This woodworking project was built and designed by Mike at Oregon Makers, showcasing his excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. If you’re interested in creating stylish and comfortable outdoor furniture, be sure to check out Mike’s YouTube channel, Oregon Makers, for more detailed builds.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Mike’s channel:
Why Build an Adirondack Side Table?
An Adirondack side table complements your outdoor furniture by providing a convenient spot for drinks, snacks, or books. Designed specifically for outdoor use, this table combines beauty, durability, and functionality, making it an excellent addition to any backyard setup.
Building your own table lets you customize dimensions, wood types, and finishes to match your existing furniture or personal taste. It also ensures quality and sturdiness, far exceeding many store-bought options.
Mike’s Choice of Materials
Mike selected Western Red Cedar for this project due to its natural beauty, durability, and resistance to weather and insects. Cedar’s ability to withstand the elements makes it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture, especially pieces like Adirondack tables.
Since cedar is slightly softer and less rigid compared to woods like mahogany, Mike adjusted the thickness of the material. This small detail helped enhance the strength and stability of the final build, ensuring it will hold up well over time.
Preparing and Milling the Wood
The project began with preparing the cedar boards, carefully breaking down larger stock into manageable pieces. Mike used a combination of tools, including a planer, jointer, and table saw, to achieve precise dimensions.
The goal was to achieve a smooth, refined finish rather than a rustic look. Mike meticulously removed saw marks and ensured clean edges, emphasizing accuracy and consistency throughout the preparation phase.
Assembly and Joinery
Mike emphasized precision during assembly by carefully marking and drilling countersunk screw holes using a layout gate. This tool provided uniformity across all components, resulting in a clean, professional appearance.
He applied wood glue generously and used alignment blocks to keep all components square and tightly fitted. To avoid damaging the soft cedar, Mike set his drill’s torque carefully, ensuring screws were snug but not overtightened.
Shaping and Refining the Table
Once assembled, Mike moved on to shaping the tabletop, giving it the classic Adirondack curved appearance. He carefully marked arcs along the edges and used a bandsaw to trim off excess wood, following with thorough sanding for a smooth, rounded surface.
To further refine the table’s appearance and functionality, Mike used a router to round over all edges. This step improved the overall comfort and durability, preventing sharp edges and potential splintering.
Attaching Strong, Stable Legs
The table’s legs were designed slightly thicker than the original plans to add extra stability and sturdiness. Mike secured them with screws placed discreetly from the underside, keeping the hardware hidden for a clean look.
Additionally, he rounded the edges of the feet carefully, minimizing potential damage or splintering when the table is moved. These subtle details enhance both the longevity and usability of the finished product.
Finishing Details
Before applying any final finishes, Mike discussed cedar’s exceptional longevity and natural weathering characteristics. Left untreated, cedar gracefully ages to a beautiful silver-gray patina, though it can also be sealed or stained depending on personal preference.
Finally, Mike inserted plugs into the countersunk screw holes, hiding fasteners and providing a clean, polished look. This finishing detail adds to the overall aesthetics and professional quality of the side table.
Why You’ll Love This Project
This Adirondack side table is an excellent introductory project for anyone looking to create their own outdoor furniture. Its simple yet elegant design complements various backyard styles, making it both a practical and attractive addition to your home.
Completing this table provides the skills and confidence needed to continue building the matching Adirondack furniture pieces, such as chairs and footstools, to create a unified backyard set.