OUTDOOR SIDE TABLE / EXTRA SEATING

I wanted to replace the cheap plastic side tables I had in the play area with some to match my Chimney Block Benches, so I designed these which are about half the length of the benches and as wide; basically a square. They are sturdy enough to accommodate extra seating if needed.

Materials

2X6X8 Pressure Treated Boards (2 for each table)

1X4X8 Pressure Treated Boards (2 for each table)

2 1/2" Coated Deck Screws (3 in each corner of the 2X6s, 2 in each end of the braces total of 20)

1 5/8" Coated Deck Screws (1 in each area of the 1X4s, 4 for each board, total of 24)

Deck Stain and Sealer

Chimney Blocks (1 for each table) …(Optional)

Exterior Latex Paint (only if using the chimney blocks)

Tools

Power Miter Saw

Table Saw

Power Drill

Countersink bit

Screw bit

Small Square

Corner clamps or Band Clamp

Pipe Clamps

Paint Brush or Roller

Cut the  boards 

Cut the  boards as shown
 in this image.

Note….these are not to scale, 
just a rough estimate.

I used my first cut board as a pattern 

to make sure all the boards of each 

length were the same length.

Here, I used a stop block to 
measure and cut the 1x4 boards, 

since there were quite a few.

Work on a level surface.

Cut all the boards prior to assembly.

Make a box frame 

Make a box frame by screwing (1) 20"
board on each end of (2) 17" boards, 
with the 2 1/2" screws. 

Use the square to make sure 
all your corners are 90°.

It looks best if you countersink all your screws.

Attach inside bracing. 

Screw (2) 17" boards each
4 1/2” from the center of the frame,
so you have a 9” space in the center. 

Make sure the tops of the boards are flush (even) with the top of the frame.

Attach the top boards. 

Attach the 1x4's to the top 
of the frame;overlapping the 
sides an equal distance all around.

You may find the easiest way 
is to place all the boards and clamp 
them in place; then screw them down.

Use (1)  1 5/8" screw in each board,
over each 2X6 (total of 4 per board).

Attach the legs.

 I originally wanted these to just sit on chimney blocks to match my Chimney Block Benches. However; I didn’t think they would be stable enough, that the kids wouldn’t knock them over onto themselves, so I added legs. Turns out the legs are sturdy enough and the chimney blocks are overkill.

Rip the (2) 16" boards in half on the table saw, (you'll end up with Just over 2 1/2"  width boards). Clamp (1) 2 x 2 1/2 x 16 to each corner and screw in place, (2) screws in each side (4 total in each leg). Sorry, but I forgot to take pics of this step.

Stain and Seal

After the wood has "dried" for about a month, it can be stained and sealed. Use it as is until then. I had the wood laying in the garage for over a month, so I stained them right away. I used a deck stain/sealer in one that I had left over from the deck years ago.

Optional instructions for using chimney blocks.

You will need to paint the blocks with exterior paint, or if you prefer, you can leave them unpainted for a more rustic look. Stand the chimney blocks on end and place the seat over the blocks, so they fit into the 9" spaces underneath. I like it better without the chimney blocks.

With chimney block from end

With chimney block from side