I’m thrilled to share how to build easy DIY patio table plans to make outdoor tables on a budget. My motivation for this project? Rust. Old rusty things are really cool. Like a trendy farmhouse vignette, or on a vintage metal sign. Rust is not so cool on a couple of little tables in my backyard.
I replaced my old rusty patio tables with the cutest little bright blue wood Adirondack style tables I made. I’m going to share how to Build DIY patio tables for about $20 in an afternoon.
I’m loving the colorful outdoor furniture in the stores right now. Our neighbors just had some delivered for their back yard and dock. I was peeking over the fence to see them…loving the happy color! I know it cost them a pretty penny. But since we have a huge list of practical “to dos” waiting for my pennies, I choose to build DIY patio tables instead.
This little eyesore of a rusted heap had a twin on the other side of the dock. We’re social people and I know DH was cringing each time we had friends or family walk by. He’d catch my eye with the dreaded eyebrow raise that said “really?
Can we dispose of these rusted heaps of garbage now?”
I’d smile and shake my head no and told him I was going to build a set of new dock tables. He’d mention something about me having a million projects in the works already. We had that conversation so many time that it became funny 🙂
But, I get the last laugh, because I can finally say yes! Let’s throw out the “old” tables.
I used free building plans from Anna White which you can find and use here. I have a few tips to make this project easier to make. I share the same type of info with the plans I used to build my DIY Open Shelf Vanity.
Start by choosing good quality wood. I used treated wood for exterior projects.
When selecting wood, hold it on one end and look down the board to be sure you’ve selected straight boards. Stay away from knots in boards too. The 8 foot boards the plans called for wouldn’t fit in my mini-SUV, so I had my favorite guys at Home Depot cut them in half. I made two tables and doubled the wood I needed.
Before measuring and cutting a length of board, check the end and trim it square. My favorite measuring tool is the combination square, I use this one every time I’m build something.
A Ryobi 10″ compound miter saw is my tool of choice for this type of project. It’s easy to use and I can carry it where need to set up.
Following the plans, I cut the pieces I needed. I tend to be scattered. My solution is numbered pieces in like piles 🙂 I mark 1 of 4, 2 of 4 and so on and keep each like part together.
See the pile behind me by the door?
Use a Kreg Jig to make pocket holes per the plans. The Kreg Jig makes connecting two pieces of wood so easy!
Following the plan steps, assemble the skirts onto the legs.
After all four legs and the skirts are attached, add the two supports on the bottom of the legs. Measure from the bottom of each leg and mark where the supports will attach to the leg.
The spreader is the last piece that is screwed onto the two supports. The plans don’t say anything about this step so I’ll share a tip here. The pocket holes go underneath like the picture below.
I used 1 1/4 inch brad nails and my Ryobi Airstrike Brad Nailer. I ran out of brad nails and needed to run out to pick up another box to finish attaching my top. Note to self… check supplies before starting the project 🙂 Use wood putty to fill in the holes and let it dry. Sand any rough edges and the wood filled areas before painting.
This beautiful blue is Baltimore Sky from Benjamin Moore.
I love how they turned out and yes, DH is much happier! I know he isn’t secretly cringing as our friends walk by thinking that his DIY obsessed wife won’t spend a few dollars and purchase patio tables because she can make them herself 🙂
I always look at things and think what else. Another really awesome feature about these plans is how versatile they are. Make the legs longer for a bar stool, make the seat wider and its a bench, make two of the legs extend up and add slats for a chair. You get the idea.
Anyhoo…
I’m off to put these little cuties on my dock. Maybe I’ll sit in the Adirondack chairs with a cool glass of raspberry iced tea and watch the boats go by for a little while and enjoy my new tables!
And you? Are you ready to build DIY patio tables for your backyard and welcome in the outdoor season?
Cathy Mulcady says
I can’t find the plans for these tables. Would love to build them; they are very cute.
Wendi says
Hi Cathy, Aren’t they cute? I love them too. The link to Ana White’s building plan is in the post and it lands on her page to that project. I just checked to be sure it’s working and it is. Look for this sentance, “I used free building plans from Anna White which you can find and use here.” The words use here should be highlighted and link to her page. Good luck and let me know if you still have trouble finding the link.
amy @ one artsy mama says
I LOVE these, Wendi!! They would look perfect on my deck. 😉 Thanks so much for linking up at Creativity Unleashed!
Wendi says
Thanks so much! You should build a set, they are inexpensive and sturdy:) You could whip these up in an afternoon and I’m sure with your talent, you’d paint them special in some creative way:) Thank you for your visit!
Ashley ~ 3 Little Greenwoods says
I *need* these tables for our backyard deck! They are so versatile and the color is perfect.
Thanks so much for sharing your creativity at the The DIY Collective this week! Please come back next week to show off your latest project!
Have an awesome weekend!
~ Ashley
Wendi says
Hi Ashley! Aren’t those tables great? They are versatile too, they can also be used as stools, they are so sturdy! Thanks so much for your visit:)
Kim~madeinaday says
I can’t believe you made these adorable tables. You go! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on MM Board! Have a great week!
Kim
Wendi says
Thanks so much Kim!
Cara says
These are so cute! I really love the bright turquoise color as well. 🙂
Wendi says
Thanks so much Cara. I think the turquoise is what made this project perfect! Thanks so much for your visit and comment!
Christy@Confessions of a Serial Do-it-Yourselfer says
Of course you made them yourself, and I love them! I’m sure they add such a fun pop of color to your dock too. I’m very exited to be featuring them today. Thanks so much for sharing at our party! XOXO
Wendi says
Yayyyyy!! Thanks so much Christy! I LOVE your party! I hope your readers love the colorful tables as much as I do… they are so easy to build and budget friendly too!
Vanessa D. says
I love the color you chose for your tables. I just purchased two plastic adirondack chairs for my deck in a similar color and will be looking for ways to bring it indoors before winter.
Wendi says
Vanessa… Thanks so much! This shade of blue is my color this year and I can’t get enough of it. Have fun with yor new chairs & the bright happy blue:)
Marie - Family and the Lake House says
Cute, cute, cute! Great tutorial. 🙂
Wendi says
Thank you! I love these tables…and now I’m looking around outside to see where I could put another one just because it was so easy to make:)
David Davison says
Hi there,
I really like the tables and would like to make some myself. Do you have the plans somewhere regarding the dimensions of the tables, cuts, etc?
Thanks so much,
David
Wendi says
Hi David. Click on the link I share for Anna White’s plan right before the cut list. It will bring you to the plans. I know you’ll love the tables! Please let me know if you have any trouble finding the plans or the link:)
Serena @ Thrift Diving says
Wendi, these are so cute! 🙂 You know…the more I build stuff, the more I’m addicted to building with fresh pieces of wood versus saving the hold stuff from the thrift store. LOL. Or, better yet, taking an old piece and then building on to it with fresh wood! 🙂 Great project!
Serena
Wendi says
Serena.. Building stuff with wood is so addicting! Once I had a few skills down I’d look at something and think I can make that! Then I’d reassemble it in my head:) I totally understand how you feel! Thanks for visiting!
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
You Go Girl!!! Your tables are fabulous and crushing on that color too. I hope you did take some time to relax with that raspberry tea and I hope your neighbors saw those sweet tables and came over to join you!
Wendi says
Hi Marie & Thanks! Thet were a fun project and I’m with you on the color…I can’t get enough of it!
Manuela@ACultivatedNest says
What cute tables! I love that shade of blue!
Wendi says
Thank you:) I’m crazy for this shade of blue this year and cant get enough!
Vineta Jackson says
I absolutely love those little tables! We’ve been shopping for outdoor furniture for our new deck and cringing over the prices. I’m so excited to make them for myself instead!
Wendi says
You are so right… the study and color Aiderondack tables like these are crazy expensive. Why buy when you can make it for much less! Please share a pic on the H2OBungalow Facebook page when you do make them!