Coffee table: every outdoor living area needs a coffee table, and we are very proud of this one. It bas a tiled center section, so it is easy to clean up and always looks nice. The table legs are adorned with fence-post finials, making the table seem a more complicated project than it actually is

Flower & Garden Magazine, Feb, 2002

* NOTES ON MATERIALS

The wooden finials we used for the table "feet" are designed to be used on a fence post. They can be purchased at most building-supply stores and have a large screw already attached in the center. The ones we used are 3 inches tall. You can substitute any exterior-rated finial you like, but if it is taller than 3 inches, be sure to adjust the length of your table legs accordingly, or your completed coffee table will not be the correct height. * When choosing tile for this table, consider that you must cover an area measuring 3 1/2 square feet. We used standard 4-inch-square tiles. If the tile you purchased does not fit within these dimensions, you can either alter the dimensions of the table or cut some of the tiles to fit, using a tile cutter. Tile cutters can be rented at home centers and hardware stores, or some home centers will cut them for you.

* MATERIALS

16 linear feet of 1 x 4 pine

2' x 4' sheet of 3/4" plywood *

6 linear feet of 4 x 4 pine

4 fence-post finials, approximately

3" high and 3 1/2" in diameter *

32 4"-square tiles, or your choice of any tile that covers an area measuring 3 1/2 sq. feet

Waterproof tile adhesive

5 lbs. tile grout

Small bottle of grout sealer

* HARDWARE

25 1 1/4" (3d) finish nails

35 1 5/8-inch wood screws

10 2 1/2-inch wood screws

* SPECIAL TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

Framing or speed square

Tile cutter (optional)

1/8" V trowel

Rubber tile float

* MAKING THE TABLETOP

1. Cut two Long Trims (A) from 1 x 4 pine, each measuring 39 1/2 inches.

2. Cut two Short Trims (B) from 1 x 4 pine, each measuring 16 1/2 inches.

3. Cut one Top (C) from 3/4-inch plywood, measuring 19 1/2 x 35 1/2 inches.

4. Place the Long Trims (A) flat on the work surface, paralel to each other and 16 1/4 inches apart.

5. Position the Short Trims (B) between the Long Trims (A), then place the Top (C) over the Short and Long Trims (A and B), as shown in figure 1. When the Top (C) is perfectly centered, the Short and Long Trims (A and B) should extend beyond the Top (C) by 2 inches on all sides. Apply glue to the meeting surfaces, and nail through the Top (C) into the Long and Short Trims (A and B), using 1 1/4-inch finish nails every 6 inches.

[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]

* MAKING THE BASE

1. Cut two Long Sides (D) from 1 x 4 pine, each measuring 35 1/2 inches.

2. Cut two Short Sides (E) from 1 x 4 pine, each measuring 21 inches.

3. Place the two Long Sides (D) on edge, parallel to each other and 19 1/2 inches apart. Fit the two Short Sides (E) over the ends of the two Long Sides (D) to form a rectangle measuring 21 x 37 inches. (See figure 2.) Apply glue to the meeting surfaces, and screw through the Short Sides (E) into the ends of the Long Sides (D), using two l 5/8-inch wood screws on each joint.

[FIGURE 2 OMITTED]

4. Place the assembled Long and Short Sides (D and E) over the Top (C) so that the assembled Long and Short Sides (D and E) fit around the plywood as shown in figure 3. Apply glue to the meeting surfaces, and screw through the Long and Short Sides (D and E) into the plywood Top (C) every 6 inches, using 1 5/8-inch wood screws.

[FIGURE 3 OMITTED]

* ATTACHING THE LEGS

1. Cut four Legs (F) from 4 x 4 pine, each measuring 13 inches.

2. Place the four Legs (F) at the four corners of the assembled Top (C), as shown in figure 4. Use a square to make sure the Legs (F) are straight so that the table is not crooked when turned right side up. Apply glue to the meeting surfaces, and screw through the Long and Short Sides (D and E) into the Legs (F), using 2 1/2-inch wood screws (4 screws in each leg, and 2 screws in each side).

[FIGURE 4 OMITTED]

3. To attach the fence-post finials to the exposed ends of the four Legs (F), predrill a starter hole in the center of each Leg (F). Screw a fence-post finial into each Leg (F).

* ADDING THE TILE

1. Following the manufacturer's directions, carefully spread an even coat of the tile adhesive over the surface of the Top (C) with an 1/8-inch V trowel.

2. Place the tiles on the adhesive one at a time, making sure that they are positioned correctly. Do not slide the tiles, or the adhesive will be forced up on the sides of the tile. Let the adhesive dry overnight.

3. Mix the tile grout according to the manufacturer's directions.

4. Spread the grout over the tile using a rubber-surfaced float held at a 45 [degrees] angle so that the grout is forced evenly into the spaces between the tiles.

5. Use a wet sponge to wipe the excess grout off the tiles and joints; if you let this excess grout dry, the hardened grout will be very difficult to remove. Try to use as little water as possible when removing the excess, so that you do not thin the grout that remains. Let the grout dry overnight.

6. Rinse the remaining film from the tile and wipe it with an old towel.

7. Apply grout sealer, following the manufacturer's directions.

* FINISHING

1. Fill any cracks or crevices with wood filler, and thoroughly sand all surfaces of the completed table.

2. Either paint or stain the wood portions of the coffee table the color of your choice, or simply leave it natural.