How to make a wooden outdoor dining table with built-in planters

Making a wooden outdoor dining table with built-in planters is an excellent way to combine functionality and aesthetics in your backyard. This DIY project is relatively simple for intermediate woodworkers, and it allows you to have a unique, custom-designed piece of furniture that also serves as a place for plants and herbs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build a wooden outdoor dining table with built-in planters.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Wood (cedar, redwood, or treated lumber are ideal for outdoor use)
  • Tabletop: 4-6 pieces of 2×6 or 2×8 boards
  • Legs: 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber
  • Planter box frame: 2×4 or 2×6 boards
  • Slats for planters: 1×4 or 2×4 boards
• Wood screws
• Wood glue
• Outdoor wood finish or sealant
• Measuring tape
• Saw (circular saw or miter saw)
• Drill with bits for pilot holes
• Sander or sandpaper
• Hammer and nails (optional for certain assembly)
• Landscape fabric (optional for planters)
• Drill for drainage holes

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Start by designing your outdoor dining table. The key to success in this project is a good plan. The basic idea is to create a table with built-in planters on either side or at the center of the table. Make sure to measure the space available in your yard and adjust the table’s size accordingly.

1. Size of the Table: A standard dining table is around 72 inches long, 36 inches wide, and 30 inches tall. However, this can vary depending on the number of people you want to seat.
2. Position of Planters: Decide where you want the planters to be. You can opt for planters at the ends of the table, along the sides, or in the center.

Step 2: Cut the Wood for the Table Frame and Planter Boxes

1. Cut the Tabletop Slats: Cut your 2×6 or 2×8 boards to the desired length of the table. For a 72-inch table, you’ll need 4-6 slats depending on the width of the boards you choose.
2. Cut the Legs: Use 4×4 lumber to cut the four table legs to your desired height. Typically, outdoor tables are around 30 inches tall.
3. Cut the Planter Box Frame: Cut the 2×4 or 2×6 boards to create the outer frame of the planter box. The length and width of these will depend on the design of your table and planter. For example, if your planter will be 36 inches long and 8 inches wide, cut two pieces of 36 inches for the length and two pieces of 8 inches for the width.
4. Slats for Planters: If you’re building side planters, you’ll need slats for the planter’s sides, and if you’re adding a bottom, you can use smaller slats like 1×4 boards.

Step 3: Assemble the Table Base

1. Attach the Legs to the Table Frame: Start by attaching the four legs to the frame of the table. You can do this by screwing the legs into the four corners of the frame using wood screws. Use wood glue for extra strength. If you want to reinforce the base, add cross supports between the legs.
2. Support for the Tabletop: Attach cross-supports to the frame to hold the tabletop in place. These can be short 2x4s that run perpendicular to the length of the table and are spaced evenly.

Step 4: Build the Planter Box(es)

1. Assemble the Planter Box: Now, using your pre-cut 2×4 or 2×6 boards, build the planter box frame. Start by attaching the sides of the box to the ends using screws and wood glue.
2. Add Slats: If you want a slatted look for the sides of the planter, attach 1×4 or 2×4 slats vertically or horizontally along the sides of the box.
3. Create a Bottom: Depending on the design, you may want a bottom to the planter, which will help with soil retention. Use slats or a solid piece of plywood to cover the bottom. Make sure there are enough gaps for drainage.
4. Add Drainage Holes: Drill several small drainage holes in the bottom of the planter box to allow excess water to escape.

Step 5: Attach the Planter Boxes to the Table

1. Position the Planter Boxes: Place the planter boxes at the desired location—either at the ends, the center, or along the sides of the table.
2. Attach the Boxes: Secure the boxes to the table frame using screws or brackets. Make sure they are level and well-fixed, as the planters will need to hold the weight of the soil and plants.

Step 6: Sand and Finish the Table

1. Sand the Wood: Use a sander or sandpaper to smooth the edges and surfaces of the table, removing any rough spots or splinters. This is especially important for a table that will be used outdoors.
2. Apply Outdoor Wood Finish or Sealant: Once the table is sanded smooth, apply an outdoor wood finish or sealant to protect the wood from the elements. Be sure to apply multiple coats for a long-lasting finish.

Step 7: Add the Soil and Plants

1. Add Landscape Fabric: If you want to prevent the soil from falling out of the planter, line the inside of the planter with landscape fabric. This also helps with drainage.
2. Fill with Soil: Fill the planters with high-quality potting soil, leaving about an inch from the top to avoid overflow when watering.
3. Plant Your Favorites: Now comes the fun part—choose plants for your planters. For an outdoor dining table, consider plants that will add color, fragrance, and interest to the setting. Herbs, succulents, or flowers are great options.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Outdoor Dining Table

Once the plants are in place, your wooden outdoor dining table with built-in planters is ready to use. Place it in your backyard or patio area and enjoy a beautiful space where you can dine and relax surrounded by nature.

Adding built-in planters to your outdoor table not only enhances the functionality of the furniture but also gives it a unique, personalized touch that is perfect for your outdoor space.