Spending time outdoors in your backyard can be one of life’s greatest joys. There’s nothing quite like relaxing outdoors with good company, food, and drinks. And a comfortable, stylish outdoor table makes the experience even better.
DIY outdoor tables are a fantastic way to create a custom patio table perfect for your space and style. Building your own table allows creativity and complete control over the design, size, materials, and features. With the right DIY outdoor table plans, you can construct a high-quality, durable patio table for a fraction of the cost of buying one.
This guide will provide 18 DIY outdoor table plans for crafting your ideal backyard table. We’ve included a range of table styles, sizes, and difficulty levels so you can find the perfect project to build with your skills and tools. Let’s get started designing the outdoor dining space of your dreams!
Benefits of Building Your Own Outdoor Table
Constructing your own outdoor table offers many advantages over purchasing a pre-made one:
- Cost savings – DIY tables cost a fraction compared to retail prices. You save on labor costs and can source cheaper materials.
- Custom sizing – Build a table exactly suited for your space, rather than settling for standard sizes.
- Personalized style – Craft a table that matches your taste and decor through choices of materials, colors, and design features.
- High quality – Use premium construction methods and materials for superior durability and longevity.
- Satisfaction – Experience pride and fulfillment from designing and building something with your own two hands.
As long as you have some basic woodworking skills and tools, you can build your own professional-grade outdoor table that will last for years to come. Let’s check out some DIY outdoor table plans!
1. Simple Outdoor Picnic Table
Image from Shanty2Chic
This basic picnic table design from Shanty2Chic is a great beginner DIY outdoor table project. Made from simple construction lumber, it comes together quickly and easily.
The tabletop consists of parallel 2×6 boards secured with pocket holes and wood screws. The benches are built the same way using 2x4s. 4×4 posts provide thick, sturdy legs.
This minimalist picnic table is perfect for casual outdoor dining and ideal for starting woodworkers looking to build their first outdoor project.
Features:
- Easy to build with common materials
- Seats up to 4 people
- Straightforward construction
2. Farmhouse Outdoor Dining Table
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Image from The Spruce
This farmhouse table from The Spruce pairs a classic style with sturdy construction. Its traditional farmhouse design features pronounced pedestal legs and pyramidal bases for a timeless look.
The tabletop consists of pressure-treated lumber secured with pocket holes and outdoor-rated screws. Adding breadboard ends on the sides allows for wood movement and prevents warping. Wood glue and dowels provide extra strength.
With its traditional charm and heavy-duty build, this DIY farmhouse table makes a beautiful addition to any patio or garden. The generously sized top provides plenty of room for family dinners and entertaining.
Features:
- Traditional farmhouse styling
- Breadboard ends prevent warping
- Pressure-treated lumber suitable for outdoors
- Seats 6-8 people comfortably
3. Modern Concrete Outdoor Table
Image from Instructables
For a sleek, contemporary look, try building this modern concrete table from Instructables. The tabletop and benches are made by pouring concrete into wooden forms.
Steel rebar reinforcement added to the concrete prevents cracking. The table legs are pressure-treated 4x4s securely embedded into the concrete tops during the pour. The wood tones contrast beautifully with the smooth grey concrete.
With concrete being waterproof and highly durable, this table can stand up to the elements year after year. The neutral colors suit any outdoor space from urban courtyards to minimalist backyards.
Features:
- Sleek modern design
- Durable concrete construction
- Easy to build wooden forms
- Steel rebar reinforcement
- Seats 4-6
4. Rectangular Modern Outdoor Table
Image from Youtube
For a simple, versatile table, check out this rectangular modern design from YouTube channel DIY Creators. It has a minimalist style that pairs well with many patio furniture sets.
The tabletop consists of easy-to-find 2x4s and 2x6s arranged in a dynamic zigzag pattern. Mending plates provide strong connections between the lumber pieces. The legs are clear-coated 2x2s secured with corner brackets.
This straightforward project takes just a few hours to construct. The pared-down modern design suits contemporary homes. Leave the wood unfinished or add a coat of stain or paint for extra weather protection.
Features:
- Clean, minimalist styling
- Made from easy-to-find lumber
- Dynamic zigzag tabletop pattern
- Seats up to 4 comfortably
- Kid-friendly corners
5. Octagonal Outdoor Coffee Table
Image from SawdustGirl
This octagonal outdoor coffee table from SawdustGirl is perfect for lounging outdoors. The unique shape adds visual interest while taking up less space than a standard rectangular or square table.
It’s built using easy pocket hole joinery from just half a sheet of plywood and one pine 1×4 board. This makes it a quick and inexpensive project. The beveled edges give it a polished finished look.
Place this artsy table on the patio or deck for holding snacks and drinks as you unwind outside. Use weather-resistant wood stains or paints to protect the materials from outdoor exposure.
Features:
- Unique octagonal shape
- Made from half a sheet of plywood
- Decorative edge beveling
- Easy pocket hole joinery
- Doubles as patio accent table
6. Mosaic Tile Outdoor Table
Image from Instructables
Jazz up a basic patio table with this mosaic tile project from Instructables. Applying mosaic tiles transforms an ordinary tabletop into a work of art!
Start with a pre-made square table or build your own wooden base from scratch. Cut mosaic sheets to fit the table surface, then adhere them in any creative pattern you desire using thinset mortar. Add grout between the tiles to finish.
Choose vivid colored tiles, swirly patterns, picturesque landscapes or abstract geometrics to match your style. The options are endless! Durable exterior grouts exist for outdoor use. Reseal the tiles annually for longevity.
Features:
- Adds visual interest to basic patio tables
- Customizable mosaic tile patterns
- Can use pre-made or custom table base
- Durable with proper outdoor products
- Sophisticated style for the patio
7. Herringbone Outdoor Dining Table
Image from Instructables
For a showstopping patio centerpiece, build this cedar herringbone table from Instructables. The gorgeous herringbone design steals the show!
Construct the base from sturdy cedar 4x4s. Deck boards are then cut and arranged in opposing 45 degree angles to produce the dazzling herringbone pattern. Use exterior wood glue and finish nails to secure the boards.
Work slowly and methodically when laying the herringbone decking for flawless results. The mesmerizing pattern makes this table an heirloom-quality build. Add protective outdoor finishes to shield the cedar from weathering over time.
Features:
- Striking herringbone design
- Made from aromatic, durable cedar
- Intricate patterning elevates a basic table
- Great for entertaining and dinner parties
- Seats 6-8 people
8. Pallet Wood Outdoor Table
Image from DIY Dreamer
Put those old shipping pallets to use building this handy pallet wood table from DIY Dreamer. It’s the perfect backyard project for upcycling and repurposing materials.
Break down pallets by removing boards with a pry bar. Cut boards to uniform lengths. Use a drill and screws to reassemble them into a tabletop and bench seats atop a pallet base.
Add colorful outdoor paint or stain to personalize and protect the wood. The straight lines and rustic, casual vibe of this picnic set make it ideal for poolside or camping. It can be easily disassembled for winter storage.
Features:
- Made completely from recycled pallets
- Customizable with paint colors
- Super affordable project
- Great beginner DIY build
- Repurposes and upcycles materials
9. Round Metal Outdoor Bistro Table
Image from Washington Post
This round metal bistro table project from the Washington Post is sure to impress. It has a classy cafe aesthetic perfect for balconies, patios, and decks.
The base consists of solid steel poles welded together. For the tabletop, circular pieces of steel bar are welded at right angles to form a cage. Top with tempered glass cut to size.
While this DIY table requires some metalworking skills, it produces a high-end custom bistro table for a fraction of the price. For stability, fill the base with sand or concrete before securing the glass top.
Features:
- Sleek bistro style
- Glass top for easy cleaning
- Durable steel construction
- Compact footprint suits small spaces
- Cafe-chic vibe
10. Wooden Potting Table
Image from Shanty2Chic
Avid gardeners will love this sturdy DIY potting table from Shanty2Chic for outdoor planting tasks. It provides ample storage and workspace for gardening right on the patio.
The tabletop includes a center opening that accommodates large pots. Shelves underneath hold gardening supplies and tools within easy reach. Large doors enclose the storage area when not in use.
Constructed from solid plywood and 2x4s, this potting table can support the activity of serious gardeners. Add hook racks inside for hanging tools and shelves for holding seed packets.
Features:
- Large potting surface area
- Enclosed storage space under top
- Made from durable plywood
- Customizable with hooks, shelves, etc.
- Doors enclose clutter when closed
11. Teak Outdoor Dining Table
Image from BlesserHouse
For unmatched beauty and durability, build this elegant teak dining table from BlesserHouse. The rich color and natural oil content of teak wood make it ideal for outdoor use.
The table consists of slatted teak planks screwed into a simple apron frame. Allow the tropical hardwood to weather naturally overtime or apply teak oil to maintain its warm brown color.
While teak carries a higher price tag than pressure-treated lumber, it will last decades with minimal upkeep. This table becomes an instant backyard heirloom. The simple design puts the gorgeous wood on full display.
Features:
- Made from weather-resistant teak
- Slatted tabletop allows water drainage
- Unstained teak ages to silvery grey patina
- Resilient and durable for decades of use
- Seats 6-8 guests comfortably
12. Cinder Block Outdoor Table
Image from The Creativity Exchange
Construct a durable and sturdy outdoor table on a budget using standard cinder blocks. This brilliant project from The Creativity Exchange costs almost nothing to build.
Stack cinder blocks into rows to form heavy-duty legs. Cut wooden boards to length and secure them on top with construction adhesive to create the tabletop. Use exterior paints to add color.
The cinder block foundation means this table can support tons of weight. Customize the size by adding or removing blocks and using longer boards. Move it easily by disassembling the stacked blocks.
Features:
- Extremely low cost to build
- Sturdy and heavy duty
- Customizable sizing
- Easy to assemble and move
- Adds colorful accent to the patio
13. Outdoor Coffee Table with Cooler
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