Plans

Free Woodworking Plans to Build a Big Sur Coastal Collection Bistro Table

07.09.11 By //
Project Image

I think this table would be perfect outside with an umbrella. Don't you? This table is Bistro height or Bar Height and I have provided plans for the accompanying bar stools as well.

Inspired by the Big Sur line of furniture at Crate & Barrel, this table is of my own design and not in any way affiliated with the specialty retailer.

Dimensions 
Dimensions for This Project

Tools 
  • Tape Measure
  • Square
  • Sander
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • 2″Hole Saw Drill bit OR a Spade Drill Bit (I recommend asking a sales associate which they carry and recommend, my experience with Spade Bits is that they give you a rough hole and you need to sand it well after drilling, a hole saw bit gives you a cleaner hole but they don't always bore deeply)

 

Lumber 
  • 2 – 4×4 at 8'
  • 2 – 1×3 at 8'
  • 1 – 1×3 at 10'
  • 1 – 2×12 at 10'
Materials 
  • 2″ Finish Nails – optional for attaching table top and can use screws if needed.
  • 2″ Screws – Choose Galvanized or Stainless Screws if for Outdoor Use.

**2″Hole Saw Drill bit OR a Spade Drill Bit (I recommend asking a sales associate which they carry and recommend, my experience with Spade Bits is that they give you a rough hole and you need to sand it well after drilling, a hole saw bit gives you a cleaner hole but they don't always bore deeply)

  • Wood Glue
  • Wood Filler
  • Sanding Supplies
  • Finishing Supplies
Cut List 
  • 4 – 4×4 at 42″ (Legs)
  • 4 – 1×3 at 1 3/4″ (Spacers)
  • 6 – 1×3 at 30 1/4″ (Frame and Slats, you can eliminate one of these if this item is for indoor you for you)
  • 2 – 1×3 at 26 3/4″ (Frame)
  • 2 – 1×3 at 26 3/4″ (Apron)
  • 3 – 2×12 at 33 1/4″ (Table Tops)

 

Instructions 

**If you are making this for outdoor use, purchase wood that holds up well to weather and moisture. This might include Cedar, Redwood, and Teak , but I would ask your local lumber supply for appropriate wood species for your area and climate. You should Finish and Seal all boards prior to assembling if this is for outdoor use.
This will keep it water tight and protected. Also try and use Galvanized or Stainless Screws whenever possible for outdoor use.

**If your climate zone dictates that you have space between boards on the top to allow for water drainage (or you simply like the look of that), you will place 1/4″ Gap between the Table Top Boards and increase the Stool Support and Side Apron lengths by 1/2″ to allow for water drainage and accommodate the gaps.

**Always Pre-Drill and Counter Sink for the most professional appearance. Check for Square after EACH step. It will really matter in this project.

Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.

Step 1

Step 1 

Attach the Spacers to the Legs using 2″ Screws and Wood Glue.
 

Step 2

Step 2 

Build the Frame: Use 2″ Screws and Wood Glue. Leave a 2″ space between the 2 center slats to allow for the umbrella if this is for outdoor use, the other slats can just be placed in the center of the remaining space at approximately 5″. If this is for indoor use you can eliminate one slat and place the remaining center slat directly in the middle of the frame.
 

Step 3

Step 3 

Attach the Frame to the Legs: Using 2″ Screws and Wood Glue, align the top of the frame with the top of the Spacers (1 1/2″ from the top of the legs). Leave a 1″ space on either side of the frame on the legs without Spacers.
 

Step 4

Step 4 

Attach the Aprons to the Spacers: Use 2″ Screws and Wood Glue.
 

Step 5

Step 5 

Carve out a 3 1/2″ Square in the 4 corners as seem in the image below. Only 2 of your boards will have cutouts and only on 2 of their corners.
 

Step 6

Attach the Table Tops to the Frame: Use 2″ Screws or Finish Nails and Wood Glue.
 

Finishing Instructions 

Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School

**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.

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