How to Make Your Own Garden Table

Last Updated: December 1, 2021

Everybody needs a garden table, especially for those wonderful days of spring and summer. Whether you are a woodworker, enjoy working on DIY projects, or you just want to save money, this article is for you. Here are detailed instructions on how to make your own garden table. You can always buy a garden table, but nothing beats the pride and enjoyment in your own work.

Part 1

Part 1 of 6:

Measurements and Sketch

1
Note the measurements of the table, listed here. Check the sketch (image above) to get the basic idea as well.
- Height = 76,5 cm (30,1 inches)
- Length = 186 cm (70,9 inches)
- Width = 92 cm (36,2 inches).

Part 2

Part 2 of 6:

Preparing the Materials

1
Gather all the tools and materials. For this project, you'll need the items listed below in "Things You'll Need".
2
Make all the cuts to the planks as follows:
- 2 pieces 82 cm (32,3 inches) long of 2,5 x 10 cm (1×4 inches) plank
- 4 pieces 177 cm (69,7 inches) long of 2,5 x 10 cm (1×4 inches) plank
- 2 pieces 168 cm (66,1 inches) long of 2,5 x 10 cm (1×4 inches) plank
- 17 pieces 92 cm (36,2 inches) long of 2,5 x 10 cm (1×4 inches) plank
- 4 pieces 74 cm (29,1 inches) long of 5 x 10 cm (2×4 inches) plank
3
Start sanding. Use a sander to smooth all the previously cut pieces.

Part 3

Part 3 of 6:

Making the Frame

1
Start with the assembly of the table as shown in the picture above.
- Use a clamp when assembling every piece and make sure that all the joints are at 90 degree angles.
2
Drill a hole one or two sizes smaller than the screw. Then put the screw through that hole. That ensures the screw will get where you wanted it to go.
- Do not try to put the screw in if you haven't drilled the hole first.
3
After the frame is completed, you need to put two 168 cm (66.1 inches) planks on the left and the right side of the frame, as shown in the picture above. The planks enhance the stability of the legs and add to the visual appearance of the table.

Part 4

Part 4 of 6:

Adding the Plate

1
Choose the plate planks. Now it's time to put the plate of the table on the frame. For the plate of the table you will use 92 cm (36.2 inches) planks.
2
Attach the planks. Every plank must be screwed down on four places; that means on every plank of the frame. This is important because it is very hard to acquire completely dry wood and if you don’t tighten it down, it will bend and your table will be ruined. On the picture you can see how to assemble the plate on the frame.
- Leave 1 cm (1/3 of an inch) space between every plank on the plate, for visual appearance.

Part 5

Part 5 of 6:

Attaching the Legs

1
Use the appropriate planks for the legs. For the legs you will use 74 cm (29.1 inches) planks.
2
Attach the legs with 7 cm (3 inch) wood screws. Put three screws on every leg, so that they form a perfect triangle.

Part 6

Part 6 of 6:

Painting Your Table

1
Paint your table in the colour of your choice.
- Make sure that the chosen paint protects the wood against the elements and always put on at least two coats of paint. A sealant layer is also recommended for longer wear and making the table spill-proof.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I screw down every plank in four places? Do I have to put screws through the top of the table into the frame below? Won't this leave the table top with lots of screw tops showing?

Kicky Ricky

Community Answer

You have to put the screws through the top of the table into the frame below, but you can drill in small depressions with a bolder drill to match the diameter of the screw head, so when you screw them in, they wont appear as higher than the table plank.