This project was built by Johnny Brooke from Crafted Workshop. It blends functionality with modern design, creating an inviting outdoor space perfect for dining and entertaining. If you’re looking for inspiration to build your own outdoor furniture, Johnny’s work is a great example of craftsmanship and design.
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The Benefits of Ipe for Outdoor Furniture
For this project, Johnny used Ipe, a dense and naturally weather-resistant hardwood. Ipe is known for its durability and resistance to rot, making it an excellent choice for furniture exposed to the elements. Its rich color and striking grain patterns also add a refined look to any outdoor space.
Working with Ipe can be challenging due to its hardness and weight. The milling process requires sharp tools and patience, but the results are worth the effort. If you want to simplify the build, using pre-milled stock can save time and effort while still achieving a professional result.
Preparing the Tabletop
The design of the tabletop includes gaps between the boards to allow for drainage, which is a crucial feature for outdoor furniture. Johnny initially experimented with three washers between each board but later adjusted to two, creating a consistent eighth-inch gap. This spacing ensures that water won’t pool on the surface, extending the life of the table.
Once the layout was finalized, the boards were cut to ensure uniform length. Using a stop block system on the miter saw helped maintain accuracy, ensuring each piece was identical. Precise cuts were key to achieving a clean and polished final look.
Drilling and Connecting the Boards
To secure the boards together, Johnny used all-thread rods, which run through pre-drilled holes across each piece. A jig was used to ensure consistency, as each board required multiple holes to be aligned perfectly. Drilling through Ipe is a slow process due to its density, and to prevent tear-out, Johnny drilled from both sides.
A Forstner bit was used to create countersunk holes for the nuts and washers, followed by larger holes for the all-thread. Once all the holes were drilled, the boards were rounded over at the edges and sanded to smooth out any rough spots.
Finishing and Assembling the Tabletop
After sanding, Johnny applied teak oil to enhance the wood’s color and protect it from moisture. Since Ipe is naturally oily, applying the finish in thin coats and wiping off the excess was essential to avoid a sticky buildup. This step brought out the rich tones of the wood, giving the table a deep and natural finish.
The boards were then connected using the all-thread, with washers placed between them for stability. Lock washers helped keep the nuts secure, preventing the boards from shifting over time. Periodic tightening is recommended to accommodate seasonal wood movement.
Constructing the Steel Table Base
For the table base, Johnny used thick plate steel, which he sourced from a local scrap yard. Steel is a strong and weather-resistant material, making it an ideal complement to the durable Ipe tabletop. The legs were cut to precise angles for stability and visual balance, ensuring the finished table had a modern, streamlined look.
The steel pieces were cut with a plasma cutter, though an angle grinder could be used as an alternative. Each leg was welded to a steel plate, creating a solid frame to support the heavy tabletop. Taking accurate measurements was key to ensuring a seamless fit during final assembly.
Attaching the Base and Final Assembly
Before securing the base to the tabletop, Johnny drilled pilot holes to allow for wood movement. This step was crucial to prevent the screws from restricting natural expansion and contraction. The steel base was painted with flat black enamel to protect against rust and match the modern aesthetic of the table.
Plastic caps were added to the feet of the table legs to prevent scratches on the patio surface. With the base completed, Johnny carefully positioned it on the tabletop and secured it with screws, completing the assembly of this beautiful outdoor dining table.
Building the Pergola
To enhance the outdoor dining space, Johnny also built a modern pergola using a kit from TOJA Grid. A pergola provides shade and structure while adding a stylish focal point to an outdoor area. The simple, modular design of the kit made assembly quick and efficient.
The main structure consisted of four twelve-foot-long 4x4s for the cross members, with eight-foot-long 4x4s used for the legs. The posts were anchored to a concrete patio, ensuring the pergola remained stable even in strong winds.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Once the pergola was in place, string lights were added to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for evening gatherings. This simple addition transformed the space, making it feel cozy while providing functional lighting. The combination of the modern dining table and pergola created a complete outdoor setup perfect for entertaining guests.
A Stunning Outdoor Upgrade
The final result was a stylish and durable outdoor dining area that seamlessly blended natural wood with industrial steel. The Ipe tabletop, steel base, and pergola created a cohesive and inviting space, proving that functional outdoor furniture can also be a design statement.
For a full breakdown of the build, including detailed techniques and insights, check out Johnny’s video on his YouTube channel.
You can also support Johnny by visiting his website and checking out his plans.