DIY Truss Beam Farmhouse Style Outdoor Table and Benches (Restoration Hardware Inspired)

This DIY truss beam farmhouse style outdoor table and benches are perfect for dining and entertaining on a deck or patio!

DIY Farmhouse Table for a Deck or Patio
Abby's headshot

Friends! Thank you all so much for your kind words about our deck reveal! It was so fun to have people to share the excitement with, and I am thrilled to be back today with more details about one of the things we’ve gotten the most questions about: our DIY farmhouse style outdoor table!

As I was searching far and wide for the perfect table to use in our space, I came across this beauty from Restoration Hardware.

I absolutely loved the style. I did not absolutely love the price. And even if I was willing to spend a hundred bajillion dollars on a table, theirs was not made to be used outdoors anyway, so I was out of luck.

I was moping around one day, all depressed about the table that was not meant to be and Donnie, aka my knight and shining armor 😉 , took one look at it and said, “I can build that.”

And he immediately earned himself 800 bajillion husband points. (Which are fictitious, of course, but it puts him on my good side for a while, which is definitely worth something… )

So I will let him take it from here and tell you all about the amazing table he built with his own two hands (and also power tools) because he is pretty awesome. Here he is!


How to Build a DIY Farmhouse Outdoor Table Step-By-Step

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

Donnie's headshot

One of the things I was most looking forward to with our new deck was a nice, large table for family meals. I offered to build one, and Abby’s friend Jen Woodhouse pointed her to these Ana White plans for the style of table she wanted.

I adjusted the plans slightly to fit our space. We made our table 7’ long.

It really is amazing how much money you can save by building a table like this. At Restoration Hardware this table costs more than $2,000, but I was able to build ours for about $250 in lumber.

When I went to the lumber yard, they had just sold out of pine 4x4s, so I ended buying cedar 4x4s for the table base. Cedar is a bit more expensive than pine, but it’s actually better suited for outdoor use.

The table and bench tops were made out of pine 2x10s and 2x8s. These weren’t special boards, just standard framing lumber. I did spend some time looking through the pile for the straightest boards I could find.

farmhouse outdoor table top with tools

1. Screw the table top and the top bench boards together.

I joined the table top and bench top boards with pocket holes and screws using my Kreg Jig.

Ordinarily I would glue the joints as well, but I didn’t do that on the table and bench tops. The boards available at the lumberyard were pretty fresh, so I know there is going to be some contraction during the first year.

I want the ability to take the table top apart next year and re-join if there is a lot of cracking or movement. Even without glue, the table top and bench tops feel incredibly sturdy.

The back side of the table top showing the pocket holes and clamps

2. Sand the table and bench tops.

When sanding the tops, I worked my way down from a very coarse sandpaper to a very fine sandpaper. This table will be for outdoor use, so I didn’t finish it to the level I would if it was for a dining room or indoor use.

sander sitting on the unfinished table top

The finish I used on the entire project is General Finish’s Outdoor Oil, which was also a recommendation from Jen. It’s a little pricey at $60/gallon, but it’s going to last a long time for a lot of different projects.

can of clear outdoor stain

Originally, I thought about staining and polyurethaning the table, but Abby has two outdoor chairs that were oiled, and I love how they’re holding up.

The Outdoor Oil really soaks into the wood, enhances the grain, and darkens the wood ever so slightly. It was simple to apply with a foam brush. Depending on how well the oil holds up outside, I may add another coat next summer.

3. Measure the lumber for the bases and cut.

I followed Ana’s plans for the table and bench bases. I first measured and cut all the pieces with my miter saw. This table has a lots of ten degree cuts which gives the base a unique look.

top view of the table bases after being cut and sanded next to a sander

4. Sand the bases.

After all the base pieces were cut, I sanded everything the same way I did the table and bench tops.

5. Screw together the bench supports.

At first I wasn’t sure how how I wanted to join all of the support pieces. Instead of taking the time to drill pocket holes, I just used long GRK trim head screws at an angle and lots of glue on each joint. This method made the support assembly very quick.

close up of the pocket holes connecting the joints

Once the trim head screws sink down into the wood, there is only a very small hole. I used three screws on each joint.

bench supports sitting on wood next to a drill, nails, and wood glue

The table and benches were built in my little basement workshop. I was able to complete the benches and attach the tops in the basement and then carry them up to the deck, but I knew I would need to attach the table top to the supports outside on the deck since the full table would’ve been too big to carry up the stairs.

farmhouse outdoor table sitting in the workshop unstained

6. Attach the legs and supports.

Abby helped me carry the table top up to the deck where I attached the legs, then measured and cut the final support bar and angled pieces.

table upside down on the deck screwing the supports to the table top

During the table and bench build, I did notice that the bread-board ends were a bit wobbly, and that made me nervous. I solved this problem by cutting wedge supports out of my cedar 4x4s and attaching them to the understand of the bread-board. This extra support really made a difference.

table upside down after center supports have been fastened.

With all of my pieces securely fastened into place, the table and benches were complete and ready to enjoy!

side view of the farmhouse table outside on the deck

We are expecting the color of the wood to fade and gray a little bit over time since the table will be exposed to the elements, but I think that will give it even more character.

Though it was a little time consuming, this was a really fun build to do, and I definitely would not be opposed to more projects like this one in the future. (Don’t tell Abby I said that… 😉 )

DIY farmhouse table and benches on the deck

Abby Lawson

Isn’t he amazing?! I love how the table turned out. And don’t you worry, Donnie– I have plenty more project ideas where that came from! 😉 I had fun dressing up the table a little bit for the deck reveal post last week, so I thought I’d share a few of those pictures again!

Aerial view of the finished outdoor table and benches that is decorated

I love that we can fit a crowd around this table! We have two chairs in the living room that we could bring out and stick at each end to fit as many as 8. I see many get togethers happening out here in the future!

side view of the decorated farmhouse style outdoor table on the deck next to the house
stained farmhouse table on the deck that has been set with plates and glasses

Thank you so much for following along with our deck progress!

Update: Our backyard deck is finally finished, check out the full reveal!

DIY Outdoor Table: Frequently Asked Questions

After building this masterpiece, we definitely don’t want it ruined by water! We chose Outdoor Oil for our protectant, but there are other products such as varnish, shellac, or polyurethane that can be applied depending on the style you may be after.

Outdoor table covers are also great but may be a pain if the patio and deck area is used very often.

In terms of sealing wooden tables on both sides to protect against the weather, the choice is yours. The sealant is to add a layer of protectant to repel moisture and prevent warping. Most like the looks of the finished side better, but sealing both sides will not guarantee that it will not warp later on.

Not necessarily. Some stains have built in waterproofing; however, if the product is labeled a stain only, it is considered water resistant. Stain is really more for looks versus being a true protectant.

For the best protection, go with some type of sealant over the stain or the Outdoor Oil like we used.

Have a wonderful week, friends!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

10 Comments

  1. April@LoveOurRealLife says:

    The table is beautiful! How much more will this table be loved knowing Donnie made it for your family to enjoy?!! ?

    1. justagirlabby says:

      I totally agree, April! It definitely makes it extra special! Hope you’re having a great weekend! <3

      ~Abby =)

  2. It looks so great!!! I love Ana White plans!

    1. justagirlabby says:

      Thanks so much, Amanda! Me too! 🙂 Have an awesome day!

      ~Abby =)

  3. This table looks great! I love Ana White’s plans as well. I just made a bed for our girls from one of her plans and it turned out magnificent as well.

    1. justagirlabby says:

      Thanks so much, Crystal! Yes, Ana’s plans are SO awesome! So talented. Have a wonderful day!

      ~Abby =)

  4. Hi there! What angles did you cut your 4×4’s at? Beautiful table!

    1. Donnie Lawson says:

      Hi Lauren! I can’t remember what angle the plans called for. It’s all in the plan.

  5. Angela Feisel says:

    I am wanting to build this table and benches to use outside. How is your table holding up to the elements? Other outdoor table plans I have looked at have a small gap between the boards for drainage but I don’t like them as much as this table. The wedges under the bread-boards was a great idea for the extra support and looks great!

    1. Abby Lawson says:

      Hi, Angela! We still love the table! Donnie sands it down about once a year and adds teak oil to keep the finish looking nice. Structurally, it’s holding up really well. 🙂

Comments are closed.