18 DIY Outdoor Table Plans

Stacy is an expert writer for The Spruce covering home DIY projects and crafts. She has over 18 years of journalistic experience, appearing as a DIY expert on the Dr. Oz Show and several radio shows. She has published hundreds of articles and co-authored a book.

These free DIY outdoor table plans will show you how to build a table that you can enjoy all year round. Whether you're enjoying a meal with your family, lounging around with your friends, or prepping for a party, these plans have you covered.

The outdoor table plans include both written and video tutorials for how to build an outdoor dining table, picnic table, bar, grill cart, serving cart, coffee table, and end table. They have everything you need to get started—from a materials list to finishing directions and everything in between.

What to Know Before Building an Outdoor Table

Ready to dive into building your outdoor table? Make sure you have the right tools and tips before you start.

Tools for DIYing an Outdoor Table

Thought the exact tools you will need will vary slightly depending on the type of table and plan you choose, here is a rough list of what you might need during the process:

• Lumber
• Wood stain
• Weather-proof polyurethane
• Screws (most likely 4” and 2 1/2″)
• Sander or sandpaper
• Circular saw
• Drill and drill bits
• Wood filler
• Clamps
• Wood glue
• Hammer
• Measuring Tape
• Rafter Square

Tips to Consider Before You Start

There are a few things to note before you start hammering and sawing away on your outdoor table project:

• Choose wood wisely: Outdoor tables can take a beating from the weather, so it might not be the best place to use expensive materials. Opt for more reasonably priced woods known for their durability to the elements, rot resistance, and moisture-wicking properties—redwood and cedar are great choices. Teak will also hold up well if you are willing to splurge a bit.
• Label lumber: As you cut and match your boards to your table plans, mark each with the coordinating letters from the cur list or label them in an appropriate way to ensure ease when putting the table together.
• Keep the tabletop top of mind: Depending on the type of table you are making, you will want to make sure the tabletop is conducive to its use. For example, concrete tops are great for serving, bar, or grill carts (they are easy to wipe down when inevitable messes take place), while wood is fine for a dining table where food is being served, not prepped. A tile top might make a statement on a decorative side or coffee table that will mostly hold a book, small plant, or glass of lemonade.
• Get ready to refinish: Refinishing your outdoor table once per year will ensure it lasts for many seasons to come.

Modern Farmhouse Outdoor Dining Table

This free outdoor table plan builds a modern farmhouse dining table that's perfect for having outside on a deck or porch. This simple table is built with being able to seat as many people comfortably as possible, creating a table that is practical but also makes a big design impact. Modern Farmhouse Outdoor Dining Table from Designing Vibes

Outdoor Bar Table

This outdoor table is built to act as an outdoor bar but you really could use it as a side table and put just about anything on it. There's some open shelving for storage and a nice concrete top that will make prepping a meal or making a drink a breeze. Outdoor Bar Table from The Merrythought

Outdoor Herringbone Dining Table

Here's an outside table plan that builds a gorgeous doing room table complete with X brace legs and a herringbone top. This table looks so good you might want to use it inside instead of out. This is a very detailed plan that includes everything you need to start building. Outdoor Herringbone Dining Table from Cherished Bliss

Outdoor Pallet Coffee Table With Drink Cooler

This outdoor coffee table would make a great addition to your patio furniture collection and be the envy of all your neighbors. This table is made from pallets, making it a great budget project. The center of the table is cut out so you put your favorite drinks on ice. Outdoor Pallet Coffee Table with Drink Cooler from Remodelaholic

Outdoor Octagon Coffee Table With Lattice Legs

This gorgeous outdoor coffee table would make the perfect addition to some outdoor chairs so everyone can gather together and share a meal or play a game. It's a unique octagon shape and has lattice legs that really make it something special. Outdoor Octagon Coffee Table with Lattice Legs from Remodelaholic

Outdoor Farmhouse Table

Here's another dining room table for the outdoors. This trestle table has a farmhouse feel to it but its classic shape would make it go with any type of decor. The tabletop is in a herringbone pattern, making it even more beautiful. Outdoor Farmhouse Table from The Navage Patch

Pallet Coffee Table

This unique outdoor coffee table is made out of pallets that are taken apart and then put back together again to form the table and matching benches. The unique base is made of wire that's filled with rocks. It's a unique spin on your average coffee table that will have all your friends talking. Pallet Coffee Table from A Piece of Rainbow

Outdoor Serving Cart

If you need an outdoor table for prep space or as a buffet, this outdoor serving cart would work nicely. You can prep on the top and use the shelves underneath for storing any outdoor dishes or other necessities so you can make your next great meal. Outdoor Serving Cart from RemodelaCasa

Side Table With Herringbone Accent

Here's an end table that's perfect for the outdoors. The top of the table is a herringbone inlay, so not only does it look great but you can make it with scrap wood. Despite how great it looks, this outdoor table is still an easy project that just about anyone should be able to handle. Side Table with Herringbone Accent from Simply Designing with Ashley Phipps

Outdoor Crate Coffee Table

This easy-to-build outdoor coffee table is made up of four crates that are put together to form a functional table. Wheels are added so it can be easily moved to wherever you'd like to use it. If you're looking for a table that's all about convenience, you'll want to check this one out. Outdoor Crate Coffee Table from Organize & Decorate Everything

2X4 Outdoor End Table

This outdoor table is perfect to sit beside a comfy chair and sit your drink on while you're enjoying your porch or deck. It's made entirely out of 2x4's, making it a great building project for a beginner. Detailed build plans are given, making this a great woodworking project for the beginner. 2X4 Outdoor End Table from Girl, Just DIY!

Outdoor Grill Cart

You won't know how you managed before you had this outdoor grill cart. It's perfect to sit right beside the grill, giving you extra prep space on top and storage space on the bottom. There are plenty of hooks and towel holders to keep everything tidy. The best part is that there are plenty of ways to customize this outdoor grill cart so it's most helpful to you come grilling time. Outdoor Grill Cart from Charleston Crated

Outdoor Coffee Table With Planter

You are going to love this wonderful table! Here's another outdoor coffee table, and this one is perfect if you're looking for something unique. There are a few different layers to the table in varying heights so you can use the tabletop for some storage if you'd like. The most unique feature is the planter in the center that's built into the table. It's a little more complicated than a simple one-level table, so you'll need some woodworking experience in order to build it. Outdoor Coffee Table with Planter from RemodelaCasa

Kids Outdoor Table

The kids will be thrilled to have this outdoor table all to themselves. This table is built lower to the ground making it easy for the kids to get up and down from the table. It's conveniently kid-sized but yet doesn't feel like the kids' table. Included is a tutorial on how to build the matching bench. Kids Outdoor Table from Cherished Bliss

Herb Garden Coffee Table

This outdoor coffee table doubles as a planter for herbs. Metal is used along with wood to create this one-of-a-kind coffee table. The top of the table and the legs are painted in contrasting colors to make them stand out. The center is left open so you can plant herbs or flowers right in the table. Herb Garden Coffee Table from A Beautiful Mess

DIY Pallet Outdoor Dining Table

It might be hard to believe, but the entire top of this table is made from an oversized repurposed pallet. This large pallet makes a huge outdoor dining table for friends and family to gather around. DIY Pallet Outdoor Dining Table from Kleinworth & Co.

Mosaic Tile Table

This easy to build outdoor table is great for placing near your patio furniture. The top is finished with mosaic tiles, giving it a fun vibe. The tutorial includes all the steps for building the table as well as applying the tile. Mosaic Tile Table from Centsational Style

Outdoor Dining Table Plan

Here's another outdoor dining table that will give you and your family plenty of room to stretch out because there's enough room for 8 to sit at it. It's in the style of a picnic table, giving it a great nostalgic feel. Outdoor Dining Table Plan from Houseful of Handmade

You can make an outdoor table weatherproof first by constructing it out of a naturally elements-resistant wood like cedar, but you should also always use an outdoor sealant on your table (and reapply it once per year) to keep it weatherproof.

Outdoor-friendly wood is a great material for an outdoor table top, as is concrete, ceramic, metals like cast aluminum and even shatter-resistant glass, depending on the style.

The complete cost of an outdoor table will vary depending on the price of materials in your area, quality of materials you choose, your table’s size and style, and what materials or tools you might already have on hand. It would be safe to assume you can easily build a simple large dining table for under $300, a coffee table for under $100, and a small side table for under $50.

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