Outdoor side table plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about outdoor side table plans. If you want to learn how to build a nice outdoor table, we recommend you to read the instructions with good judgement and to check out the diagrams, as well as the related projects. There are many outdoor furniture plans featured on this website, so we really recommend you to browse through the projects.

There are many things that you should take into account before starting the construction project. Therefore, we recommend you to invest in high quality materials and to use professional tools. Cedar, pine and redwood are excellent choices, as they have a great durability and also come with a beautiful finish. Work with attention and plan every step of the project from the very beginning.

There are many designs and plans you could choose from when building the outdoor side table, so make sure you create a short list with the projects you like before starting the construction of the components. Always adjust the size and the shape of the side table to suit your needs. In addition, take accurate measurements and drill pilot holes before inserting the nails, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a side table

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long LEGS
B – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 13″ long, 4 pieces – 17″ long FRAMES
C – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 28″ long TABLETOP
D – 5 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 16″ long SLATS

6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8 ft
2 1/2″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Building an outdoor side table

Building the legs

First of all, we recommend you to start the construction project by making the for legs of the table. Cut the legs out of 2×4 lumber and smooth the edges with a piece of sandpaper.

Installing the bottom shelf slats

Cut the wooden components of the bottom shelf frame at the right size and attach them to the legs of the side table with galvanized screws. Place a spirit level on top of the supports to check if they are horizontal and drill pocket holes at both ends, before inserting the screws. Add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to enhance the rigidity of the structure.

Fitting the shelf slats

Next, you should attach the 2×4 slats to the supports, in order to create a nice bottom shelf. Work with attention and make sure you place the slats equally spaced, otherwise the side table won’t have a symmetrical look.

Installing the tabletop supports

Attach the tabletop supports to the legs, as shown in the plans. Make sure the legs are perfectly plumb and the corners right-angled, before drilling pilot holes and inserting the galvanized screws. Add glue to the joints in order to enhance the bond of the components.

Fitting the first slat

Fitting the slats to the top of the table is a straight-forward project, but it requires a little attention. It is essential to start the installation of the slats with the center of the frame, as shown in the plans. Drill pocket holes through the frame and insert the screws into the slats, making sure you don’t move them from position.

Attaching the slats to the table frame

Attach the rest of the 2×4 slats to the frame, by using the pattern shown in the plans. Make sure you place the slats equally-spaced, otherwise the table won’t have a neat appearance. Add waterproof glue to the joints and make the four corners round, as to add character to your table.

Outdoor side table plans

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

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