembly" with instructions. Two images, showcasing the front and side views of the DIY outdoor table leg assembly, include numbered blocks and screws. Instructions detail the assembly order from bottom to top.

Once you have attached block two to block one, drill your holes in block three making sure to stagger them so they DO NOT line up with the holes you drilled in block two. To avoid confusion, I only drilled holes into one block at a time.

Two rectangular wooden beams with drilled holes rest on a concrete floor, perfect for crafting a DIY outdoor table. The wood boasts a light natural finish, highlighting its grain patterns and markings. In the background, a stack of similar beams waits to be transformed into more creative projects.

Once you have drilled the holes, stack block three on top of block two and use the screws to attach them as you did above. Repeat with remaining blocks four and five.

Once all the blocks are attached you can flip them over and repeat for the second table leg.

A stack of six wooden planks, perfect for crafting a DIY outdoor table, is neatly arranged vertically against a workshop wall, surrounded by various tools and materials. The light-colored planks display their natural wood grain beautifully.

Step 7

Stain all the wood. I originally used this exterior deck stain to seal and stain the wood. After two summers, I re-stained the table a few weeks ago with the leftover stain. I also chose to do a coat of water based Spar Urethane on it this time.

The stain I originally used held up ok, but was definitely faded and had some water spots from winter so I felt like a little extra protection wouldn’t hurt. Both the stain and water based urethane clean up with just soap and water. A HUGE plus in my book.

A can of PPG Timeless wood stain in American Chestnut color sits on a wooden surface. A paintbrush is placed beside it. The can highlights features such as semi-transparent finish and advanced penetrating oil technology.

I used the stain version of my favorite brush to apply the stain. And I used Dawn dish soap and a paint brush comb to clean my brush when I was done. This is my go to clean up method! Although this stain was not super smelly, I stained the pieces in the garage on some folding tables I had in the basement.

Wooden planks laid out on a metal table in a garage setting, ready for staining or finishing into a DIY outdoor sofa. The background shows a white garage door with metal hinges.

Wooden beams are laid out on two black, tarp-covered tables inside a garage. The space is cluttered with various tools and materials, and the garage door and walls are visible in the background.

I applied one liberal coat to all sides and allowed 24 hrs of dry time on each side, then I gave everything a coat of spar urethane. Note: The above picture is from when I stained the sofas. You will have two stacks of five blocks not four.

Step 8

Assembly. Note, this table is VERY heavy! The best way to assemble is to assemble where it will sit permanently. I assembled our table in place on the back patio.

Start by laying out the table legs. Mine are 37 inches apart. Then place the table frame around the legs leaving 7.5 inches between the frame and the outside edge of the table leg.

You will also need to measure the distance between the ends of each leg and the table frame to make sure each leg is in the same position. Mine are 6.5 inches from the inside edge of the frame.

Once all the measurements are equal, add the frame supports you cut in step four. Position them tight around the legs.

A wooden frame for a DIY outdoor table and two stacks of bricks rest on a patio with a stone tile floor. Adjacent to a house with beige siding and a dark door, the scene also features a grill and some gardening tools in the background.

To attach the center support to the frame, use the Kreg Jig to drill two holes at each end of the support into the frame. Do not attach yet.

Blueprint for a DIY Outdoor Table with detailed measurements. Shows top and side views with dimensions for the table frame, legs, and support elements. Includes notes on hole placement and precise assembly instructions to ensure your dining masterpiece comes together seamlessly.

A partially assembled DIY outdoor table in a wooden planter box rests on a stone-paved surface, viewed from above. The frame showcases metal brackets and screws against the wood's natural finish, with a blue piece of tape marking one corner for alignment.

Drill two additional sets of holes on the sides of each support that will attach to the legs. When you are finished drilling, each support board will have eight holes drilled.

Assembly instructions for your DIY Outdoor Table. The diagram shows two views with measurements, including dimensions for the table frame, legs, and support spacers. The table is 70 inches long and 40 inches wide, making it a perfect centerpiece for any outdoor dining space.

Now attach all four of the supports to the table frame first with the 2.5 inch pocket hole screws.

Wooden frames and blocks placed on a stone tile patio suggest the beginnings of a DIY outdoor table project, seamlessly integrating with your space.

Once all four are attached, raise the frame up to the top of the table legs. The frame should be flush with the top timber. You will need help for this part. My mom and I held the frame in place while Barry made sure it was level and attached the supports to the table legs.

A DIY outdoor table with rectangular wooden legs sits on the patio, boasting a yellow level on its top. Patio furniture and a grill enhance the setting, while stone flooring and a beige house exterior complete the inviting scene.

A person is using a drill to assemble wooden planks into a DIY outdoor table on a paved surface. A plastic container holds more screws nearby. The wood has pre-drilled holes, making the project easier. Grass can be seen in the background, adding to the scenic workspace.

Once all the supports are attached to the table legs in the center of the table, you can attach your table top pieces. I used 2 inch construction screws to attach the table top boards which were screwed into the frame from underneath the table so no screws would be seen.

Close-up view of a wooden ceiling with a polished finish and visible screws, showcasing a craftsmanship reminiscent of a DIY outdoor table. The image features a blend of dark and light wood tones, displaying intricate details of the wood grain.

You could also use deck screws or outdoor screws, I just prefer star heads because they don’t strip out. I only added screws to each end, but you can add more if needed, especially if you have really long pieces for your table top.

Diagram of a DIY Outdoor Table showing the assembly of a dining tabletop with labeled planks. The design features three 2x8 and two 2x6 planks arranged vertically, measuring 70 inches high and 40 inches wide, perfect for your next project in creating the ideal outdoor setting.

Step 9

Last step! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your new outdoor dining table! This table is a perfect idea for those just getting into DIY. Using mostly basic tools, you can have a gorgeous outdoor table to enjoy good friends and food!

Outdoor patio featuring a DIY outdoor table with black metal chairs on a stone surface. The wooden table hosts two potted plants, while a wire-frame light fixture hangs above. A wooden fence and lush greenery provide a serene backdrop.

The outdoor patio features a DIY wooden dining table paired with black metal chairs on a stone floor. A small potted plant is centered on the table, adding charm to the setup. In the background, a barbecue grill complements the scene, enveloped by lush greenery.

Do you have a backyard that needs sprucing up? Check out my other outdoor furniture ideas and outdoor furniture projects for your patio area!

A DIY outdoor dining table crafted from wood is paired with six sleek black metal chairs on a stone patio. Two small potted plants grace the table's center, while wireframe pendant lights hang overhead. In the background, a lush grassy area completes this inviting setup.

A DIY outdoor patio table is paired with black metal chairs and adorned by two potted plants under three wire-frame pendant lights. The setting is enhanced by a wooden fence and lush green trees in the background, creating a serene and stylish outdoor retreat.

A DIY outdoor table anchors the patio, surrounded by six black metal chairs. On its surface rest two potted plants, while overhead wireframe pendant lights cast a soft glow. In the background, a grassy yard beckons, bordered by a sturdy wooden fence.

This free outdoor table plan is a simple DIY for a beautiful outdoor table but you could also use similar construction to make an outdoor coffee table, a small side table, matching benches, or an indoor dining room table.

The outdoor patio features a DIY outdoor table set under enchanting string lights. Surrounded by six metal chairs, the table is adorned with potted plants, creating a cozy evening atmosphere against the backdrop of trees in the paved area.

A DIY outdoor table crafted from wood features two small potted plants atop its surface, set on a stone patio. Four black metal chairs encircle the table, while lush green plants and trees provide a serene backdrop.

The cozy outdoor patio features a DIY outdoor table set for six, surrounded by metal chairs. Hanging lanterns cast a warm glow over the scene. The backdrop includes trees, a lit fence, and a small shed, all beautifully silhouetted against the twilight sky.

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A DIY outdoor dining table, beautifully crafted from wood, is set under a pergola adorned with string lights. This enchanting scene in a backyard with trees and a shed invites you to explore the tutorial and create your own oasis.

This post, DIY Outdoor Dining Table Full Tutorial, appeared first on Garrison Street Design Studio.

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