Looking for a sturdy and spacious outdoor dining table? Jamison from Rogue Engineer created a fantastic 10-person dining table that’s perfect for family gatherings. This guide will walk you through the steps to build your own table, ensuring you have plenty of space for everyone to enjoy meals together.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 2×12 boards (for the tabletop)
- 2×4 boards (for aprons)
- 4×4 posts (for legs)
- Outdoor deck stain (semi-transparent)
- Kreg XL Pocket Hole Jig
- Kreg XL Pocket Screws
- Wood glue
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- Saw (circular or miter saw)
- Sandpaper
Step 1: Cutting the Boards
To start, you’ll need to cut down your materials. For the tabletop, cut two 10-foot long 2×12 boards. Additionally, cut down the 2×4 boards for the aprons and the 4×4 posts for the legs. This will give you the structure you need to support your table.
Step 2: Staining the Wood
Once all the boards are cut, it’s time to stain them. Jamison opted for an outdoor deck stain that is semi-transparent. This type of stain not only adds color but also creates a protective layer against the elements. Since pine can often appear blotchy with regular stains, this choice helps maintain a consistent look while providing waterproofing protection.
Step 3: Assembling the Table Base
For the assembly process, Jamison used the Kreg XL Pocket Hole Jig. This tool is perfect for creating strong joints, especially when joining the 2×4 aprons to the 4×4 legs. Drill pocket holes in the aprons and attach them to the legs using the Kreg screws. For additional stability, drill holes up through the aprons and supports to secure the tabletop later on.
Step 4: Adding the Tabletop
After assembling the base, it’s time to attach the tabletop. One tip Jamison shared is to leave a quarter-inch gap between each board of the tabletop. This allows for individual expansion and contraction of the wood, helping to prevent warping or cracking over time.
Step 5: Final Touches
With the tabletop secured, it’s time for the final touches. Sand down any rough edges and apply a final coat of stain if desired. Jamison loved how the color turned out and felt the table’s size was perfect for accommodating family gatherings.
Conclusion
Building a 10-person outdoor dining table can be a rewarding project that adds functionality and style to your patio. Thanks to Jamison from Rogue Engineer for sharing this easy-to-follow guide! If you want the full plans for this build, go here.