If you enjoy a cool drink under a shade umbrella on a hot summer day then building an umbrella table is the perfect project for you. Learn how to build this attractive weather-resistant table that will accommodate an umbrella and stand, as well as have enough surface space for drinks and snacks.
Skill level: Advanced
Time to complete: Variable
- 2 pieces of cedar
- 1 piece of cedar
- 2 exterior grade deck screws
- exterior glue
- stain (optional)
- wood sealer (optional)
- mitre saw
- table saw
- hole saw
- countersink bit
- measuring tape
- safety glasses
Step 1: Make the Legs
To make the legs, cut 4 pieces of 4″ x 4″ cedar to 17″ lengths. Then rip cut the pieces to 2 1/2″ x 21/2″.
Step 2: Create a Skirt
For the table skirt rip cut the 1 1/4″ x 6″ cedar to a width of 3 3/4″. Then cut two 26″ lengths and two 24″ lengths.
Step 3: Assemble Skirt
Assemble a box with these four pieces – 24″ inside the 26″. Glue and brad nail together.
Step 4: Attach Legs To Skirt
Position a leg in one corner of the skirt, firm against the sides and down against a 1 1/4″ x 6″ spacer. Glue, countersink and screw through the leg into the skirt. Repeat for all corners.
Step 5: Create and Attach Fastening Pieces
Using the excess pieces from the skirt, cut fastening pieces to fit between the legs. Glue and screw them into the skirt against 1 1/4″ x 6″ cedar flush with the top of the table legs.
Step 6: Measure and Cut Tabletop
To make the table top, cut five pieces of 1 1/4″ x 6″ cedar to fit inside the skirt. So all pieces are of equal width, measure and divide by five, then rip cut the five pieces to equal widths.
Step 7: Attach Tabletop
Lay the five pieces together on a flat surface and fit the table over them. Countersink, glue and screw through the fastening strips into the pieces.
Step 8: Drill Umbrella Hole
Stand the table upright on its legs and use the hole saw to drill a hole in the centre, to accommodate the umbrella.
Step 9: Finishing Touches
Fill all cracks and holes with exterior wood filler. Sand, stain and apply sealer (optional).
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