How to Build Your Own Wood Deck Tables

Lay five planks of 20-inch 1-by-5 lumber face down on a work surface, 8 inches apart. Abut two planks of 40 inch 1-by-5 lumber across the ends of the face down lumber planks.

Secure the 20-inch lumber planks to the 40-inch planks with two countersunk 2-inch deck screws through the sides of the 40-inch planks into the ends of the 20-inch planks. This is the undercarriage of the table. Countersunk screws sit below or flush with the surface they are being screw into by virtue of a slightly enlarged opening of the screw hole.

Lay four planks of 48-inch 1-by-5 lumber for the table top face down on a work surface with half an inch between each plank. Place the undercarriage centered on top of the planks, with the 20-inch planks of the undercarriage going across the table top planks.

Fit a plank of 1-by-5 lumber measuring 29 inches onto the inside edge of the ends of each of the 40-inch planks of the undercarriage for the table legs. Secure the table legs to the 40-inch planks with four 1 5/8-inch lag bolts driven through the leg into the 40-inch planks.

Fit a plank of 1-by-5 lumber measuring 29 inches onto the inside edge of the ends of each of the 40-inch planks of the undercarriage for the table legs. Secure the table legs to the 40-inch planks with four 1 5/8-inch lag bolts driven through the leg into the 40-inch planks.

Turn the table upright so it is standing on the legs, then seal it with a weatherproof wood finish and leave to cure before placing on the deck.