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Umbrella table
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Enjoy lunch on the patio with this extra-sturdy umbrella table
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By Gary Walchuk, photo by Roger Yip, illustration by Len Churchill
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The leg and base assembly provide solid support for the two-tiered top. Non-slip grips added to the feet to keep the table off the ground
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Join all four top braces together by fitting the notches at the centre. Use four screws to secure the braces in an X shape. Slide this assembly downward from the leg tops until the brace top edges are flush with the upper surface of the notches you cut in the legs. Measure, square up and clamp the top braces to the legs perfectly, then use #8 x 2 1/2" screws and outdoor glue to secure everything together.
Tackling the Tabletop
You will need to cut out 16 pieces of stock to make the top. Start with the large and small top curve pieces, then use biscuits or dowels and glue to connect them into a frame that measures 22 1/4" square inside. When the assembly is dry, tap a 22 1/4" piece of scrap wood across the centre, flush with the frame's surface. This temporary piece gives you a place to affix the large compass or pencil and string you'll need to use when drawing a circle around the outside of this frame. Make the radius 19". Mark the top, then cut it to shape with a jigsaw or bandsaw.
Next, make another frame, this time using the four top frame sides. Miter the ends, then biscuit-join or dowel them together. The top squares and top triangles come next. Prepare these parts now, then slice off any dried glue that squeezed out of the top frames you've just made.
Begin assembling the top from the inside out, but dry-fit the parts for now. I predrilled small holes for 2 1/2" spiral finishing nails through the top pieces and into the braces. Tap nails in just far enough to hold all of the pieces in place for now. Make any adjustments needed for a good fit. There should be a 1/8" space between all parts.
I found this assembly job worked best by starting with the 4 1/2" squares fitted against the leg sides. Next, set the top triangles, then the 22" square frame, followed by the outer frame. After everything looks good, mark the location of each part, remove them and paint the exposed edges. You have to do this now because a brush won't fit into the grooves later. Finish by securing all parts using outdoor glue. Drive and countersink the nails home.
Cut the top cleats to shape and affix them under the tabletop with glue and nails. These support the mating top parts. Secure them at a 45° angle to the top bracing.
Cut the 19"-dia. top circle from 3/4" exterior-grade plywood, then drill a hole through the centre that will fit your umbrella. Attach this piece to the leg tops, carefully centred, with countersunk screws. Plug all screw holes, fill the nail holes and sand them flush.
Finish-sand, prime and paint the project using the best exterior latex paint you can find. Add four rubber or plastic glides to the bottom edges of the feet to keep them off the patio surface, then open your umbrella and enjoy!
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