Woodworker's Journal fall-2010, страница 68

Slatted Seasonal Patio Set

Build this stylish, knockdown patio

set from economical supplies and with simple construction techniques.

By Lars Dalsgaard

utdoor furniture made of wood has just the right look for many decks and patios. It usually blends well with other architectural elements and the landscape, while having a nice substantial quality to it. Sadly, plastic and metal furniture sets are the common backyard choices these days because they're easier to move around and less susceptible to damage from the sun, snow and rain. This table and bench set solves the negatives usually associated with wood. It comes apart, so no piece is very heavy. Disassembly is simply a matter

of loosening a wingnut at each corner. The furniture also folds flat, making it possible to store the entire set in your garage, shed or basement during the offseason — something difficult to do with other "fixed" furniture designs. Indoor storage, combined with a tough outdoor enamel finish, will keep this ensemble looking great for many years of seasonal use.

Building the Leg Assemblies

The table and benches are both built in the same way (only the dimensions are different), making construction quite simple.

Begin with the leg assemblies. I used 2x Douglas fir kiln-dried lumber for the legs and rails (pieces 1 and 2) and l"-thickpine for the crossbrace parts (pieces 4 and 5). Cut your workpieces to the lengths specified in the Material List on page 71 and assemble the six leg frames and three crossbrace frames using 3" galvanized wood screws. For a more finished look, I counter-bored all of the screws and covered them with wood plugs (pieces 6). Break all the sharp edges of the legs and braces with 100-grit sandpaper before you bring them together with pairs of galvanized hinges (pieces 7). Mount the hinges on the same side of the crossbrace frames so the leg frames will fold the same direction for flatter storage.

Pretty and ultra practical: This project's knockdown design makes the parts easier to carry as well as convenient to store during the off-season. While metal and plastic outdoor furniture is common, there is a sense of quality associated with nicely proportioned and well-built wooden outdoor furniture.

68 Slatted Seasonal Patio Set