Coffee table plans
These coffee table plans provide the instructions for building a nice, but simple, outdoor coffee table for your patio or deck. This wood coffee table complements the patio end table project in the outdoor furniture plans section on this site.
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| Cedar coffee table |
I used western red cedar to construct my table, but you can use any lumber that you choose. I recommend a material that is suited for exterior use (like cedar, redwood, or pressure treated pine). Here is a list of the parts and sizes that you will need:
| Usage | Material | Length | Quantity |
| Frame Length | 2x4 | 36" | 2 |
| Frame Width | 2x4 | 20" | 2 |
| Legs | 2x4 | 14.5" | 4 |
| Center brace* | 2x4 | 30" (+/-) | 1 |
| Lower brace* | 2x4 | 14" (+/-) | 2 |
| Top | 2x4 | 42" | 6 |
*Lumber varies in thickness. For this reason, these sizes are estimated. Wait until you have the frame and legs installed so that you can measure the exact size of these pieces.
First, cut the four framing pieces to the lengths indicated in the table. The lengths assume that you are going to miter the joints, that is, cut them at 45 degree angles. The measurements are from long-point to long-point.
Cut the four legs and position them inside the frame as shown in the diagram(s). Use a square to square them with the frame and secure them with 2.5" galvanized deck screws.
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| Completed frame - shown upside-down |
Before cutting the lower brace pieces (c), measure the actual distance between the legs where they attach to the frame (this is measurement (d) in the diagram below). Cut the lower braces (c) this length. Attach them where indicated in the diagrams and secure them with 2.5" galvanized deck screws.
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| End view |
Before cutting the center brace (e), make sure that the legs are square and the lower braces (c) are attached. Measure the distance between the two lower braces (c). Cut the center brace (e) this length. Attach it with 2.5" galvanized deck screws. The frame should now be complete.
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| Side view |
Cut the six table top boards 42" long and center them on the assembled frame (b). Leave a space between them approximately 1/8". Secure them with 2.5" galvanized deck screws. Use the diagrams above and below for reference.
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| End view |
If you are planning to use a material other than pressure treated pine, I recommend that you protect it with a suitable sealer made for the species of wood that you are using.
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