This summer – well, for the whole last year really – I’ve searched for an outdoor coffee table to complement our seating on the patio. I wanted something big because our seating area is really big. But I couldn’t find just exactly what I was looking for. Everything was either too small for the space or not at all my style. So instead, Kevin and I decided to build a DIY outdoor coffee table.
Designing the DIY outdoor coffee table
When we decided to build a DIY outdoor coffee table I had two things I wanted for sure:
- It needed to be large. I think we covered that already, yes?
- It needed to be square or something close to square. I felt like a square table would work best in the space and allow for us to have plenty of room for guests to put their food, drinks or even just a good place to put their feet up.
We built the DIY coffee table out of simple 4x4s and 1x4s. I wanted nice, clean lines and didn’t want to get overly fussy with the space.
Tools and supplies for the DIY outdoor coffee table
- 6 – 4X4s cut to 18 inches tall. {HERE}
- 3 – 1x6s for support cut to 55 inches. {HERE}
- 11 – 1x6s for the tabletop cut to length. For us that was about 55 inches. {HERE}
- 3-inch deck screws {HERE}
- A pocket hole jig from drilling pocket holes {HERE}
- A Hart Hand Drill {HERE}
- Premium, Fast Dry. Varathane Wood Stain in Early American. {HERE} We use this color a lot of a variation of it. I just feel like it’s a good, traditional color that can be transitional. This color also worked really well with our outdoor seating sectional. I didn’t intend for the to match, or at least I didn’t start out with that idea. But you can see they are VERY close in color. This is the same color we used for our Outdoor Kitchen DIY.
- Varathane Sparuethane in a clear semi-gloss. {HERE} We went with semi-gloss because it’s all our store head in stock but if you plan ahead you can find a satin or flat.
- Rags for staining {HERE} I always prefer using rags.
- Small paint brushes for the cracks. {HERE}
Steps for making the DIY outdoor coffee table
- To start, Kevin pre-drilled the holes for the screws in the legs using a jig and hand drill.
- Next, Kevin laid out all the tabletop pieces on the floor of the garage.
- Then he screwed in the support beams in about 5 inches in from the edge.
- He then screwed the legs in on the outside of the support beams.
- We added the middle supports as an afterthought but the table is so heavy that we truly felt like we needed them.
- Once the table was put together, I used a rag and stained it. I prefer using a rag to stain verses a brush. However, I do use a small paint brush to get into the cracks when the rag doesn’t fit.
- Finally, I added a thick coat of exterior polyurethane so it would hold up to the outdoor weather.
DIY coffee table styling
To style our DIY coffee table, I started with a pretty linen, square tablecloth is from William Sonoma and they don’t appear to have it anymore. I DID find it’s friend in Flax {HERE}, which is also a beautiful color. But they do have this beautiful one with a floral pattern {HERE} and this Italian linen one {HERE} – which is the same material and supplier as mine.
Additionally, I added a hand woven tray that I bought locally to hold a citronella candle, a basil plant and a few gourds from the garden. You can find a similar tray {HERE} if you like it. Between the basil plant and the gourds it’s truly a changing of the seasons table.
None of these items stay out on the DIY outdoor coffee table – although the basil and the gourds could – but I thought you would like to see it a little dressed up.
The patio set
A lot of people have asked me about the patio set. This was purchased, not made. I bought it just as the pandemic started and got a killer deal on it at that time. I’ll have a full review up soon, but if you’re interested in it, you can find it {HERE}. It’s a piece you can add onto and take away from. I added on additional chairs because our space is so large and it was on sale for about 70 percent off when people were panicking at the start of the shutdown. Currently, the patio set is on sale though so grab it while you can!
So, what do you think of the DIY coffee outdoor coffee table? I’d love to hear your thoughts below! If you like this one make sure to check out or cheap DIY outdoor kitchen {HERE}. Also, the Stone Fruit Sangria that I’m drinking in the below photos is {HERE}.
Thank you for visiting today, friends. I hope we see you again soon here at the farmhouse. You can find more DIY ideas {HERE}.
I so love how this turned out. I might have to make one. We need an outdoor table.
That table is stunning! I love the rustic loot to it and that stain/shade is perfect for outdoor entertaining!
I love this idea. The table looks amazing. I made need to make one of these.
Thanks for sharing your idea. I might copy this but I want mine smaller. Hehe
Thank you for the DIY tutorial. I’d also like to have a space outside where our family can relax and have weekend dates.
That’s a gorgeous coffee table! We just started to make our own furniture pieces at home – mostly for our daughter. We made her that water table you put a basin in so that she can do water work, and we made her a picnic table and bench. We have to try this coffee table next! We need new outdoor furniture.
This is so gorgeous!!! What brand and color is the stain you used?
I love this tutorial, and I love the look of this place it’s really beautiful and it feels so refreshing to be there.
Love it! Looks like it matches this outdoor sectional perfectly too like they are a pair.
That is a really cute outdoor coffee table and I love your decor. What a cute space to spend the evenings with the family.
I’ve been wanting and searching how make a DIY outdoor coffee table. This is perfect! Glad I found your site
So many great tips. I like doing projects like this too. Nice design.
Love this! I’m always up for a project! Especially one for outdoor decor!
It looks great I love how it turned out, we made one out of small pallet for our patio because it was such a a cute sized pallet. LOL!
This table looks fabulous! Love the rustic look and is perfect for the outdoors. Wonderful share!
I love the way this turned out, this would be perfect for my home.
This looks amazing! I love it so much!
This is exactly what I’ve been wanting for my patio. Thanks for the details on how to get it done!
This coffee table is so nice!! Would be perfect for my back yard.
This is a beautiful coffee table. And will be just as pleasant indoor
Looks lovely! I love to sit outside and have my morning coffee or cocktail.
That looks wonderful! We took apart a swingset a couple years ago and I probably could have repurposed some of the boards for a table. That was before lumber cost a fortune!
It’s so pretty! I love your whole patio set up!
This is beautiful! I’d love to have an outdoor coffee table like this!
I so love the creative idea, it perfectly complements the sofa set. Luv it!
The table looks amazing. Wish i could do good DIY.
I like how this turned out, it is simple but beautiful and looks great with the rest of your furniture.
I’m OBSESSED with this coffee table! It’s beautiful.
Hello, That looks fabulous, simple, easy and functional, just wondering what side of the home is this patio space, It kinda looks like east side to me. I have a potential east side to do on a 95 year old home in the country in Saskatchewan, Canada 🙂