I built a square outdoor dining table that seats 8 people, for about $150! It has a cedar top (thanks to cedar fence pickets) and a sturdy base - it is strong and beautiful! You can put an umbrella in it too. This was a pretty simple build, and we love how it turned out.
Want to build it too? I'm sharing below the step by step plans, with diagrams, shopping list and cut list - everything you need to build it too!
Photos and Build by Family DIYnamic
Why I Love this Square Outdoor Dining Table
- Simple design, perfect with metal, wicker, fabric covered or wood outdoor chairs
- Seats 8 comfortably
- Beautiful wood design, adds texture and warmth to outdoor space
- Durable cedar top
- Easy to build
- Heavy and substantial - won't blow away in normal winds
- Perfect when paired with a large umbrella
How I Built my Square Outdoor Dining Table for 8
The plans for this table are below, but I wanted to also share some photos of the build steps.
I used pocket holes to attach the aprons to the legs. I used 4x4s for the legs and 2x4s for the aprons.
It's easy to build - just build two of the leg sets -
Then make the table frame by adding the remaining aprons.
To support the cedar fence pickets, I added inner 2x4 supports. This makes the table super substantial.
Here's the umbrella framing I did.
And then just cut out the top with a jigsaw.
For the top, you can lay the boards on top long, and then cut them all at once, so the cut edges are a perfect line.
This table turned out so good! I can't wait to see brag posts!
Square Outdoor Dining Table for 8 Plans
Here's the plans, hope to see lots of builds from it!
WATCH VIDEO OF BUILD PROCESS
Pin For Later!
Preparation
- 10 - 5' or 6' cedar fence pickets 5.5" width
- 6 - 2x4x8'
- 1 4x4x10 OR 2 4x4x8' - Can get all the cuts out of a 10' if available
- 2-1/2" exterior pocket hole screws (about 32 screws needed)
- 2" exterior decking screws, about 120 needed
- 4 - 4x4 @ 29.5" - legs
- 4 - 2x4 @47.5" (inset 1/2") - aprons
- 4 - 2x4 @ 50.5" - Under Table Supports - Measure to ensure tight fit
- Umbrella opening - 2 - 2x4 @ 10" (measure to fit) and 2 - 2x4 @ 2" (measure to fit, depending on under table support board spacing for umbrella opening)
- 10 cedar fence pickets @ 55" or run long and cut ends after installed, all at once, with a circular saw
Instructions
Step 1
On all of the 2x4 cut boards (except umbrella stand supports if using) drill two, 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end.
Then attach aprons to legs, inset 1/2", as shown in the diagram. Build two identical.
Step 2
Then attach the remaining aprons to the leg sets to create the frame of the table.
Step 3
Measure and cut the inner supports. Drill two pocket holes on each end. Mark placement and attach in place.
If adding blocking for umbrella support, add in now at the center of the framing.
Step 4
Adjust the table for square by taking diagonals between opposite corners. If the tablet is square, the diagonals will match. If not square, adjust until diagonals match.
Layout the cedar fence pickets and adjust, so that there is an even overhang on all four sides.
Attach with 2" screws.
Sand the cedar top well, starting with a coarse sandpaper and working down to fine.
