Did you ever want one of those cool outdoor coffee tables, the ones made out of teak or ipe wood that you might often associate to summer vacations around the beach?  These free Chesapeake coffee table plans will teach you how to build your own – and it’s not that hard. So grab your tools and some lumber, and you can be enjoying some summer beverages around a new outdoor Chesapeake coffee table in no time!

Materials

• 1 – 2×2 at 8’
• 2 – 1×4 at 8’
• 9 – 1×3 at 8’
• 3 – 1×2 at 8’

Tools

• Saw – miter, circular, jig or table
• Hand saw – if you don’t have a jig saw, you’ll need a hand saw to finish a few cuts
• Drill and driver bits
• Kreg Jig
• Sander and sandpaper
• Tape Measure
• Wood glue

Step 1: Cut all of your pieces

Since these Chesapeake coffee table plans require all basic (and repetitive) square cuts, it’s quickest to cut all of pieces at once.  Refer to the cut diagram below to cut the following pieces:

• From the 1x2s
  • 2 – 20” Inner Top Supports
  • 4 – 19 1/4” Side Aprons and Frame Bottom
  • 2 – 43” Front and Back Aprons bottom
•  From the 1x3s
  • 2 – 43” Front and Back Aprons Top
  • 2 – 19 1/4” Side Aprons Top
  • 2 – 46″ Lower Shelf Outside Front and Back Boards
  • 2 – 16 3/4” Lower Shelf Sides
  • 12 – 41” Lower and Top Shelf Center Boards (6 ea.)
• From the 1x4s
  • 2 – 16 3/4” Top Side Bread Boards
  • 2 – 48” Top Front and Back Outside Boards
• From the 2x2s
  • 4 – 17 1/4” Legs

Step 2: Assemble the top frame

When building these Chesapeake coffee table plans, it’s easiest to start with the table upside down so that you can use your work surface to align the top edge.  Use wood glue and pocket screws to secure the 43″ 1×3 boards to the legs, ensuring they are inset 3/8″ from the outside of each leg (the centers align to the centers of the legs).  Then attach the 19 1/4″ 1×3 boards to finish the upper frame, again insetting them 3/8″.  Lastly, attach the 20″ 1×2 inner top support 13 1/4″ in from the inside edge of the legs using pocket screws and wood glue.

Step 3: Assemble the lower frame

The lower frame is made entirely of 1×2 boards, with the outer frame being attached flush to the inside of the table legs.  Use pocket screws and wood glue on all joints.  Start by attaching the two 43″ long pieces, making certain each end is 4 1/4″ down from the bottom of the leg.  Then attach the four 19 1/4″ pieces, starting with the two outside pieces. Set the two inner 19 1/4″ pieces 13 1/4″ in from the inside edge of the outer frame boards.

Step 4: Assemble and attach the lower shelf

The lower shelf is frame by 1×3 boards.  The two 48″ boards each need a 1 1/2 x 1 1/4″ notch cut in the outer corners to allow them to go around the legs.  Use a jig saw or hand saw to make these cuts.  Now use pocket screws and wood glue to assemble the outer frame, ensuring the corners are square.  Once the outer frame is assembled, attach the inner shelf boards, spacing them 1/4″ apart to allow rain and snow to drain between the boards.

After you’ve built the lower shelf, use wood glue and pocket screws (coming up from the lower frame) to attach it to the base.

Step 5: Assemble and attach the upper shelf

The upper shelf is assembled and attached in the same manner as the lower shelf.  Start with the outer frame and then attach the inner boards.

The upper shelf should be attached leaving a 1″ overhang on the short ends and a 3/4″ overhang on the long ends.  Again use pocket screws from underneath and wood glue to hold it in place.

Step 6: Sand and finish

Once you have the table assembled, sand and finish as you see fit.  Depending on the type of wood you used, you’ll want to either stain and seal it (if you used a pine or other non-weather resistant species).  If you used a teak, ipe, or cedar type wood, a good coat of oil (such as Teak or Danish oil) will give you a great finish.

We hope you find these Chesapeake coffee table plans useful, and would love to see your results if you build your own!  If you have comments or question, please feel free to connect with us via the comments section below or use our Contact Form.  Also, don’t forget to check out our other free DIY furniture plans.

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