MODERN DINING TABLE
& BENCHES
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS PLAN RC239
This dining table 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. Which means you can simply let it weather naturally to a beautiful
silver patina.
In terms of WRC grades, choose Architect Knotty for a more rustic look and Architect Clear for a polished
contemporary look. And when it comes to specifying sizes, we recommend asking your local Real Cedar retailer if
they have any short lengths in stock. Using short lengths means less cutting, less waste and more savings for you.
For more fast facts on building with Real Cedar, download our free DIY app - available on the Apple App Store for
iOS and at Google Play for Android.
DESIGN: REAL CEDAR ORIGINAL
1
2
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
FINISHED SIZE
PART # DESCRIPTION T W L NOMINAL SIZES MATERIAL QTY
A
Leg
5 1/2” 5 1/2” 29 1/2” 6x6x3
WRC SP4
4
B
Frame
1 1/2” 3 1/2” 75” 2x4x8
WRC SP4
2
C
Frame
1 1/2” 3 1/2” 27 1/2” 2x4x3
WRC SP4
2
D
Frame
3 1/2” 3 1/2” 81” 4x4x8
WRC SP4
2
E
Frame
3 1/2” 3 1/2” 33 1/2” 4x4x3
WRC SP4
2
F
Bracing
1 1/2” 3 1/2” 33 1/2” 2x4x3
WRC SP4
3
G
Bracing
1 1/2” 3 1/2” 32 3/8” 2x4x3
WRC SP4
2
H
Blocking
1 1/2” 3 1/2” 3” 2x4x1
WRC SP4
2
I
To p
1 1/2” 5 1/2” 75” 2x6x8
WRC SP4
2
J
To p
1 1/2” 5 1/2” 86” 2x6x8
WRC SP4
5
Hardware
K
Lag Bolts
1/2” 6”
steel
8
L
Screws
2 1/2”
stainless steel screws
50
M
Screws
3 1/2”
stainless steel screws
20
A
Leg
3 1/2” 3 1/2" 18" 4x4x2
WRC SP4
4
B
Frame
1 1/2” 1 1/2" 67 1/2" 2x2x6
WRC SP4
2
C
Frame
1 1/2” 1 1/2" 10" 2x2x1
WRC SP4
2
D
Frame
1 1/2” 1 1/2" 64 1/2" 2x2x6
WRC SP4
2
E
Frame
1 1/2” 1 1/2" 7" 2x2x1
WRC SP4
2
F
Blocking
1 1/2” 3 1/2" 4" 2x4x1
WRC SP4
2
G
Blocking
1 1/2” 3 1/2" 1 1/2" 2x4x1
WRC SP4
4
H
To p
1 1/2” 3 1/2" 64 1/2" 2x6x6
WRC SP4
2
I
To p
1 1/2” 3 1/2" 71 1/2" 2x6x6
WRC SP4
2
Hardware
J
Screws
1 3/4”
stainless steel screws
50
K
Screws
3 1/2”
stainless steel screws
25
L
Screws
2 1/2”
stainless steel screws
50
TABLE (ONE)
BENCH (ONE)
FASTENER PRO TIP:
Where gluing is required, only apply a polyurethane construction adhesive specially formulated for outdoor applications. Using a
scrap of wood, spread a thin even layer of glue like butter on toast. Do not to apply excessive amounts and keep glue at least 1/2”
away from exterior edges of joint to avoid unappealing bleed out. Press pieces in place briefly, then pull them apart for a second
before pressing firmly back in place (this helps activate the glue so it will set faster). Always use clamps to keep pieces in position
while driving in screws because until the glue dries, pieces are at risk of slipping.
MODERN DINING
TABLE
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STEP 2 - Build Inner Frame
STEP 1 - Prep All Wood
STEP 3 - Fasten Inner Frame
Notch out (E) & (D) frames by cutting through with handheld circular saw
and then breaking out pieces with chisel.
Measure and cut all wood according to material list specifications. Keep in mind the (A) legs are thicker than most blades can
handle all at once, so you will need to cut each timber in three stages: Cut, do a quarter turn and repeat until wood is cut to size.
Using glue first (see pro tips) and then eight (M) stainless steel screws,
fasten prepped (D) and (E) pieces together.
FASTENER PRO TIP:
If you plan on keeping your Real Cedar dining
table outdoors for long periods of time, you should
use corrosion resistant fasteners such as hot-dipped
galvanized or stainless steel screws.
"
4
STEP 4 -
Assemble Outer Frame
Using glue and sixteen (L) stainless steel screws, attach (C) & (B) frames.
STEP 5 -
Attach Legs
Turn completed frame face down on worktable. Before attaching each (A) leg to each corner with two (K) lag bolts (and
NO GLUE), you must pre-drill using the following steps:
5a - Using a bit that is the same diameter of the washer (a 1 - 1/4" paddle will probably do, but check size of washer
because they do vary), drill a shallow hole (1/2") into the frame pieces where each bolt will be placed (refer to
illustrations below).
5b - Set the leg in appropriate position on the frame and clamp it in place.
5c - Using a 3/8” bit, start in the center of the shallow hole and proceed to drill all the way through the frame and into
the leg. If possible, use a long bit to drill the 6" deep needed for the 6" lag bolt, but if using a standard bit (4"-5"long),
drive it as deep as possible then remove the leg from the frame, and drill the hole in the leg piece an inch or two deeper.
5d - With the leg removed from the frame. Use a 1/2" bit to bore through the 3/8" hole (made in step 5c) IN THE FRAME
PIECE ONLY.
NOTE: The hole in the frame piece needs to be widened to 1/2", which will allow the lag bolt to pass through easily
without cracking it, whereas the hole in the leg needs to remain 3/8" so the lag bolt threading will grab tightly in
place. They need to be drilled in unison (step 5c) so that holes are aligned and leg will sit properly in frame.
The pre-drilling is important because if only 3/8" hole (or no hole at all) is in the frame piece, the lag bolt will likely split
the frame pieces, as the bolt position is so close to the ends of the pieces. If this happens, the split can be repaired with
glue and screws and a new hole drilled to reposition the placement of the lag bolt.
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STEP 6 -
Build Tabletop
Set frame upright on legs. Place (I) & (J) on frame, then
slide under table and tack pieces together with (F) &
(G) bracing using a few (L) stainless steel screws. Then
transport tabletop to worktable and finish assembly with
glue and remaining (L) fasteners.
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STEP 7 -
Install Tabletop
STEP 8 -
Add Blocking
Using one person on each end, lay the completed top on frame. The fit
may be very precise and so all four corners will need to be set down in
unison so the piece doesn't jam.
Flip table over and install (H) blocking.
MODERN
BENCHES
STEP 1 - Prep All Wood
STEP 2 - Assemble Inner Frames
Measure and cut all wood according to material list specifications. Notch out (B) &
(C) bench frames by cutting through with handheld circular saw and then breaking
out pieces with chisel.
Fasten (C) end pieces to (B) frames using glue (see pro tips) and (J)
stainless steel screws.
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STEP 3 - Build Outer Frames
STEP 4 - Install Legs
Attach (D) frames and (E) end pieces to inner frame using glue and (K) stainless
steel screws.
With frame facing down, install (A) legs
using glue and (K) stainless steel screws.
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STEP 5 - Add Seating
Flip frame upright on its legs and position (H)
outer and (I) inner seating.
STEP 6 - Secure Seating
Place bench facedown on work table and fasten
(H) & (I) seating to frames, using glue and
(L) stainless steel screws. Then add (F) & (G)
blocking, using same fastening method.
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NOTE: Real Cedar is not responsible for any personal injury or property damage sustained in
connection to these guidelines.
