This project was built and designed by Anthony from Wood Pack DIY, with help from his loyal shop dog, Bob Barker. It’s a simple yet sturdy outdoor table built entirely from cedar deck boards—perfect for backyard gatherings, patio dining, or just enjoying a cup of coffee outside.
Built as a gift for a friend, this table balances thoughtful design with practical construction. With the right wood and basic joinery techniques, Anthony shows how to create a weather-ready table that’ll last for years.
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Selecting Materials for Outdoor Use
Choosing the right wood is the foundation of a successful outdoor furniture build. Anthony goes with cedar for this project, thanks to its natural resistance to moisture, insects, and decay.
Sourcing premium cedar can be tricky depending on location, but in this case, 2×6 cedar deck boards were available and used for every part of the project. These boards offer both strength and a rustic, natural look that suits outdoor settings.
Breaking Down and Preparing the Boards
The project begins with cutting the deck boards to rough size. These boards are then ripped down to form the structural legs, essentially turning them into homemade 4x4s by gluing up multiple layers.
Anthony emphasizes the importance of square edges at this stage, which helps ensure strong glue joints. A good glue surface leads to better structural integrity and a cleaner appearance.
Building the Legs with Clean Joinery
The leg blanks are glued up and clamped, using scrap wood as pressure distributors to avoid leaving marks in the soft cedar. Bob Barker stays close, making sure everything stays in line—even if he’s mostly watching from a comfy spot in the corner.
If dents do happen during clamping, Anthony shares a quick fix using a household iron and a damp rag to steam the wood back into shape. It’s a simple trick that helps restore the surface before final sanding.
Cutting the Frame Components
Next, the table frame is laid out by cutting the end aprons and side stretchers. These connect the legs and support the tabletop above, so strength is key.
Anthony uses a bead lock jig for joinery here, which allows dowel-like tenons to be inserted into the mating faces. For added security, pocket hole screws are also used—this dual method simplifies assembly and improves long-term durability.
Dry Fitting Before Final Assembly
Before glue goes anywhere, everything is dry-fitted. This allows Anthony to double-check his measurements and make any small adjustments before locking things in place.
Once the fit is confirmed, glue is applied to the joints and everything is clamped again while being secured with screws. Taking this extra step helps prevent alignment issues and ensures a square final assembly.
Attaching the Tabletop
The last structural element is the tabletop, which is formed from more cedar boards. Anthony marks out the spacing and location of pocket holes on the underside so everything lines up neatly.
Once secured, the table is flipped upright for sanding. Each edge is rounded slightly to improve comfort and aesthetics. A sanding pass with fine grit smooths out any roughness and readies the surface for finishing.
Weatherproofing with the Right Finish
For outdoor use, it’s essential to protect the wood against rain, UV rays, and temperature swings. Anthony chooses a marine-grade varnish, which creates a hard, water-resistant layer that won’t peel or fade easily.
Multiple coats are applied, with light sanding in between for a smooth, even result. The warm tone of the cedar is enhanced by the finish, giving the table a rich appearance that holds up to the elements.
Built to Give, Built to Last
This outdoor table wasn’t just a woodworking project—it was built as a gift for a friend. That personal touch comes through in every step, from the hand-fit joinery to the durable finish.
With Bob Barker keeping spirits high in the shop, Anthony shows how even a basic material like deck boards can be turned into a meaningful, lasting piece of furniture. The result is a sturdy, good-looking table ready for seasons of use.
A Great Project for Any Skill Level
Whether you’re building for your own patio or making a gift, this project is a great option. It doesn’t require exotic lumber or complex tools—just careful measuring, strong glue joints, and a little patience.
Anthony’s clear process and reliable techniques make it easy to follow along. And with Bob Barker’s supervision, you know the end result is built to a high standard.
Please support Anthony (and Bob Barker) by visiting their website (he sells awesome plans): https://www.woodpackdiy.com/.