Outdoor table and bench
Use simple butt joints with angle brackets to recycle leftover decking boards into a durable dining setting
The simple construction of this outdoor dining setting makes it an easy project, especially if using decking boards, dressed all round hardwood or treated pine.
The table and bench seat are both assembled the same way. Use butt joints to make the top frame with dowels joining the side and end slats, and the remaining slats spaced evenly on supports. Secure the rails to the legs with offset screws, reinforcing the joints with angle brackets.
FINISHING THE TIMBER
After assembly lightly sand the table and bench all over using 180 grit abrasive paper then apply two coats of an exterior oil. TIP We used Wattyl Professional Outdoor Furniture Oil in Natural, about $26 a litre, a rich, lightly pigmented finish designed to protect and enhance.
Fasteners
The end slats are attached to the side rails using exterior PVA adhesive and 40 x 8mm dowels.
The supports are secured with 30mm x 8g galvanised screws, the bench legs with 75mm x 0g galvanised screws, and table legs with 125mm x 10g screws. Table leg and angle brackets reinforce the corners, with the seat and tabletop secured using 30mm x 8g screws into 25 x 25 x 2mm brackets.
Saving on materials
The table and bench seat were made from hardwood IDAR1 for just under $400, but to save a few dollars use timber from a demolition yard or leftover decking, ACQ or L0SP treated pine. These costs are per linear metre. TIP Oil the dining setting about every six months to keep the natural matt finish in good condition and make cleaning easier.
Build the outdoor table and bench
Drill the dowel holes Use a marking gauge to mark along the centre of the end slats, reinforcing the line using a pencil then squaring a line across 15mm from the ends, clamp and drill 8mm diameter holes 22mm deep for the dowels. TIP Set the depth using masking tape.
Attach the side slats Position 8mm dowel centres in the holes to align the end slats with the side slats, making an indent with the points to drill holes. Apply adhesive, tap in the dowels then attach the end slats, checking for square and clamping until dry.
Position the slats Space the slats equally then position the supports along the side slats with a 28mm overlap. Drill and countersink 2mm pilot holes to secure the slats then drill pilot holes 14mm from the edge of the supports every 150mm to secure.
Join the legs and end rails On a leg, mark screws 25mm from one end, offsetting on the adjacent side and drilling 2.5mm countersunk pilot holes into the end rails. Clamp and use a 316mm spacer for the bench, with 660mm for the table, at the base to keep the legs square, securing with screws.
Assemble the base Position the legs upside down against the rails, clamp and check for square then secure with screws, reinforcing the corners using brackets and securing plastic glides to the legs. TIP On the table only, secure the centre rail using 75mm x lOg screws.
Attach the top Position four angle brackets on the supports and two on the end slats. With the top upside down, position the base with the rails beside the supports and secure the brackets to the sides with screws.
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