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This table's aprons sit inset 1/2" from the legs' outside faces — a small, deliberate reveal that gives the base a genuine post-and-apron look rather than a plain box. Build two matching leg-and-apron end assemblies first, then join them with the remaining aprons to complete the frame before anything else goes on.
The under-table support boards do double duty: they carry the tabletop, and — if you're adding the optional umbrella hole — their spacing determines the size of the opening. Measure your own support spacing carefully before cutting the umbrella-opening blocking, since the cut list numbers for that piece are explicitly given as approximate and dependent on how your own supports land.
Square the frame by comparing diagonal measurements before laying out the cedar picket top, and lay out all the top boards first to get an even overhang on all four sides before committing to fasteners. Sand the cedar top thoroughly, coarse to fine — cedar splinters more readily than most other decking lumber, and a dining table's top gets touched by bare forearms and hands far more than most outdoor furniture.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Cedar fence pickets, 5.5" wide, 5' or 6' long | 10 each |
| 2x4, 8 ft | 6 each |
| 4x4, 10 ft (or 2 @ 8 ft) | 1 each |
| Exterior pocket hole screws, 2-1/2" | 32 each |
| Exterior decking screws, 2" | 120 each |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Legs4x4, 10 ft (or 2 @ 8 ft) | 4 | 3 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 29 1/2" |
| Aprons2x4, 8 ftInset 1/2" from the outside face of the legs. | 4 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 47 1/2" |
| Under-table supports2x4, 8 ftMeasure to ensure a tight fit. | 4 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 50 1/2" |
| Umbrella opening blocking, long2x4, 8 ftOptional. Measure to fit your own support spacing. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 10" |
| Umbrella opening blocking, short2x4, 8 ftOptional. Measure to fit. | 2 | 1 1/2" × 3 1/2" × 2" |
| Tabletop boardsCedar fence pickets, 5.5" wide, 5' or 6' longCan run long and trim all ends together after installation. | 10 | 5/8" × 5 1/2" × 55" |
Buy 20 boards at 8 ft.
2 boards
8 boards
10 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on each end of every 2x4 apron (except the umbrella blocking, if used). Attach aprons to legs, inset 1/2" from the legs' outside face. Build two identical end assemblies.
Attach the remaining aprons to the leg assemblies to complete the frame.
Measure and cut the under-table support boards to fit tightly, drill two pocket holes on each end, mark placement, and attach. If adding umbrella support blocking, add it now at the center of the framing.
Adjust the table for square by comparing diagonal measurements between opposite corners until they match. Lay out the cedar picket top boards and adjust for an even overhang on all four sides, then attach with 2" screws.
If adding umbrella support, cut the opening through the top and blocking with a jigsaw at the center of the framing.
Sand the cedar top thoroughly, starting with coarse sandpaper and working down to fine — cedar splinters more readily than most decking lumber. Additional corner blocking can be added under each leg joint for extra squareness if desired.
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