How to build a DIY outdoor console table with a cement tabletop

When I worked on the patio renovation for a One Room Challenge, I made this beautiful DIY outdoor sofa. I planned to build a matching DIY outdoor console table with a cement tabletop inspired by the Portside entryway table from West Elm.

It's just so gorgeous, and I thought I could definitely whip it up for less than $400. And I was right 😁

You can find printable plans for this build here.

Before you start

Let's talk about wood! If you make this console outdoors exposed to the elements, you need to choose pressure-treated lumber or some hardwoods. Since my DIY console table will be on the covered porch, I just used regular pine in my garage. Just keep this in mind before building to suit your needs better.

For your convenience, I made downloadable plans for the base of this DIY outdoor console table.

There are a lot of ways to assemble this DIY console table. When I started assembling, I didn't follow my plans step by step, but I think it's counterintuitive, and you'll figure it out.

For my build, I used mainly scrap wood that I already had in my garage, but 2x3"s could be swiped for 2x4"s and vice versa.

This was my first time making a cement tabletop or any concrete project on this scale. If you want to learn how to make the cement tabletop for this console table, I wrote an entire blog about it. And spilled out everything that I've learned.

Before you even start doing this project, make sure to prep the wood. I used my table saw to square the edges and then sanded it very well before assembly. This way, a furniture piece comes out more finished and professionally looking.

Top: prepped wood. Bottom: what you get at the store

So let's get building!!

Lumber

(3) 2x4"x8'
(2) 2x3"x8'
(1) 2x2"x8'
(1) 1x4"x10' (for the slats)

Tools

Miter saw (or any saw for straight cuts)
Kreg jig
Right angle clamp
Brad nail gun
level
Speed square

Materials

Pocket hole screws 2 ½"
Screws 2 ½"
1 ½ Brad nails

Instructions

1. Take two 2x4"s at 27" and one 2x4" at 46 ½". Using a Kreg jig, make pockets holes on one side of the legs. Connect it with the 2 ½" pocket hole screws.

2. Repeat this step one more time and create another side of this console table. Always use a speed square to make sure it's all leveled and square.

3. Cut two 2x4" at 13". Attach them to the sides of the DIY console table. You can use a Kreg Jig, or you can also use regular screws. If you use regular screws, they will be visible from the outside, so I opted for a Kreg jig. Well, Kreg jig is my absolute favorite. To make sure that the connection is seamless, use the right angle clamp. I absolutely love this one, and I feel that I do most of my old projects with it.

4. The next step would be to make the bottom shelf. Cut two 2x3"s at 43 ½" and two 2x3"s at 13". Measure 6" from the bottom and attach it to the legs. I also used a Kreg jig for it. As you can see, that's my favorite 😁

5. Cut four 2x4"s at 13" for the tabletop support. Attach them to the base. Make sure to include the measurement for the cement tabletop. My tabletop was 1" thick, so I attached supports 1" below the surface.

They aren't very good looking but no one will see them haha

6. Cut two 2x2" at 42" and attach them to the bottom to create a support for slats for the shelf. Attach it with 2" screws and wood glue. After all, don't forget the wood glue since it creates a stronger bond than even screws. Make sure to place them ¾" below the top of the board. This way, when you put the slats, it will be flush.

7. Cut twelve 1x4" slats at 10" and attach them to the bottom. Use a Brad nail gun for easy assembly. Calculate how much the gap will be between and use shims (I used painter's sticks) to make sure the spacing between slats is even.

8. Put cement tabletop on supports. I wrote a lot of details about how to make a cement tabletop for this project so make sure to check it out before you rale on this build.

What could go wrong?

When I took out the cement tabletop, I realized that it didn't fit🙈 That happened because one of the boards was a bit warped, and it caused the cement tabletop to be a bit larger on one side in the middle. I ended up shaving off a bit of the tabletop to fit it in! Haha, that was quite a devastating moment. That probably wasn't the best decision I could come up with, but I really didn't want to redo the mold and start the whole process again. So I made it fit 😀

That's why DIY is the best - problem-solving at its finest!

Based on my experience, I suggest making a tabletop ¼" more narrow to consider the warp of the wood. But ideally, get the straight wood!

I used the wood that I already had in my garage. Well, because prices on the wood are astronomical at the moment, duh! I think it got a bit warped over time just laying down in the garage.

All good in the end! After 30 mins of hard work, I shaved off enough from the cement tabletop side, and it went in like butter 😁

Am I in love?

That's an understatement! I absolutely adore this DIY outdoor console table! I'm so happy I took a risk and went out of my comfort zone. The result is just above and beyond!

See for yourself!