Time

1 - 2 hours

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$50 - $150

Introduction

This durable stone-top patio project is simple enough for a beginner to build in just a few hours and costs less than $100!

Tile stores carry a wide selection of beautiful stone tile. And that’s the inspiration for this stone top patio table. We chose a slate tile, but choose from different types of tile, including granite, limestone and marble tiles. You could also use manufactured tile, though the edges may not match the face of the tile.

How to clean a stone-top table

Your new table is going to get dirty, whether that’s from pilled drinks or backyard birds. Fortunately, it’s easy to clean. For most spills, you can just rinse the table with clean water. If you need a little more, wipe it down with warm, soapy water and a clean cloth. There are natural stone cleaning products available, which can be helpful for deeper stains. Rinse it off with clean water when you’re done.

If the tile you bought for this project isn’t already sealed, you can buy a stone sealant that will help prevent stains.

Construction Drawings for this stone-top patio table project:

Family Handyman

Materials Required

1 lb. 1-1/2″ galvanized finish nails
120-grit sandpaper
14′ of 1×2 oak
6′ of 2×2 oak
Construction adhesive
Eight 1-5/8″ galvanized screws
Exterior wood glue
Stone tile

Project step-by-step (6)

Step 1

Cut the parts

To cut identical parts without measuring each one, screw a stop block to a 1×4 base (See the cut list measurements for this project in the photo in the diagram above.)
Position the base and clamp it in place.
Use a miter saw to cut the top supports at 45-1/2 degrees. That way, they’ll join tightly at the visible outside corners.
Sand the parts before assembly.

Step 2

Screw and glue the shelf supports to the legs

The shelf supports and legs must meet at 90 degrees. You can position them with a square, but if you’re building more than one table, you can speed up the job by making an assembly jig. This jig is made from 1x4s screwed to plywood.

Step 3

Attach the top supports

Screw the top supports to the legs
Be sure to countersink the screw heads so the tile top will rest directly on the supports.

Step 4

Install the slats

Drill pilot holes, then fasten the slats using glue and nails or trim-head screws.
Position the slats using 1/2-inch spacers.

Step 5

Glue on the stone-tile top

Center the table on the underside of the tile and trace its location.
Then, apply construction adhesive and set the top in place. Set weight on the slats if needed.
We finished our table with two coats of spar urethane.

Step 6

How To Build a Stone-Top Patio Table

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