This DIY end table does double duty on your deck or patio! Keep drinks cool while you relax outside with the built in ice bucket, or switch it to a planter box for sweet-smelling flowers.
Our quest for the ultimate deck is slowly starting to come together. The outdoor sofa and loveseat set I built creates a cozy seating area in the corner, and outdoor rope lights around the perimeter give it just the right ambiance. But what good is all that when there’s nowhere to set your drink?!? This DIY end table provides the perfect solution to two problems in one compact space!
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MATERIALS NEEDED FOR DIY END TABLE
- 2 – 1 x 4 cedar boards @ 8 feet
- 3 – 2 x 4 cedar boards @ 8 feet
- 2 ½” exterior pocket hole screws
- 1 ¼” pocket hole screws
- Kreg Jig
- Check out my post on how to use a Kreg Jig to help you decide which one is right for you.
- 3 – 1 ½” L angle brackets
- 18” long plastic planter box
- Buy two if you plan to switch out the flowers for an ice bucket occasionally!
- Exterior wood stain
- Drill
- Miter saw or circular saw
Don’t forget your safety gear when woodworking! Here are my recommendations for safety glasses and ear protection. No excuses!
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BUILDING A DIY END TABLE
Start by cutting all the pieces to the dimensions listed in the plan. Sand down any rough edges before starting assembly.
ASSEMBLE THE DIY END TABLE LEGS
Drill pocket holes in both ends of top tier frame pieces at the 1 ½” board thickness setting.
Then drill pocket holes along one length at the ¾” setting.
Attach these to the legs with 2 ½” pocket hole screws. The holes along the long edge should be facing up and will be used to attach the top later.
Repeat the process for drilling pocket holes for the bottom tier frame pieces. Attach them to the outside edge of the end table legs with 2 ½” pocket hole screws.
Attach the other set of legs. It may be a little tricky to fit your drill inside the frame to attach this piece. I used a right angle drill attachment to get into this tight spot.
The planter side of the end table only needs one pair of legs.
ASSEMBLE THE DIY END TABLE TOPS
The tops of the end table are made out of 1 x 4’s. Drill two pocket holes into both ends. Attach these to the side pieces with 1 ¼” pocket hole screws, leaving about ¼” between each slat.
Assemble the planter side the same way, but leave a space in the middle that is big enough for the lip of your planter box to rest on top securely. This one was custom fit to this plan. You’ll want to buy two planter boxes if you want to switch out flowers for the ice bucket, unless you like dirt in your ice!
ATTACH THE DIY END TABLE TOPS TO LEGS
Attach the table tops to their matching frames with 1 ¼” pocket hole screws. One long edge should be flush with the legs, and the other sides should overhang by ¾”.
Now is a good time to paint or stain your end table. I used the same exterior stain as the outdoor sofa and loveseat I built, so the entire set matches perfectly!
ATTACH BOTH SIDES TOGETHER
Stand both halves next to each other on a flat surface with the flush sides together. Check that the planter side is level, then attach it to the upper end table side with 1 ½” L angle brackets.
Fill your planter box with flowers (or ice) and drop it in. The lip of the planter box should rest on the edges of the table top, and can easily be switched out.
The planter box comfortably fits a six pack, so you always have your favorite beverage cold and close at hand.
Or switch out the box with one full of beautiful flowers to enjoy while relaxing on your deck or patio.
I still have another end table and a coffee table to build for our deck, so stay tuned for more woodworking plans! Until then, don’t forget to check out my outdoor loveseat plans too!
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