Building a charming outdoor table can be a great DIY project for those who enjoy woodworking, as it not only allows you to showcase your creativity and craftsmanship, but also provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to your backyard or patio space, where you can host intimate gatherings, share meals with family and friends, or simply relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Building an outdoor patio table requires careful consideration of the wood’s durability and resistance to weathering, it’s important to choose high-quality wood, treat it properly with sealant or stain, and use strong joints and hardware to assemble the table.
Today we will be Building a 2-meter wide, 8-meter long, and 2-meter-high patio table made of Meranti hardwood.To begin, you’ll need to gather all the necessary tools and materials, by following these steps, you can create a beautiful and functional table that will add rustic charm to the outdoor area of your home.
Materials:
- 16 Meranti hardwood boards (2m x 0.2m x 0.05m)
- 8 Meranti hardwood boards (8m x 0.2m x 0.05m)
- 4 wooden legs (2m x 0.1m x 0.1m)
- Stainless steel screws
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Outdoor varnish or sealant
Tools:
- Measuring Tape
- Circular saw or handsaw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Clamps
- Sanding block or electric sander
- Paintbrush (if using varnish or sealant)
Step 1: Cut the Boards
Using a measuring tape, mark and cut the 16 2-meter-long Meranti boards into 4 equal lengths of 0.5 meters each. These will be used as the table’s tabletop planks.
Then, cut the eight 8-meter-long Meranti boards in half to make sixteen 4-meter-long pieces. These will be used to create the table’s frame. Lastly, cut the four wooden legs to 2 meters in length.
Step 2: Create the Tabletop
Lay the four tabletop planks side by side on a flat surface. Use wood glue to attach them together. Clamp the planks tightly and leave to dry for several hours.
Step 3: Create the Table Frame
Place the sixteen 4-meter-long pieces of Meranti in a rectangular shape. Attach the corners with screws and wood glue.
To make the joints stronger, drill pilot holes before attaching the screws. Use the measuring tape to ensure that the rectangle’s dimensions are 2 meters wide by 8 meters long.
Step 4: Attach the Tabletop to the Frame
Place the tabletop on top of the table frame. Use stainless steel screws and wood glue to attach the tabletop to the frame. Again, drill pilot holes to make the joints stronger.
Step 5: Attach the Legs
Flip the table over and attach the legs to the corners of the frame. Use stainless steel screws and wood glue to secure them in place. Again, drill pilot holes to make the joints stronger.
Step 6: Sand and Finish the Table
Use sandpaper or an electric sander to smooth out any rough edges and surfaces. Apply an outdoor varnish or sealant to protect the table from the elements. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times.
Your 2-meter wide, 8-meter long, and 2-meter high Meranti hardwood patio dinner table is now complete and ready to use with friends and family😉
For those who appreciate the beauty and value of handmade furniture, building a patio table from scratch can be a fulfilling and rewarding endeavour. The satisfaction of seeing your creation come to life and enhance your outdoor space is worth the effort and dedication put into every stage of the building process.
All the tools and materials used in this article are available instore from Build it Hermanus, for building materials, do-it-yourself home improvement tools, and expert advice.
Please send us a photo of your completed creation, we would love to see it, you can upload your images in the comments section!
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Build it Gansbaai/Hermanus offers added value services in respect of hardware retailing; embracing all activity within the building materials industry, focusing specifically on the building of; urban, township, rural housing as well as all home improvements and do it yourself.
