How to Make an Outdoor Bar Table From Reclaimed Lumber

Using reclaimed lumber to build an outdoor table bar guarantees that the final product will be unique and have a rustic charm. This bar is tall enough to stand at and serve at parties, and can also be sat around like a table using high stools. The key when building with reclaimed wood is to provide enough structural support underneath the lumber so the aged wood does not bear stresses it cannot handle. This is easily accomplished by building a wood frame from 2-by-4s and attaching the reclaimed wood to the outside of the frame. The wood should be treated with waterproofing sealant and galvanized screws should be used. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Arrange two 48-inch treated 2-by-4 boards on the ground, parallel to each other with their largest sides facing the ground. Space them about 4 feet apart. Set another pair of identical boards on top of them, perpendicular to them so that their corners overlap and the four boards form a perfect square frame that measures 48 inches on a side.

2

Drill four holes into each overlapping corner of the boards. Set 2 1/2-inch galvanized wood screws in the holes and drill them into place, securing the four boards together into a frame. Repeat with four identical boards to make an identical second square frame.

3

Stand the two identical frames upright and parallel to each other with the help of an assistant. Place them about 18 inches apart. Position 18-inch treated 2-by-4 boards between the frame boards at each corner, with their largest surfaces flush with the outside edge of the frame board.

4

Drill two holes through the frame and into each end of each short support board. Set 5-inch galvanized screws in each hole and tightly screw them in place to attach the frame together.

5

Repeat the installation process of the short support boards to add short support boards and the middle point of each frame side, so that there are a total of eight short support boards attached to the frame. Space them evenly so there is one in each corner and one on each side at the midpoint.

6

Cut reclaimed boards to fit across the outside of the table bar frame. Position each board against the frame and drill holes through the reclaimed wood and into the frame. Set 2 1/2-inch galvanized screws in the holes and tighten the screws to attach the reclaimed wood. Continue to install the reclaimed wood in this fashion until the entire frame is covered except the top.

7

Find a piece of reclaimed wood that is larger than the table bar frame top and at least 1 inch thick. Cut it to fit and set it on top of the table bar frame. Drill holes up through the frame and into the reclaimed wood that will be the table bar top. Screw 2 1/2-inch galvanized wood screws up and into the table bar top.

8

Sand the exterior surface of the reclaimed wood. Then wipe it with a tack cloth to remove any dirt and dust. Apply a thin coat of sealant to the reclaimed wood using smooth, even strokes that follow the grain of the reclaimed wood. Allow two hours for the sealant to dry. Apply a second coat in the same manner.