DIY Fluted Outdoor Dining Table | Step-by-Step

These step-by-step instructions on DIY Fluted outdoor table plans will show you how to build a beautiful and unique outdoor dining table.

DIY budget-friendly outdoor dining table

Alright, DIY friends! We are at it again with another project for our backyard. I have been waiting a long time to DIY this fluted outdoor dining table, and I am so happy it’s finally finished, and it’s gorgeous!

We wanted a large outdoor dining table that felt modern, substantial, and completely different from the basic outdoor dining tables we kept seeing online.

Instead of buying one, we built this DIY fluted outdoor dining table using pressure-treated lumber, plywood, and inexpensive wood balusters.

The finished table features two bold pedestal bases, decorative fluted detailing, and a spacious stained-wood top that is perfect for outdoor dinners and summer entertaining.

Below, I’ll walk you through the materials, measurements, and step-by-step process we used to build it.

We have been working on our backyard for a few years, and it’s really taking shape with all the love and energy we put into it.

So come along, friends; let me show you our latest project…

DIY Outdoor Dining Table at a Glance

Detail	Information
Finished dimensions	8 ft. long X 2 ft. wide
Seating capacity	8 -10 people
Estimated cost	$150
Build time	2 full days
Difficulty	Intermediate
Main material	Pressure-treated lumber
Style	Modern fluted pedestal table
Finish	Black outdoor paint and stained wood top

DIY outdoor table inspiration and design

Inspiration and design: The creation of this outdoor dining table started with a vision. I love fluted detail anywhere I can use it.

I used it in my son’s bedroom to create an interesting wall detail. My daughter’s dresser got this fluted detail added to give new life to an old dresser. I had to somehow incorporate this fluted detail into the outdoor dining table.

Gather materials -The first step was to hunt for materials that could stand up to the elements. Armed with a list of essentials needed for this project, we were off to our local Home Depot, where we were able to get everything we needed.

Materials You’ll Need for the outdoor dining table

• 2″ X 8″ treated boards.
• Outdoor fence post caps for the feet
• 1- 4′ X 8′ pressure-treated plywood
• 2″x 2″ wood balusters used for outdoor fencing-Measure for the size of the base
• Wood glue (for extra strength)
• Weatherproof screws
• Stain and exterior paint
• Clear outdoor sealer – Protective finish to shield against the elements
• Measuring tape (measure twice, cut once – you know the drill)
• Orbital sander
• Sandpaper
• Kreg pocket hole jig
• Circular saw
• Miter saw
• Chop saw
• Drill
• Clamps

Which material can I use for my outdoor tabletop?

We looked for durable, high-quality wood, such as cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber. To keep the project budget-friendly, we chose pressure-treated 2×8 boards, which worked perfectly as well.

Once we had all the materials in hand, it was time to unleash our creativity and get building. I love to see a design on paper start to take shape; I get so excited with the process, don’t you?

Measurements had to be meticulous, and the cuts had to be precise so that everything would fit just right.

Let’s build an outdoor dining table

Ready to create a fabulous outdoor dining table with a fluted design? Let’s dive in and create something amazing!

Step 1: Determine the Table Dimensions

Step 2: Build the Two Pedestal Frames

Step 3: Enclose the Bases with Plywood

Step 4: Add the Decorative Feet

Step 5: Fill and Sand the Bases

Step 6: Cut and Attach the Fluted Detail

Step 7: Paint the Pedestal Bases

Step 8: Prepare the Tabletop Boards

Step 9: Join the Tabletop with Pocket Holes

Step 10: Attach the Top to the Bases

Step 11: Stain and Seal the Table

Build two rectangular boxes using pressure-treated plywood and 4″ X 4″ pieces of wood for the base.

We used outdoor fence post’s finials and turned them upside down for the feet of the base.

Screw 2- 2″ X 4″ pieces of wood to the top of each base for the tabletop to sit on.

Seal all the screw holes and gaps with wood filler.

Painted the base black before we added the detail

Now it was time to add my favorite decorative fluted detail.

We cut 2″x 2″ wood balusters used for outdoor fencing into 1″ X 2″ for this detail.

Nail in all the pieces on the rectangular base.

Fill all the nail holes with wood putty.

Paint the base with black outdoor paint.

Next for the tabletop, sand 4-2′ X 8′ pieces of wood of your choice, we kept the cost down by using pressure-treated lumber.

Make pocket holes with Kreg jig on the back side of the planks of wood

Glue all the pieces together using wood glue and insert screws into the pocket holes and use clamps to hold the wood planks together.

Give the tabletop a final sanding.

Stain and seal the top with 2-3 coats of sealer

Our DIY outdoor dining table is complete

This table turned out seriously SO AMAZING! I absolutely love it!

Now to find the right chairs for this table!

Creating our backyard oasis

We love spending summer days and nights with family and guests outdoors. Creating our backyard oasis to accomodate these gatherings are priceless.

Here’s what we have done so far…

The first project was to build a pergola. My husband built this pergola in 3 days, working day and night. It was during the pandemic, so he had plenty of time, and it was a good distraction!

Another one of my favorite projects is these extra-large cement planters that my husband built. This DIY planter went viral on the internet. We saved thousands of dollars building these planters instead of buying them.

I planted a dwarf apple tree in the cement planter and a hydrangea bush in another. After three years, the plants are still thriving in the planters, hooray!

We added an outdoor sofa set that was a perfect fit for under the pergola. This one is such a comfy and stylish conversation set; it was a great addition to create a lounging area.

There is something inherently magical about enjoying a meal under the open sky. Al fresco dining is my favorite thing to do during the warm summer days.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal outside, this DIY outdoor dining table is the perfect gathering spot.

I hope you found this post helpful and follow along for more projects like this!