DIY Outdoor Farmhouse Dining Table With Benches
Build an outdoor farmhouse-style dining table complete with benches using PAR pine you can buy at any Builders store.
02/06/2023
Kreg have some fantastic DIY projects on their website and this outdoor farmhouse dining table with benches is just one example. This easy DIY project is one that even a beginner DIY enthusiast can do and having all round timber cut to size at Builders when you buy it makes the job even easier and you don't need expensive tools to cut everything down to the exact size.
YOU WILL NEED:
TABLE
5 of 32 x 144 x 1950mm - table top boards
3 of 69 x 69 x 1677mm - stretchers
4 of 69 x 69 x 724mm - base long legs
4 of 69 x 69 x 560mm - base short legs
BENCHES
4 of 32 x 144 x 1950mm - seat top boards
2 of 69 x 69 x 1677mm - stretcher
8 of 32 x 144 x 450mm - base ends
4 of 69 x 69 x 381mm - base supports
Wood glue
64mm pocket hole screws
TOOLS:
Drill plus assorted bits
Kreg pocket hole jig
Orbital sander plus 120- and 240-grit sanding pads
Clamps
OPTIONAL: Kreg Track Horse
Tape measure and pencil
Safety gear
HERE'S HOW:
Preparation
Drill [2] pocket holes at both ends of the [3] stretchers. Also, drill [5] pocket holes along the length of [2] of these stretchers for mounting the base legs to the underside of the top of the table.
Drill [2] pocket holes at both ends of the short legs.
Drill 5] pocket holes equally spaces along one edge of [4] table top pieces - see diagram below.
Step 1 - Assemble the table top
To make the table top you will join together [5] boards using wood glue and 64mm pocket hole screws and extra-long bar clamps to hold the assembly together and keep the boards in line while joining.
DIY TIP
If you are cutting and trimming the wood yourself, take note that on the video, the full length of the assembled table top is 2400mm which is then trimmed to 1950mm. The 450mm offcuts are used to assemble the legs for the benches.
For the DIY enthusiasts that use a lot of thicker wood for projects, the Kreg Track Horse makes life easier and is available from Kreg suppliers around the country.
Step 2 - Assemble the base legs
Having pre-drilled pocket holes on both ends of the short legs, these can now be attached to the long legs using wood glue and 64mm pocket hole screws to make a sturdy base for the table.
Step 3 - Complete base assembly
Secure [2] of the stretchers to either side of the base legs and [1] stretcher at the bottom in the centre of the leg assembly using wood glue and 64mm pocket hole screws.
Step 4 - Table assembly
Place the table top face down on a flat, level surface so that you can secure the complete base to the underside of the table using pocket hole screws. Do not use wood glue for this step so that you can always disassemble the table later should you need to move it for any reason.
Step 5 - Assemble the benches
Assemble the components for each bench using the diagram below. The process is exactly the same as is used for the farmhouse table using wood glue and pocket hole screws. Pre-drill pocket holes where all section butt against each other.
For more information on the assembly process, check out the video below. Note that the above measurements have been modified to accommodate the materials available locally.
Finishing
Because you are using PAR pine for this project, extra care must be taken to offer protection from the elements is the table and benches will be outdoors - even under a covered patio. Apply the recommended number of coats of exterior sealer and be sure to re-apply this as recommended or when the wood starts to dull.