DIY Modern Farmhouse Outdoor Dining Table

Can you guys believe Memorial Day is upon us?

While this summer will probably feel a bit different for most of us, I believe spending plenty of time outdoors in the sunshine should give us all a taste of some much-needed normalcy.

I don’t know about you guys, but I am looking forward to al fresco dining, campfire s’mores and frozen cocktails (not that I need anymore sugar or booze after this whole sh*tstorm of a spring, but you only live once I suppose).

Just in time for the first summer holiday, today I am going to share how to build a DIY Modern Farmhouse patio table on the cheap.

*For your online shopping convenience, I have included affiliate links in this post. That means if you click on one of those links and buy something, I may receive a small commission, but you won’t pay a dime more. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases*

While I had initially contemplated several different possibilities for this outdoor dining table, I ultimately settled on a super simple design.

Reason being? The simple configuration of the legs allowed for the most possible seating while also maintaining dimensions compatible with an existing rug I wanted to keep. In other words, my goal was to seat as many people possible without having to expand the length of the table beyond the rug I was working with.

From a visual perspective, I believe the simple yet rustic vibes work beautifully with our overall Modern Farmhouse aesthetic, but even more important, I believe this look will be most practical for our family (especially the new dining chairs we paired with the table- no cushions or fabric to have to keep clean make this boy mama super happy).

I also hope the modern rustic finish of the stain will work well with the elements of nature. Only time will tell, but I hope the wood will age gracefully.

While I had briefly considered painting the table black, I was concerned that the paint would chip easily and require way too much maintenance.

All of that being said, what I like most about this table is the price tag.

Given we already had some weathered 6x6x8 posts to use for the legs, this table only cost $49 to build. For a table of this scale and sturdiness, that is a freakin’ steal!

Let me show you how to make your own modern patio table.

DIY Modern Outdoor Dining Table Materials:

• • Drill/driver (12 or 20 volt)
  • Pocket hole jig
  • Pocket hole screws (jig instructions give proper length and type)
  • 3” and 3.5” deck screws
  • Miter saw
  • Hole saw (1.75”) (for umbrella hole)
  • 7 2x6x8s
  • 2 6x6x8s
  • orbital sander
  • stain (I used this one and this one)
  • weather-proof top coat (I used this one)

How To Build a Modern Farmhouse Patio Table for Cheap:

(Step 1). Cut 2x lumber for frame to desired width and length. Remember to consider the spacing between top slats when considering width. Width should not require ripping boards. Example:My table has 5 2×6’s which equals 27.5” plus 4.5” for spacing (6 gaps x .75”) plus the boarder (1.5 x 2”) to be 35”.

(Step 2). Attach frame lumber using 3” deck screws.

(Step 3). Cut top slats to desired length. Remember to subtract 3” from desired length because the boarder adds 3”

(Step 4). Drill pocket holes using jig at the ends of top slats.

(Step 5). Acquire two spacers for desired spacing between top slats. I used 1x lumber to give .75” spacing.

(Step 6). Attach top slats using pocket hole screws and utilizing spacers between slats to give proper spacing.

(Step 7). Cut legs to desired height. Remember to subtract 1.5” because the top will at 1.5” to total height. I used 6×6 lumber.

(Step 8). Clamp legs in place and attach using 3.5” deck screws.

(Step 9). Rotate table to sit upright (use two people to rotate because table will be heavy). Locate center of table to drill hole for umbrella. Use hole saw to drill hole. **For added umbrella security, we built an L bracket out of scrap wood and attached it to the bottom of the table**

(Step 10).  For smooth finish, sand table with orbital sander.

(Step 11). Stain table to your liking. Using a foam brush and a rag to wipe  quickly, I  applied one coat of this stain, followed by a second coat of this stain.

(Step 12). Apply two layers of this weather-proof top coat. Here is what I used.

And there you have it…a custom built outdoor dining table for under $100.

For any of you curious about the decor featured in this post, I have listed the sources directly below..

Decor Sources for My Outdoor Dining Area:

• Black and White Umbrella- Amazon
• Rug- Target
• Midcentury Modern Dining Chairs- Article
• Faux Olive Tree- Wayfair
• White Metal Side Chairs- Similar ones on  Wayfair
• White and Black Outdoor Pillows- Amazon
• Black Chair Cushions- Target

Despite the strange times, I hope you guys have a holiday weekend full of joy, laughter and love.

While I am definitely not ready to be in a swimsuit yet, I am ready to get the hell out of confinement and soak in some sunshine with my loved ones.

*Updated June 2021*- Over a year has passed since we built our outdoor table, and it has held up beautifully, although we did touch up the stain on it a few weeks ago (as you can see in the photo below)…

Now get out there and design some good vibes, and please help a small business out by sharing this post!