Do you want to add some style and sophistication to your outdoor living area? This summer, why not create a unique patio table that brings family and friends together for gatherings outside? Making a patio table isn’t as hard as it may seem.
Gathering around a patio table is one of life’s simple pleasures, whether hosting a dinner party for friends and family or enjoying some quality time with your loved ones over a cup of tea. But if you don’t have the right kind of table to fit into your outdoor space, finding one can be difficult – not to mention expensive!
Fortunately, making a patio table yourself can offer an affordable solution and may even provide an additional way to decorate your yard or garden.
Here are some tips on how to make patio table that will add charm and sophistication as well as functionality to your outdoor area.
What Will You Need?
To make a patio table, you will need the following items:
- Saw or jigsaw
- Hammer
- Nails
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Patio furniture plans (or design your own for a more creative touch!)
- The wood of your choice (two 1”x4” boards for the top and four 2”x4” boards for the legs)
- Wood stain or paint
- Outdoor sealant
Once you have all the necessary materials, it’s time to start building!
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Patio Table
1. Measure and Cut:
Measure the boards to the dimensions specified in your patio furniture plan and then cut them with a saw or jigsaw. You can also adjust the measurements to fit your desired shape and size. Don’t forget to sand down any rough edges!
2. Assemble Legs:
Using the hammer and nails, assemble the legs of the patio table according to the plans. Make sure that all the corners are squared and level for a stable base. Don’t forget to pre-drill the screws before fastening them.
3. Attach Legs:
Using the screwdriver, attach the legs to the underside of your tabletop boards at each corner. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can cause damage to the wood. Instead, use a wrench or socket wrench to ensure that the screws are securely attached.
4. Apply Stain or Paint:
Once your table is assembled, you can apply wood stain or paint as desired for a more personalized look. Allow drying completely before moving on to the next step. It is recommended to use an outdoor sealer to protect the wood from weathering.
5. Protect with Outdoor Sealant:
To protect your new patio table from wear and tear due to weather exposure, it’s important to coat it with an outdoor sealant such as polyurethane or water-based oil finish before using it outdoors. Additionally, this will help resist fading and keep the wood looking beautiful for years to come.
Don’t forget to allow ample time for the sealant to dry before enjoying your patio table.
6. Apply Finishing Touches:
You can add decorative details such as stencils or decoupage to customize your patio table if desired. There is no limit to how creative and unique you can get! Be creative and have fun with it.
7. Take Your Patio Table Outdoors:
Once your patio table is completely assembled and sealed, it’s time to take it outside. Place it in your desired outdoor living area and enjoy the beautiful craftsmanship you made yourself. You can add additional outdoor furniture pieces to create a more inviting atmosphere.
8. Maintain Your Patio Table:
To keep your patio table looking its best over time, it’s important to maintain it regularly. This may include wiping it down with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris or reapplying a sealant every few years. Keeping up with regular maintenance will help ensure that your patio table lasts for years to come.
9. Avoid Placing Heavy Objects on Your Table:
It’s important to remember that while your patio table is sturdy, it should not be used to support heavy objects. Be sure to avoid placing anything on your table that could cause the wood to crack or break. Taking care of your table will help it look beautiful for years.
10. Enjoy Your Patio Table:
Finally, enjoy the beautiful furniture piece you created! You can host outdoor parties, relax in your outdoor living area, or simply admire how lovely it looks. Whichever way you use your patio table, it is sure to be a welcome addition to any outdoor space.
With these easy steps, you can now make a beautiful and functional patio table for your home. Put on some music and have fun with it! With patience and creativity, soon enough, you’ll have an amazing new piece of furniture to show off in your backyard or garden. Happy building!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Consider how much space you have available. Measure your patio area and make sure that the table you choose will fit comfortably in the area without being too small or too large.
- Use the right materials for your patio table. Choose a material that is weather-resistant, such as teak or wicker, for long-term use and durability.
- Make sure that the table is level. Use a spirit level to check the surface of the tabletop before you start putting it together to ensure that it’s completely even and won’t wobble when you sit at it.
- Consider how many people need to be seated at the table. This will help you choose how big your patio table needs to be so everyone can comfortably enjoy meals without feeling crowded.
- Add a protective layer of sealant on wood tables to preserve them against water damage and wear-and-tear caused by outdoor elements like sunlight, rain, and snow. With proper maintenance, your patio table can last for years!
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to build a patio table that meets your needs, looks great on your patio, and can withstand the elements. Good luck with your project!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Not Measuring Your Space: It’s important to measure your available room before beginning the project. This will help determine how large of a table you can make and how many people it can comfortably fit.
- Not Selecting the Right Material: Before selecting any materials for your patio table, consider how often you’ll be using the table, how it will look in its setting, and how much weight will be placed on top of it. This is especially important if you plan on making a larger table that’ll need to support more weight.
- Skimping on Tools and Materials: Buying cheap or low-quality tools and materials may save money upfront but could end up costing more in the long run. Investing in quality materials and tools will mean a sturdier table and one that’s less likely to need repairs or replacements later on.
- Not Finishing Your Wood: Make sure to finish all of the wood you use for your patio table with a sealer or varnish. This will protect it from moisture, warping, cracking, and any other damage caused by outdoor elements like rain or sun.
- Not Creating a Sturdy Base: While it may be tempting to skimp on how much support your table needs, ensure you give it enough, so it doesn’t topple over! Opt for a more sturdy base like metal or concrete to do this. This will ensure that your table is secure and safe to use.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll be able to successfully make a patio table that’s both beautiful and functional.
What is the Best Surface for a Patio Table?
The best surface for a patio table depends on how you plan to use it. If you plan to eat off of the table, then a waterproof or stain-resistant material is suggested. Materials such as teak, wicker, and resin are all great options that are weather resistant and designed to last.
If your primary purpose for the table is aesthetic rather than practical, other materials like marble or stone may be more suitable. These surfaces look beautiful but can scratch easily if used practically, so they should be covered with a protective top layer when not in use.
Whatever material you select, ensure it’s easy to clean and maintain over time! This will help keep your patio table looking its best for years to come.
Conclusion
To summarize, making your own patio table is a great way to show off your creativity, skills, and resourcefulness. It’s a great project for DIYers of all levels and a fun and rewarding experience. You can customize the table to fit any space or to match existing outdoor furniture. Your imagination only limits the possibilities!
Plus, you’ll be proud of the end result knowing that you put in the hard work yourself.
So sit back and enjoy your newly made patio table – now you can spend more time outdoors with family and friends around your very own handmade table!
Hopefully, the article on how to make patio table was helpful and gave you better understand how to go about it. Good luck with your project!
