Outdoor End Table / Ottoman

The plans provide not only a materials list, but also a cut list. I began cutting my 2x4s as directed on the cut list. I had some waste because I had to have my boards cut in half to fit in my car. If you can fit 8'L boards in your vehicle, it's best to do that so you don't have to purchase an extra one.

First, I just want to say that the portable workbench I picked up at a yard sale has been the best $20 I ever spent! I clamped a scrap piece of plywood 24"x24" to it to give me more area on top of the bench. I laid out the table top pieces on the board, wrong side facing up. Next, I marked the sides on my boards where I needed to make pocket holes. I also marked the other parts of the table for pocket hole locations. Lastly, I calculated the spacing of the boards and made marks so that I could line them up easily when I began to screw everything together.

The plans don't call out for pocket holes, but whenever possible, I prefer to do this step. Making pocket holes is therapeutic for me. With a Kreg pocket hole jig set, it is simple, quick, and right every time. Pocket holes enable you to make solid, board-to-board attachments. You can then fill the pocket holes and give the illusion that everything is magically attached. Or you can position the hole on the back sides of the boards and no one will be the wiser. I usually opt for the latter.

Time to assemble the table top. I like to use wood glue (for exterior purposes) and Kreg pocket hole screws (also exterior). This is the tricky part that the directions don't mention. 2x4s can be a bit wonky and you must be sure that the center planks are all cut evenly so they butt to the end pieces without gaps. I tried, but a few gaps happened anyway. Clamps are also a great tool to have handy for this purpose.

Be sure to leave the spaces between the center planks to allow water to go through. Otherwise, you will be dealing with mold build up and the table top will not last as long.

On to the table base. The legs are attached to the end pieces. ALERT!!! Be sure to follow directions carefully. You will notice that my legs are not positioned properly. I didn't realize this until I was too far along to correct it. I didn't really make a big difference, but I had to do some shoring up to make the table sturdy.

I built the inner box and then attached it to the leg pieces. Be sure to check that your inner box is square.

Here it is, pre-finished. The pressure treated lumber needs some time to dry out a bit. I am also waiting until I build the rest of the the furniture and stain the deck before I decide on the color I will use. It is very important to use a good, waterproofing stain on your table to keep it fresh looking longer. I wouldn't recommend paint, as you will be looking at a future of sanding and repainting to keep it nice. If you want the look of a solid color paint, you could opt for a solid color stain - just about any color can be created.