Adding an outdoor table to your garden can create a real focal point, as well as providing a place to entertain and relax. But garden tables are often expensive, and it’s not always easy finding one that perfectly suits your style.
In this post we look at how to you build your own garden table, without breaking the budget, simply by using some composite deck boards and a little bit of imagination!
Why build a DIY composite decking table?
Whether you’re wanting to make a dining, bistro, or coffee table, composite decking boards are the perfect material to use. They’re extremely durable, split and splinter resistant, and require only a minimal amount of maintenance. They’re also an eco-friendly choice – for example, here at Ecodek, our boards are made from 95% recycled and sustainably sourced materials.
If you’ve already got a composite deck, you could use the same boards or a complementary colour to create a sense of cohesion. You may even have a few boards left over from the installation to save on cost!
What materials and tools will I need?
To make your new composite table you’ll need:
- Composite deck boards of your choice
- Materials for your tabletop frame and base (see below)
- Circular saw
- Cordless drill
- Smart bit
- Spirit level
- Appropriate screws (as recommended by the manufacturer of your composite boards)
- Safety glasses
Steps to building a composite table
1. Decide on the shape and measurements of your table
The overall size of your table will depend on its function e.g will it be a dining table or coffee table? And how many people would you like it to seat? This will then determine its length, breadth, and height.
2. Decide on the materials you’re going to use
Decide on the materials required for the tabletop frame and the table’s base. You could use composite deck boards to make the entire table? You may want to buy a bespoke base stand, or use composite posts or fascia for your frame and base – the choice is yours.
3. Build the top frame
To build the frame for the tabletop you’ll need four posts or boards – two running lengthways and two widthways – plus two to run within the frame to form a brace.
Use your circular saw to cut the boards to length, remembering to use the appropriate safety wear.
Predrill your screw holes for the deck boards with your Smartbit.
4. Build the base
Assemble the base frame, remembering to predrill your screw holes for the tabletop frame.
5. Measure and cut your top boards
You can now measure and cut your composite boards. The length of the boards will depend on the layout of the top of the table e.g do you want boards simply running in one direction, or a picture frame finish etc?
Don’t forget when measuring your tabletop boards to consider the spacing between each one – check the decking manufacturer’s installation guide for board gaps needed to allow for expansion and contraction.
5. Assemble your table
Fix the boards to your tabletop frame using either face fixing or a clip system (check manufacturer’s installation guide) in your desired style.
Now attach the base, using a spirit level to ensure it’s level before screwing the legs into place.
As this is a composite table, you do not need to rub it down or apply any treatments or paints – once it’s assembled it’s ready to use!
Top tips for constructing your composite table
- Safety first – If cutting your composite boards with a circular saw always wear the appropriate safety gear, such as goggles, ear protection, and gloves.
- Measure twice – It’s always worth measuring twice, so you only cut once! This ensures you will not waste any valuable materials and you finish with the table you envisaged.
- Always predrill your holes in composite decking – It’s important to remember to predrill all your holes. This prevents the boards from cracking when a screw is fixed into place.
- Always read the manufacturer’s instructions – Even though you’re not installing a deck, it’s always worth having a read of the manufacturer’s guidelines before building your table. It may include specific information about the composite deck boards you’re using and help prevent any damage to your boards during the building process.
Explore our range of composite decking
If we’ve inspired you to try your hand at a DIY composite deck board table, or if you would like further information on composite boards in general, call our team today on 01978 667 840.