Home Improvement Outdoors Building Projects

18 DIY Outdoor Table Plans

By
Stacy Fisher
Stacy Fisher, Writer
Stacy Fisher

Stacy is an expert writer for The Spruce covering home DIY projects and crafts. She has over 18 years of journalistic experience, appearing as a DIY expert on the Dr. Oz Show and several radio shows. She has published hundreds of articles and co-authored a book.

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Updated on 05/14/24
Outdoor wood table DIY plans

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

These free DIY outdoor table plans will show you how to build a table that you can enjoy all year round. Whether you're enjoying a meal with your family, lounging around with your friends, or prepping for a party, these plans have you covered.

The outdoor table plans include both written and video tutorials for how to build an outdoor dining table, picnic table, bar, grill cart, serving cart, coffee table, and end table. They have everything you need to get started—from a materials list to finishing directions and everything in between.

What to Know Before Building an Outdoor Table

Ready to dive into building your outdoor table? Make sure you have the right tools and tips before you start.

Tools for DIYing an Outdoor Table

Thought the exact tools you will need will vary slightly depending on the type of table and plan you choose, here is a rough list of what you might need during the process:

  • Lumber
  • Wood stain
  • Weather-proof polyurethane 
  • Screws (most likely 4” and 2 1/2″)
  • Sander or sandpaper
  • Circular saw
  • Drill and drill bits
  • Wood filler
  • Clamps
  • Wood glue
  • Hammer
  • Measuring Tape
  • Rafter Square

Tips to Consider Before You Start

There are a few things to note before you start hammering and sawing away on your outdoor table project:

  • Choose wood wisely: Outdoor tables can take a beating from the weather, so it might not be the best place to use expensive materials. Opt for more reasonably priced woods known for their durability to the elements, rot resistance, and moisture-wicking properties—redwood and cedar are great choices. Teak will also hold up well if you are willing to splurge a bit.
  • Label lumber: As you cut and match your boards to your table plans, mark each with the coordinating letters from the cur list or label them in an appropriate way to ensure ease when putting the table together.
  • Keep the tabletop top of mind: Depending on the type of table you are making, you will want to make sure the tabletop is conducive to its use. For example, concrete tops are great for serving, bar, or grill carts (they are easy to wipe down when inevitable messes take place), while wood is fine for a dining table where food is being served, not prepped. A tile top might make a statement on a decorative side or coffee table that will mostly hold a book, small plant, or glass of lemonade. 
  • Get ready to refinish: Refinishing your outdoor table once per year will ensure it lasts for many seasons to come. 
FAQ
  • How do you make an outdoor table weatherproof?

    You can make an outdoor table weatherproof first by constructing it out of a naturally elements-resistant wood like cedar, but you should also always use an outdoor sealant on your table (and reapply it once per year) to keep it weatherproof.

  • What is the best material to use for an outdoor tabletop?


    Outdoor-friendly wood is a great material for an outdoor table top, as is concrete, ceramic, metals like cast aluminum and even shatter-resistant glass, depending on the style. 

  • How much does it cost to build a DIY outdoor table?

    The complete cost of an outdoor table will vary depending on the price of materials in your area, quality of materials you choose, your table’s size and style, and what materials or tools you might already have on hand. It would be safe to assume you can easily build a simple large dining table for under $300, a coffee table for under $100, and a small side table for under $50.