Learn how to build a DIY outdoor coffee table using only $15 in lumber with these easy-to-follow woodworking plans! This is the perfect beginner project to add to your patio this summer!
After setting up the back patio with the curbside rescued patio set, it was time to think about a coffee table.
After a lot of thought, I came up with a simple and easy design which also cost only $15 in lumber!
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DIY Outdoor Coffee Table Idea
As usual, Ana White’s site was my first stop to look for inspiration for the outdoor coffee table.
This flag inspired coffee table caught my eye. Armed with the inspiration, I designed a basic DIY patio coffee table that would also work with the design of my patio set.
DIY Outdoor Coffee Table Plans
Overall Dimension of the outdoor coffee table is 35″ x 22″ and 18″ high.
Grab the printable plans for this DIY outdoor table below!
DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE PLANS
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Materials for DIY Outdoor Coffee Table
How to Build an Outdoor Coffee Table
Step 1 – Make the cuts
Start by reviewing the plans and make all the cuts and pocket holes as shown in the printable plans.
Step 2 – Build legs
Build the side leg frames using wood glue and 2 1/2″ exterior pocket hole screws. A right angle clamp is such a blessing to make these joints!
Step 3 – Add long aprons
Attach the long aprons to create the table frame and the bottom support for added stability.
Step 4 – Add top supports
Attach the table top support slats using wood glue and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws. This completes the assembly of the coffee table frame.
Step 5 – Finish the table.
Fill any visible pocket holes and stain or prime and paint the frame and tabletop slats.
If you choose to paint as I did, follow my tutorial to paint exterior wood like a pro. It is key to encapsulate the entire set with paint to prevent moisture from seeping in.
I used Outdoor primer and Glidden “whisper white” color matched to Behr Marquis Exterior Semi-gloss paint.
For the aqua, I used Clark+Kensington’s Seaside Manor which I had left over from this rocking chair makeover.
Step 7 – Add Tabletop
Assemble the table top slats onto the frame with 1/4″ space in between. I used a yardstick for this.
Sometimes I get so engrossed in the process that I forget to take pictures during the process. Here is a picture I took while I was trying out the spacing while painting the frame.
I predrilled holes from the backside and used 2″ wood screws and wood glue to attach all the slats to the short aprons and the supports. HERE
There you have it!
The simple DIY outdoor coffee table is ready!
RELATED: See how I decorated my new patio to make it comfy and colorful
I love how it works with the rest of my rescued patio set and am totally loving the little bit of aqua too!!
Did I tell you yet how much it cost me?
About $12 and some change in lumber!! Say what?!!
Be sure to get the downloadable plans!
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