Build a DIY Outdoor Concrete Table with Cedar Base

Cedar's natural moisture resistance makes it ideal for outdoor furniture. This 22×46-inch table base (outside leg edges) supports a 24×48-inch concrete top with 1-inch overhang. Left unfinished, but stainable for extra durability.

Building the Cedar Base

Materials

• Four 4×4×30-inch cedar posts
• Three 8-ft 1×4 cedar boards cut to: eight 3¾-in, four 3-in, four 15-in, two 39-in, two 17¼-in
• Measuring tape, saw, 1¼-in exterior galvanized screws, drill with screwdriver bit

Steps

1. Cut boards to listed lengths.
2. Predrill, fasten one 3-in and one 3¾-in piece on two adjacent sides of each post, flush with top.
3. Connect two posts per end: predrill and fasten 15-in side piece to 3¾-in block on both post tops.
4. Measure 6 in from bottom of posts on each end piece. Attach 3-in corner blocks on interior of each post.
5. Fasten 15-in piece to corner blocks — end piece now braced top and bottom.
6. Connect end pieces: predrill and fasten 39-in side pieces to 3-in corner blocks on post tops.
7. Position 17¼-in pieces evenly along side pieces. Predrill and fasten.

Making the Concrete Top

Countertop concrete uses a fairly dry mix that sets overnight. Rough edges and small air pockets add rustic appeal. This size (24×48 in) doesn't need wire mesh or heavy-duty frame.

Materials

• Three 2×2×48-in foam strips, foam tape, 2×28×52-in foam insulation board, 2×4 boards
• Biodegradable colorant, 5-gal bucket, handheld drill with paddle mixer, wheelbarrow
• Two 70-lb bags concrete (Buddy Rhodes Concrete Counter Mix), shovel, rubberized gloves, concrete trowel

Steps

1. Tape foam strips into 24×48-in rectangle; tape to insulation board.
2. Build 2×4 frame around foam mold; set on solid surface.
3. Mix colorant per instructions (premeasured bag in 5-gal water, paddle mix).
4. Mix concrete per instructions. Pour colorant into wheelbarrow, add concrete mix, blend with shovel to cookie-dough consistency.
5. Wearing gloves, press concrete into mold, filling frame. Smooth with trowel. Cure per manufacturer instructions.
6. Remove mold. Two people needed to move heavy top onto base.