How to Build Outdoors Tables & Benches

Choose the wood for your project. The two most popular choices of wood for outdoor furniture are redwood and Douglas fir. Redwood is naturally resistant to rot, but is more expensive than Douglas fir. Redwood has good, but not great, structural strength. On the other hand, Douglas fir is less expensive and structurally very strong, but needs to be treated or weatherproofed. Clear pine is also an option, as it has structural properties similar to the Douglas fir.

Plan the size of your tables and benches. This includes the width and length for the table top and bench top. With this project, the table and bench tops will feature wooden planks with gaps between each board and 2-inch-by-4-inch cleats underneath, so take these features into consideration. The legs are made from 2-inch-by-6-inch uprights and each leg will have a diagonal brace that is also made from a 2-inch-by-6-inch board. Take into account for all these different pieces when you calculate the total footage.

Build the table top and the bench top using a top layer of 2-inch-by-6-inch planks, held together with cleats placed on the underside of the planking. Start with cutting the 2-inch-by-6-inch planks to length with a circular saw and carpenter's square. Usually, the bench is the same length as the table, but this is not imperative.

Cut all your cleats to the width specified. Use the circular saw and carpenter's square. Make sure both ends of the cleat are square.

Attach the cleats to the long pieces of 2-inch-by-6-inch boards that will form your bench top and table top. Use 2- to 2 1/2-inch galvanized builder's screws to do this. The cleats should be about 8 inches from the end of the table top or bench top. The gap between boards should be around a 1/2 inch, but it can vary. Plan the width so that it is not necessary to rip the last board lengthwise. You can also use one or more 2-inch-by-4-inch boards in the tabletop instead of a 2-inch-by-6-inch boards.

Cut all the table and bench legs to length. Each bench and table has four legs. A good height for the bench is 18 to 22 inches, while the table top will work best when it is 32 to 36 inches tall.

Turn the table top upside down and place it on saw horses and attach the four legs to the outside edge of the cleats. Use the galvanized builder's screws for this. (2 to 2 1/2 inches). Put in at least three per leg.

Cut the braces for the table legs and bench legs. The table braces should be 2 to 3 feet long and each end must be cut at a 45-degree angle. The bench braces should be about 1 foot in length and they to should have a 45 degree cut at each end. Sand each piece lightly after you cut it.

Attach the braces with the galvanized builder's screws. These screws can be up to 3 inches in length and each end of the brace should get at least three screws.

Paint or stain your table and bench.