Use your browser's Print (Ctrl/Cmd + P) and choose Save as PDF. This page works offline once you've opened it with a signal.

Simple Adirondack Side Table

A slatted outdoor side table to pair with Adirondack chairs — a couple of 1x3s and 1x4s, exterior screws, one afternoon.

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L	Material	✓
Frame ends	2	3/4" × 2 1/2" × 14 1/2"	1x3	☐
Frame sides	3	3/4" × 2 1/2" × 15"	1x3	☐
Legs	4	3/4" × 2 1/2" × 16 1/4"	1x3	☐
Top slats	5	3/4" × 3 1/2" × 18 1/2"	1x4	☐

Item	Qty	✓
1x3, 8 ft (Cedar) Frame and legs. Cedar or another rot-resistant species for outdoors.	2 each	☐
1x4, 8 ft (Cedar) Top slats.	1 each	☐
Exterior deck screws, 1-1/4" Stainless or coated — plain steel rusts and stains cedar.	1 box	☐
Waterproof wood glue	3 oz	☐
Exterior finish (optional) Or leave cedar to silver naturally.	1 kit	☐

Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.

Circular Saw
Or a miter saw. All square crosscuts.
Drill / Driver
Drill Bit Set
A countersink bit is the simplest way to join this; pocket holes are the alternative.
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Speed Square
Tape Measure
Hearing Protection — optional

1. Build the frame
Tools: Drill / Driver, Drill Bit Set, Speed Square. Materials: 1x3, 8 ft, Exterior deck screws, 1-1/4", Waterproof wood glue
Build the basic table frame from the 1x3s. The easiest joinery is a countersink bit with screws and glue; pocket-hole users can use 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket screws instead. Keep it square.
2. Attach the legs
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: 1x3, 8 ft, Exterior deck screws, 1-1/4"
Attach the four legs to the outside of the frame. Keep them flush at the top and check that the table stands without a wobble before moving on.
3. Attach the top slats
Tools: Drill / Driver, Tape Measure. Materials: 1x4, 8 ft, Exterior deck screws, 1-1/4"
Lay out the five top slats with even gaps between them so water drains through, and a slight overhang past the frame. Mark, predrill, and attach.
4. Finish or leave raw
Materials: Exterior finish (optional)
Enjoy it as-is — cedar will silver to grey outdoors and last fine — or apply an exterior finish if you want to hold the color. Ease any sharp edges first.