Build a Patio Table

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Use the right fasteners. Learn more...

1. Glue the edge of a 2 3/4" outside leg piece to the face of a full outside leg piece.
   
2. Drive finish nails, as needed, through the full leg piece into the 2 3/4" leg piece to hold the assembly together until the glue dries.
   

Counterbore holes in the legs.

Attach the long aprons.




3. Glue two legs to one of the short aprons. The legs should be turned such that the outside face of the narrow outside leg abuts the inside face of the short apron. The outside faces of the legs should be flush with the ends of the apron. The tops or ends of the leg subassemblies should be flush with the top edge of the apron.
   
   
4. Counterbore the top of the legs and screw through their faces to secure the legs in place with 1 1/4" screws.
   
   
5. Make the second side assembly using steps 1 through 4.
   

1. Counterbore through the tops of the legs and glue and screw them to two of the long aprons. The ends of the long aprons should be flush with the outside faces of the short aprons.
   
   
2. Check the base for square and adjust as needed.
   
   
3. Measure from left to right on the attached long aprons and mark each one at 10", 20", 30", 40", 50" and 60". Counterbore two holes in the aprons at each mark. Position an intermediate top support centered on each mark and screw the aprons to the supports with 1 1/4" screws.
   
   
4. Face glue the second set of long aprons to the outside of the first set to hide the screws. Drive screws through the inside long aprons into the outside long aprons for added holding power.
   
   
5. Face glue the 2 3/4" wide inside leg pieces to the inside faces of the 2 3/4" outside leg pieces. Drive finish nails through the inside legs, as needed, to hold the leg pieces while the glue dries.
   

Secure the stretchers.

1. With the bottom ends of the legs pointed skyward, measure down from the bottom of each leg 12" and mark.
   
   
2. Position the end stretchers running in the same direction as the short aprons. Align the tops of the end stretchers with the 12" marks on the legs. Secure the end stretchers to the inside legs with screws and glue.
   
   
3. Locate the center of each end stretcher and measure out 10" to the left and right. Counterbore two holes at each mark.
   
   
4. Position the center stretchers centered on the marks and screw the end stretchers to the center stretchers.

1. Place the two outside top slats on top of the base. Leave a 1" overhang at each end of each slat. The slats should also overhang the front and rear of the base by 1".
   
   
2. Glue the slats in place. Use finish nails to hold the slats while the glue dries.
   
   
3. Glue and nail the rest of the top slats in place, evenly spaced between the two outside slats.

Check all the surfaces and sand as needed, paying particular attention to the table's top. Sand until you reach desired smoothness.

You can paint or stain the bench with any exterior grade finish. If you prefer to use a clear-coat, one of the best exterior, protective finishes for a project like this is exterior varnish. Varnish provides an excellent protective film for any surface that is used heavily or exposed to the elements. It flows well and has a relatively long curing time so it has time to self-level. With its above-average leveling qualities you can easily achieve a professional finish with varnish.