Made entirely from 2x4s, this easy-to-build side table is the ideal companion for your outdoor seating. Sturdy, stylish, and budget-friendly—build it in an afternoon and enjoy it for years! Free plans include step by step diagrams, shopping list, cut list, cutting diagram, video tutorial and more!
DIY 2x4 Outdoor Side Table – The Perfect Patio Companion!
Looking for the perfect finishing touch to your outdoor seating area? This simple and stylish 2x4 side table is the perfect solution! Built entirely from standard 2x4s, it’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and built to last.
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Uses only 2x4s – affordable, sturdy, and easy to find
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Beginner-friendly build – just a saw and drill needed
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Step-by-step plans, shopping list, and cut list included
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Paint or stain to match your outdoor style
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Perfect height for use with outdoor sofas, chairs, or loungers
This side table pairs perfectly with our 2x4 Outdoor Sofa Collection. Whether you're building a full outdoor set or just need a convenient surface for drinks, books, or plants, this little table has you covered.
Real Reader Photos!
Reader submitted photo modified in height, see more photos here
Out 2x4 Outdoor Collection is a reader favorite! Since so many of you have built the sofa or sectional pieces, we thought we'd add a side table plan to the collection too.
All of the plans in the 2x4 Outdoor Sofa collection are available here.
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2x4 Outdoor Side Table Build Video
Want to see this project built in video? Make sure you take a second to watch us build this 2x4 outdoor table.
And then download the free plans below and get it built!
Thank you for using our plans, we love seeing your projects, so please share when you are done!
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Preparation
- 4 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long, red toned preferred
- 50 - 2-3/4" self tapping (star bit) #8 all purpose construction screws (suitable for exterior use)
- 4 - 2x4 @ 16-1/2" - legs (or 1-1/2" less than overall desired height)
- 2 - 2x4 @ 24" - top (or desired overall depth)
- 2 - 2x4 @ 21" - leg side aprons (or desired overall depth minus 3")
- 2 - 2x4 @ 18" - inside frame (or desired overall depth minus 6")
- 8 - 2x4 @ 17" - top and open side aprons (or desired overall width minus 7")
Clamp all pieces down when attaching.
Predrilling or starting screws first will make project easier to assemble.
If you have a pocket hole jig, we do recommend using it as you can hide all the screw holes. You can build the top first, and then add the legs and aprons, without having to build the inner frame.
Instructions
Step 1
Attach the leg side apron to two legs, flush on inside, with two screws per joint.
Step 2
Attach top to the legs with three screws, one on each end and one in the middle.
Step 3
Build the inner frame with 2 screws per joint.
Step 4
Attach the inner frame to the legs with four screws, spaced wide appart and angled in different directions for increased strength.
Step 5
Lay the top pieces inside the table and screw down, one screw per joint.
Comments
Julie__Curtis
Thu, 04/08/2021 - 10:03
Type of Wood
Is it necessary to use treated wood if the table is used on a covered patio?
Danny Mitchell
Thu, 04/08/2021 - 12:31
I'm trying to find plans for…
I'm trying to find plans for a larger bistro table for bar size chairs? Could this be built larger? Taller and bigger table?
karrahbanana
Sat, 04/24/2021 - 13:59
Screws?
I can’t find 2-3/4" self tapping (star bit) #8 all purpose construction screws. Will 3” ones work?
michael_b101
Sun, 05/02/2021 - 18:54
looks like 3" screws would…
looks like 3" screws would work. All of the joints are 2x4 shot side to a long side which is 1.5 + 3.5. I may have missed one, though.
Counter sink or predrill might be a good idea, as we do not want to strip the hole and leave the screws sticking out, or split the boards. Tempted to make this for our back yard and a 2 yr old to use near our lounge swing.
Grandpappy
Wed, 06/30/2021 - 15:39
even through the edge, a #8…
even through the edge, a #8 screw wont split it (unless its a really bad 2x), now you go to a 10 or 1/4 in then we have a talk. 3" are fine as well, its like when they call out a 2 5/8 something, 2 1/2 will work just fine. Rule is 50% of the thickness of the board under screw threads will hold until the wood rots around the fastener :D
rhogle2000
Thu, 08/04/2022 - 07:49
Thanks for the inspiration!
As a retiree with plenty of time, I decided to pick-up woodworking with a help from a friend and YouTube.
I'm happy to say due to your inspiration, videos, and plans I've made two outdoor side tables, a coffee table, and a bench for our new deck using the leftover lumber.
Quite an accomplishment for me since I've never done anything like this in my life.
Now I'm watching your YouTube for more ideas and inspiration! Thank you and God bless.