Outdoor Dining Table

A built-in planter box makes this piece unique, versatile and fun

POSTED BY: Dan Cary
June 30, 2011

As far as I’m concerned, every meal is better when it’s enjoyed alfresco. This large outdoor dining table’s unique built-in planter box lets you turn even an ordinary dinner into a special event. It’s designed to house a standard 36-in. plastic planter insert,but you could also fill it with a variety of decorative objects or meal accompaniments.

The table is made from standard dimensional lumber and requires only a few hand tools and basic portable power tools to build. It comfortably seats six people, but it could easily accommodate eight. If you prefer to forgo the planter opening, you can simply replace the short narrow top boards with full-length boards — or keep your options open and build an insertto cover the box when you want to have more tabletop space.

The table’s built-in planter box allows you to create interesting centerpieces for any occasion. You can install a 36-in.-long planter insert or fill the box with buckets of cold beverages, a selection of your favorite condiments or a decorative row of candles. When you need more tabletop space, install the optional insert to cover the opening.

Click here to download plans to build the Outdoor Dining Table, complete with step-by-step how-to photos, illustrations as well as shopping and cutting lists.

Comments

By drichter410 Thursday, July 14, 2011 11:59 AM

Just downloaded the plans. I think this will be my next project.

By woodswolf1 Thursday, July 14, 2011 1:08 PM

YES!YES!YES!! You guys listened to us and put it in .pdf form!! How refreshing; a company that actually listens to their customers! :)
I like the design a lot My table is falling apart. This may well make it to my To Do list! :)

By dmpullen7777 Thursday, July 14, 2011 9:49 PM

What a great versatile table. Good plans with lots of details. Can't wait to make this.

By gcaugh Thursday, July 14, 2011 10:24 PM

When looking at the Material list I noticed what appears to be a typographical error (I hope) it calls for 5/4x6 12ft cedar..Ihope this means 3/4x6 12 cedar...

By kisaacs Saturday, July 16, 2011 2:26 PM

My daughter just built this table for her 4H project. She earned a blue ribbon and was Reserve Champion. It looks amazing! It was a great design for her first woodworking project! Everyone there was impressed and wanted to take it home. They loved the centerpiece concept. She put stones and candles in hers. She might even add a fountain to the centerpiece.

By krupkalvis Friday, July 29, 2011 7:36 AM

5/4 X 6" 12' cedar is often sold as cedar decking. I use it frequently for outdoor furniture projects. For me it is much more economical to use then normal cedar boards.

By mad dog Sunday, August 21, 2011 1:23 PM

I made this project out of pressure treated pine, stained it "gunstock" and made two benches that look like the table. also put 10 coats of polyurethane on it all. Impressed myself!!!!!!!!!!!

By paw5751 Sunday, August 28, 2011 6:32 PM

this looks like it will make a great winter project !!! i can't wait to get into it !!!! i think the 5/4x6x12 cedar decking is the right choice for this project !!!thanx for the inside info ! i read most of the comments that were left !! some really good stuff there !

By jzinn Wednesday, September 07, 2011 8:33 AM

Be careful if you use the magazine to build this project, there is a typo in the shopping list. In the magazine it says to get (3) 5/4x6x10ft cedar deck boards but the list here on the website is correct in saying you need (4) 5/4x6x12ft cedar deck boards.

By tacomite Saturday, December 31, 2011 12:48 AM

So, I adapted the plan and used giant keyhole washers to make a 4' x 10' crafting table for my wife that looks like rugged outddors and works for 10 women trying to scrapbook or make jewelry. Thanks for this one!