A wooden garden table is a great way to add a touch of character and warmth to any outdoor space. It also makes a good place to set down drinks and snacks, or to display your favourite plants. Fortunately, it’s pretty simple to build one yourself too.
Before you start building your own wooden garden table, make sure you have the right equipment. It will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.
1. Cut the slats to size:
You will need a jigsaw or hand saw to cut the slats to the desired length. It is best to get slats that are slightly shorter than you want the final length of the table to be, as they will take up less space when folded away.
2. Fix the top:
The top of your garden table will need to be firmly fixed to give it strength and stability. This will ensure the table won’t sway from side to side when you move it around your garden.
3. Make the legs:
The legs of your garden table need to be strong and sturdy so they won’t break when you move it around. These should be made from a hard wood like oak or pine. They should be strong enough to stand up to the elements, but not too thick as they will need to withstand regular scrubbing and painting with exterior wood paint or stain.
4. Remove old paint:
Many wooden garden furniture may look a little dull or grey after being used in the colder months of the year. This is due to a natural reaction between the timber and the air. To help you restore the original colour and finish, it’s a good idea to strip all the existing paint from the wooden garden table or bench.
5. Refinish with a new coat of paint:
This is the most common way to update wooden garden furniture and will ensure it looks as good as new for years to come. It’s a good idea to use a stain or paint that matches the colour of your existing timber as it will protect the surface from damage and prevent fading over time.
6. Maintain:
All timber garden furniture needs to be maintained if you want it to last for as long as possible. A yearly clean and wax should do the trick, but regular treatments of exterior wood paint or stain will also help to keep your garden furniture looking as good as new for longer.
7. Stain or paint the wood:
Using an oil based stain or exterior paint will help to preserve your timber and make it more resistant to damage. It will also give a protective coating that will help to repel dirt, water and sunlight.
8. Apply a coat of weather proofing:
A good outdoor paint or stain will also protect your furniture from the elements and reduce wear and tear. You can choose from a wide range of finishes and colours to suit your garden, as well as your personal style.
