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A gap-top outdoor dining table on a pair of crossing X-shaped legs joined by a center stretcher — simple joinery, built for weather.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tabletop boards | 7 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 72" | Pine 2x6 | ☐ |
| Side aprons | 2 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 61 3/4" | Pine | ☐ |
| Apron ends Ends cut at 45°, long point to long point measurement. | 2 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 33 3/4" | Pine | ☐ |
| X-leg pieces Compound-angle both ends — measure and cut to fit your desired table height. | 4 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 26" | Pine 2x6 | ☐ |
| Leg trim pieces Finish caps over the leg screw holes. | 8 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 6" | Pine | ☐ |
| Center stretcher Measure and cut to fit between the two X's. | 1 | 1 1/2" × 1 1/2" × 36" | Pine 2x2 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Pine, 2x6, 12 ft | 3 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 2x6, 8 ft X-leg pieces. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 2x4, 8 ft | 1 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 2x2, 8 ft Center stretcher. | 1 each | ☐ |
| Pine, 1x4, 8 ft | 7 each | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 4 oz | ☐ |
| Wood screws, 1-1/4" | 1 box | ☐ |
| Wood screws, 2" | 1 box | ☐ |
| Wood screws, 2-1/2" | 1 box | ☐ |
| Exterior wood filler | 1 can | ☐ |
| Sandpaper, assorted grit | 4 sheet | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Miter Saw. Materials: Pine, 1x4, 8 ft
Cut the two apron ends as shown, with 45° angles on the ends. You'll need two of these.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Speed Square. Materials: Pine, 1x4, 8 ft
Mark the side aprons every 10" (this doesn't need to be exact) and use the marks as a guide to attach supports with 2" screws and glue. Screw the side aprons to the mitered apron ends from the previous step, checking for square as you go.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Pine, 2x6, 12 ft
Fasten the tabletop boards to the frame with 2-1/2" screws and glue. Leave a 1/4" gap between boards (a flat carpenter's pencil works as a spacer) so water can drain, and orient bark-side down on every board to help the top shed water and resist cupping.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Miter Saw. Materials: Pine, 2x6, 8 ft
Cut the X-leg pieces with compound angles so each pair crosses evenly, and attach at the center with 2-1/2" self-tapping screws.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Pine, 1x4, 8 ft
Attach the leg trim pieces to finish the legs, using 1-1/4" screws and glue, fastening from the insides to hide screw holes. Then fasten the legs to the side aprons with 2-1/2" screws, centering each leg on its apron.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: Pine, 2x2, 8 ft, Sandpaper, assorted grit
Add a 2x2 stretcher from the center of one X to the center of the other, to keep the legs from spreading apart under load. Fasten with 2-1/2" screws, using a level to line up the second end once the first is fastened.
Sand every surface and finish with an exterior-rated product.