DIY Garden Table
Building a small, simple garden table for multiple outdoor uses.
We decided to build the table 3 feet long X 3 feet high x 20 inches wide.
We purchased 3 2 x 6 x 10 boards based upon these measurements.
We cut the first board into four pieces that will make the table top and sanded them all down. Then we decided how far apart we wanted the tabletop boards spaced. You definitely want a gap so that water, etc. can fall through. We decided a paint stick worked perfectly. So we cut up a few and put them between the boards.
Our next step was to place the spaced out table top boards on top of two securing boards and screwed them together with one screw in each table top board. Then it's time to put the bottom together.
We made this by eye, therefore it's easier to share the photos with you and there's many more photos over on the blog...
Once we had the legs arranged we bolted them in with heavy duty bolts that we got at our local hardware store.
We added these leg lifts to the bottom of each leg to add stability.
This table is super sturdy and I painted it white so I wasn't worried about all the bolts showing.
I luv this table and use it for everything!
Resources for this project:
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Comments
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It's a cute looking table. The legs should have had half lap joints rather than separate pieces of wood so brackets and screws needed to be used. The screws and brackets will become a weak point over time as the wood expands and contacts. Also the throw the table out of kilter. I would have used half lap joints. John Biermacher's solution is a great alternative for the DIY.
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William,
Once again you are spot on with your comment.
This posting ( https://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/furniture/a-tale-of-two-tables-25611311) shows a table I made with double X trestles. I “cheated” by crossing two long pieces and then filled in the end with short pieces. Real half laps would have been more elegant, but required better precision.
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Half laps,dowel joints,wood gusset type bracing,etc;there are many ways to do something,but the builder may have been limited on tools,experience ,workspace,or any number of other things.He made a table to suit his needs and that's all that counts.
Frequently asked questions
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I am curious as to why there are so many bolts (?) holding the legs together. Obligatory I am no woodworker, but that looks a little overkill to me.....
What kind of paint did you use ? Looking at your resources I clicked on paint used and chalk paint came up, did you use chalk paint ? and can that be used outside?