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DIY Outdoor Coffee Table

Jenni Jarvis • Apr 22, 2021

Outdoor Furniture

After I made our outdoor couch from modified plans from Angela Marie Made, I knew we needed to add a coffee table.  I wanted to have a place to set down a drink or plate and surface for the kids to play.  Not to mention, a place to put up our feet!  I thought it would be the best of both worlds if I could make something that could be a coffee table OR bench, and this one met both of those requirements.  
diy outdoor coffee table

Plans

After browsing several plans, I settled this one by Ana White.  I liked that it didn't require any mitered cuts, pocket holes or special tools.


 It was super simple and I easily put it all together.  I made all my cuts with my hand saw, then used a drill to screw everything together.  It's built entirely of 2x4s, so it's VERY sturdy.  It's interchangeable between a coffee table and a bench.  I like flexibility.  I patched all my screws and large knot holes with stainable wood putty, before sanding the entire piece well with my electric sander.  I used the same stain + sealer to match our outdoor sofa.

Sanding outdoor coffee table and sealing with Thompson's water seal and stain
I love how this table/bench turned out and it has proven to be so useful for us!  This is a great beginner-level project!
DIY  Outdoor Coffee Table and Bench
DIY outdoor sofa and coffee table

Seating Area

I pulled everything together with this 5x7 black and white striped rug  by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart for $49.98.  I can't wait to try out more carpentry projects!

outdoor seating area from Lowe's Walmart and DIY

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