I’m going to let you in on a little secret:  I’m not good with tools. I have a great handyman (thanks for it all, Dad). And I like the idea of DIY, much more than actually sanding down and re-purposing an old dresser (thanks, Mom – you really out-did yourself on this one).  With that being said, I’m sure you’re not shocked to learn that I am neither the builder nor the assistant builder of the rustic entertaining hut in the photo below.  I do, however, feel lucky that I get to enjoy long weekends by the fire-pit with my family and our extraordinarily creative neighbors, Marc and Carol, who did make this 100% natural entertaining space for their rustic vacation home in the Catskills.   

Since starting their NY State home restoration project, Marc and Carol (who are true masters anything DIY) have even surprised themselves with how many furniture pieces they were easily able to make by hand with just the natural materials on their property.  And for my Dad’s birthday party a few weeks ago, Marc and Carol drove over “souvenirs” from their new upstate handmade life: 4 of the best outdoor side tables my parents have ever owned! I liked them so much, and wanted one for my apartment terrace so badly, that I let Marc convince me that I could simply make it myself.  After a lot of skepticism and a quick lesson on using an electric compound mitter saw, I was proud to call myself a rustic furniture apprentice! (See finished table below at Marc and Carol’s NY state home below)

Carol has named these the “Catskill Cocktail Tables,” and below I wanted to share the steps in making one for your outdoor patio, deck, or porch.  These all-natural tables, made from 100% recycled and reclaimed materials costs less than $10 to make, require very few tools, and can be finished in less than two hours.  If I can do it, anyone can – seriously.

Breaking it down:
Table top frame:  (Use the four 18” longs) Using your saw, create square frame by cutting approximately 45 degree angles at each end of the log. You may have to make adjustments as needed to align the frame.  To best ensure table is level on top, make sure flattest side of the log faces upward.  Next, drill pilot holes into adjoining corners and attach deck screws.  Repeat the process on all four corners. (See drill technique below)

Legs:  (Use the four 15” longs):  Do not center legs on the “corners” of the table – you will have a better, more sturdy, result if you drill and screw each leg in the middle of each frame log.  Place all logs standing upright in a square.  Place the square table top frame on top of the legs.  Ensure each leg is situated in the center of each frame section. Drill pilot hole down from table top frame into leg.  Attach with screws.  Repeat the process on each leg. (See alignment below)

Cross Members:  (Use the four 12” logs):  Turn the table upside down.  Measure between legs and cut the cross member pieces to fit your measurements.  Cross member should be positioned 6” from the bottom of the leg.  Use your clamp (if available, or use the hands of a friend) to hold cross member in place.  Drill pilot holes at each end from cross member into the legs (I learned that your drill should be at a 45 degree angle for best results).  Attach with deck screws.  Repeat the process on all 4 spaces. (See photo below)

Table Top:  (Recycled Wood Planks):  Stand table upright.  Lay planks across the hollow table frame.  Drill pilot holes through planks into frame, and attach with deck screws.  (Tip: Be careful not to drill into existing screws in the frame). 

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