5 DIY Projects that Will Take Your Backyard Dining Experience to the Next Level

One of the great joys of summer is dining outdoors in the comfort of your own backyard. Whether it’s an afternoon family BBQ or an elegant dinner party under the stars, a beautiful statement table brings an added sense of occasion to your open-air feasts. And even more so, if it’s a customized table built with natural materials. That’s why Real Cedar offers an entire library of outdoor dining table ideas. 

Here, then, are five of our favorite table designs for dining al fresco – complete with how-to videos and step-by-step instructions:

Round Picnic  

Designed by woodworking superstar, April Wilkerson, this eight-seater round table comes with a hole in the middle so you can pop in a patio umbrella for shade. The circular shape, meanwhile, makes it a great option for family-style gatherings because it promotes social interaction. Everyone is seated and equal distance apart, so no one gets left out of conversation.

And because the design calls for Western Red Cedar, it’s also a green choice. That’s because Real Cedar is harvested from 3rd-party certified sustainably managed forests. Cedar also provides additional environmental benefits by removing carbon from the atmosphere. So a win/win for nature.  

Modern Table 

Stylish for inside and outside of the home, this stunning modern dining table will be an instant entertaining hit! It’s basically a conversation starter unto itself. 

The design includes optional matching benches that conveniently tuck underneath when not in use. With bold, clean modern lines, the ensemble is perfect for indoor contemporary spaces. It also works great outdoors. That’s because these easy-to-follow plans call for Western Red Cedar, a building material that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects. So it can stand up to the elements for decades to come. 

Classic Picnic 

This classic picnic table is the perfect setup for casual outdoor dining. Plus it’s easy to build and built to last with minimal maintenance. That’s because Real Cedar is a durable material that you simply let weather naturally to a beautiful silver patina. But if you did want to stain or paint this a fun color, it’s good to know that Real Cedar is pitch and resin free, which means it accepts and holds a wide range of finishes. 

Either way, you’re going to have yourself a fun and functional outdoor table that can withstand decades of everyday use, kids birthday parties, family potlocks, etc.

Convertible Table 

Need seating for entertaining friends and family? Or need a communal table for a big dinner party? With this convertible design by home improvement influencer, April Wilkerson, you can have both. Folded up, it’s two benches with backrests. Folded down, it’s a classic picnic table. 

For this project, she used a beautiful grade of knotty cedar for added texture and warmth. But you could use a clear grade of cedar for a more streamlined look. That’s one of the great things about working with Real Cedar – you’re spoiled for choice because it’s available in an array of grades, sizes and profiles. So you can achieve any look you desire with your woodworking projects.

Cooler Table 

Ideal for outdoor dining, but stylish enough for indoors, this incredibly attractive table features angled legs, crisp, clean lines and its own built-in cooler  to keep your favorite beverages cool. The accompanying modern patio table bench has also been designed to complement the Real Cedar built-in cooler patio table, this stylish and modern-looking bench features angled legs and clean, crisp lines for a very contemporary look.

This design is also a pleasure to build because it calls for beautiful, Western Red Cedar, which is easy to work with. It lays straight, takes fasteners easily and the tools love it.