Perfect for small spaces when a massive Cedar Pergola would be overwhelming, or as in this case, to add lighting above an outdoor picnic table, this Western Red Cedar Table Arbor is a great DIY project. Easy to assemble, and not a lot of special tools are required.
We used a 5’ Western Red Cedar picnic table we already own and made the table arbor appropriate for its size. We modified the existing table by cutting 4” openings in the tabletop just outside where the table legs are to allow the table arbor to be secured to the picnic table legs, rather than the tabletop for more security and stability.
Material List
- 2 ea 6’ 4×4” Appearance Cedar Posts
- 4 ea 4’ 2×6” Knotty Cedar Boards
- 4 ea 6’ 2×4” Knotty Cedar Boards
- 8 ea 4’ 2×2” Clear Cedar Boards
- 16 ea 6” Timberloc Screws
- 8 ea 4” Timberloc Screws
- 36 ea 3” Stainless Steel Screws
Tools Needed
- Tape Measure
- Cordless Drill & Bits
- Chop (or Skill) Saw
- Level
After the openings are cut through the tabletop of the picnic table, we squared the ends up on the 4×4’s, leaving one end on each flat (for the top of the table arbor) and angled the other end on each to add interest. We attached the first post to an existing table leg using four of the 6” Timberloc screws about a foot down onto the table leg. To ensure the two posts will be even in height, before securing the second one, use the level to determine the second post’s correct placement. Attach with four 6” Timberloc screws.
For ease of construction, the next portion of the frame is built on the tabletop around the 4×4’s but not secured to the 4×4’s. We evened up the ends and angle cut the 2×6’s and placed them on either side of the 4×4 post, then laid out the 2×4’s with even spacing and secured the 2×4’s (after we cut the angles on the end) on top of them using 6” Timberloc screws through the 2×4’s into the 2×6’s. Once the frame is assembled, around the 4×4’s, lift it up and secure it to the top of the 4×4’s. Be sure to use the level to check the height on each end before securing each 2×6 to the 4×4’s with two 4” Timberloc screws on each side of the 4×4. Each post will have a total of four 4″ Timberloc screws in it to secure the frame to the top.
Next, we squared up the ends of the 2×2’s and cut each into the desired angle, spaced them evenly on top of the 2×4’s. We used 3” Stainless Steel screws to secure the 2×2’s onto the 2×4’s. (p.s. cats are not very helpful for this portion of the job)
Solar-powered garden lights (3 sets) were secured to the table arbor using stainless steel staples. This will add lighting to the table after the sun goes down. (cats are not very helpful with this portion of the project, either)
The finished product ready for the next party!
To learn more about using the correct fasteners for this project and your other Western Red Cedar outdoor projects, please find more information by reading our blog post on this subject by clicking HERE.
Before your next project, be sure to visit us! We ship nationwide!
1.360.757.6343
950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA