This modern outdoor dining table is made from painted 2x4s and hardwood deck boards. Matching benches can also be made from the same material combination. This project takes about 4 hours and costs around $175.

SUPPLIES:

2x4s Available at Home Depot
The frame for the table and benches are made out of 2x4s.

Hardwood Deck Boards
Available at Home Depot
I used 1x4 tropical hardwood deck boards. 1x4 is a nominal dimension and the boards are actually ¾” by 3½”. Different species are available in different parts of the country so adjust accordingly.

Paint and Stain
Available at Home Depot
I used BEHR exterior/interior paint in the color “Imperial Gray” and sealed the hardwood deck boards with one coat of BEHR Transparent Weather Proofing.

Stainless Steel Screws
Available at Home Depot
I used 1⅝”, 2½” and 3” long stainless steel deck screws.

TOOLS:

RYOBI 18+ Volt Drill
Available at Home Depot











RYOBI Compound Miter Saw
Available at Home Depot











RYOBI Orbital Sander
Available at Home Depot

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Cut the Wood
I used a miter saw to cut the hardwood decking and 2x4s to length. You can find the measurements that I used in the diagram:

Download the DIY Outdoor Dining Table PDF »





STEP 2: Sand and Paint the 2x4s
I used an orbital sander to sand the cut pieces of 2x4. I painted the 2x4s with two coats of BEHR Exterior/Interior paint in the color “Imperial Gray.”





STEP 3: Drill Holes in the Decking
Tropical hardwood decking is quite dense and can be prone to splitting so I pre-drilled holes for the screws. I wanted the screws to sit flush with the surface of the deck boards so I drilled countersink holes. I then used an orbital sander to sand away the pencil marks I made to locate the holes and to clean up the splinters that were made by drilling.







STEP 4: Seal the Deck Boards
I used one coat of BEHR transparent weather proofing to seal the deck boards.



STEP 5: Assemble
I used 3” long stainless steel screws to assemble the frame of the table. I pre-drilled holes in the 2x4s to avoid splitting.







STEP 6: Add the Legs
I used 2½” long stainless steel screws to screw the legs into the frame. I pre-drilled holes in the 2x4s to avoid splitting and used 4 screws per leg. It’s helpful to have a second set of hands to help hold the legs in the right position.





STEP 7: Screw the Deck Boards
I used 1⅝” long stainless steel screws to screw the decking to the frame. I started with the outside boards and let them overhang the legs by ¼”. I then arranged the inside boards so that they have an even spacing of about ⅛”.







STEP 8: Assemble the Benches
I made the benches mostly the same way I made the table. The main difference was that I added supports between the legs.





STEP 9: Touch Up the Paint
I drove some of the screws in too far and some of the 2x4 wood showed under the paint so I touched up the paint.





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