OT: DIY Patio Table

[RickB113]

Hey all, looking to build this patio table. What are ur thoughts on the wood I should use for it? Not looking to spend a fortune but was thinking like a cherry wood on top and then regular pressure treated deck type wood for the rest. I’ve already built the benches last year but just used pressure treated wood and they look ok. Worth it to use a better wood for the top? If so what type? TIA

 

[RUSK97]

Hey all, looking to build this patio table. What are ur thoughts on the wood I should use for it? Not looking to spend a fortune but was thinking like a cherry wood on top and then regular pressure treated deck type wood for the rest. I’ve already built the benches last year but just used pressure treated wood and they look ok. Worth it to use a better wood for the top? If so what type? TIA

Full exposure to sun and rain? Makes a huge difference. If yes, consider another tabletop wood. I’m not familiar with cherry for the outdoors, but if budget isn’t too tight, consider ipe or equivalent tropical hardwood. Redwood and Cedar are common alternatives, but they’re ver soft and prone to gouges. Rumor is walnut works too, but is expensive. White oak (not red oak) is common, more affordable and very solid, but non-ferrous hardware is recommended. Black locust? Pressure treated wears like a rock, but I wouldn’t put food on that sh*t. Another more debatable one is PVC or Trex.

 

[RickB113]

Full exposure to sun and rain? Makes a huge difference. If yes, consider another tabletop wood. I’m not familiar with cherry for the outdoors, but if budget isn’t too tight, consider ipe or equivalent tropical hardwood. Redwood and Cedar are common alternatives, but they’re ver soft and prone to gouges. Rumor is walnut works too, but is expensive. White oak (not red oak) is common, more affordable and very solid, but non-ferrous hardware is recommended. Black locust? Pressure treated wears like a rock, but I wouldn’t put food on that sh*t. Another more debatable one is PVC or Trex.

Thanks for response...Yeah, it’ll be out in the sun and rain most of the year and covered for winter. I’m either going to get the wood from Stelton lumber or jaeger lumber in middlesex.

 

[Njbound1]

I just rebuilt my deck using pressure treated 5/4, and it came out great. BUT, I used Trex for the handrails and toprails.

 

[RUSK97]

Thanks for response...Yeah, it’ll be out in the sun and rain most of the year and covered for winter. I’m either going to get the wood from Stelton lumber or jaeger lumber in middlesex.

Never used Jaeger, but the guys at Stelton are good.

 

[czxqa]

Teak is a great choice for outdoor usage if budget allows.

 

[rurx1228]

You could make the top with marine plywood and ceramic tile on top and side, lots of choices for colors, designs, textures

 

[RW90]

If you want keep your costs down, you can always build one of these.

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/mans-squirrel-table-goes-viral-people-build

 

[HPNJRUfan]

Thanks for response...Yeah, it’ll be out in the sun and rain most of the year and covered for winter. I’m either going to get the wood from Stelton lumber or jaeger lumber in middlesex.

Consider Edison Millwork as well. The owner, Angelo, really knows his stuff, is happy to talk shop - or golf, or music (he puts on a free concert series the first Sunday of every month).

Carmine over at Stelton is a good guy as well.

 

[Roy_Faulker]

Cool thread - anyone here build their own Adirondack chair? If so - same question about wood choice.

 

[RUSK97]

Cool thread - anyone here build their own Adirondack chair? If so - same question about wood choice.

Built a pair with my brother a few years back. I don’t know how they’re holding up though. We used Southern Yellow Pine, but painted them. I suspect the chairs are holding up okay, but we used water-based primer and exterior paint sprayed with HPLV which I think was a mistake. Should’ve used oil-based which bonds better. If I had to guess, probably half the paint bubbled off after two or three harsh New Hampshire winters. If I was making it for me, I’d probably use treated SYP (Yellawood), let it dry out to under 10% internal moisture and then apply transparent deck stain on it. I’m not a fan of constant paint scraping and re-coating. On the other hand, you don’t get those cool bright colors. Depends on how much maintenance you can stomach.

 

[Lazzaross1981]

Your DIY patio table project from 4 years ago sounds like a fun endeavor! When choosing wood for outdoor furniture, durability is key. While cherry wood adds elegance, it may not withstand the elements well.

 

[guguta]

When it comes to choosing wood, it's all about finding the right balance between aesthetics and durability. Cherry wood for the top could indeed elevate the look and feel of your table, adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Pairing it with pressure-treated deck wood for the rest is a practical choice, ensuring the table withstands the elements while keeping costs in check.
Considering different wood types and finishes can help you achieve the desired aesthetic while staying within budget. Elegant Furniture UK offers a variety of wood options and inspiration for your project. Remember to prioritize your preferences and the specific requirements of your outdoor environment.

 

[fg7321]

The best wood to use for outdoor projects is mahogany. Yes it cost more but has great durability and will no splinter in the hot sun. BIL has a home in the Hamptons the decking is all mahogany and it was never painted or stained . Deck is 20 years old now and still holding up.

 

[newell138]

Ipe is also a durable choice but not as nice as mahogany. Sections of the OC boardwalk are done with that and they never need replacement

https://lumberplus.com/ipe-decking-lumber/

 

[Scarlet1984]

Ipe is also a durable choice but not as nice as mahogany. Sections of the OC boardwalk are done with that and they never need replacement

https://lumberplus.com/ipe-decking-lumber/

Just finished (Friday) having my front porch redone with ipe. Not inexpensive but it’s good stuff.