Build a Stylish Garden Side Table With Double Tabletops From Scrap Yaki Sugi Wood

In this Instructable, I’ll guide you through the process of building a stylish garden side table featuring a double tabletop design, crafted entirely from leftover Yaki Sugi wood. The charred finish of the wood adds a rustic yet modern touch to this functional outdoor piece. Any wood will do, I simply had these pieces left over (https://nakamotoforestry.de) and fit well to my japanese garden - refer to other instructables to create your own yaki sugi wood if necessary (Sho-Sugi-Ban or Shou Sugi Ban Slat Fencing or Deck Boards). Also I had the screws leftover and the ambition to use as few material as possible beside the wood.

Before starting, I designed the table in Tinkercad to ensure precision and a seamless assembly process. Use the .stl file and/or link for a detailed look at the design.

This project is perfect for both seasoned woodworkers and beginners looking to create something practical and aesthetically pleasing from scrap materials.

Materials:

1. 12 pieces of (Yaki Sugi) wood with same dimensions (practically any size will work, here I used 9 x 32 x 3 cm) (Note: Two pieces will need to be cut in half lengthwise, creating four pieces that are 4.5 x 32 x 3 cm.)
2. 16 long screws (8 cm Torx)
3. 24 short screws (2.5 cm Torx)

Tools:

1. Tinkercad design file (.stl)
2. Circular saw or handsaw
3. Drill with Torx bit and suitable drill bit for pre-drilling to avoid wood cracks
4. Measuring tape
5. Pencil
6. Safety goggles and gloves

Start by reviewing the Tinkercad design to get a clear understanding of the table’s structure. You’ll need to cut two of the 9 x 32 x 3 cm wood pieces in half along the long side, resulting in four pieces measuring 4.5 x 32 x 3 cm. These smaller pieces will be used as supports for both the upper and lower tabletops.

Tip:

Mark your cuts carefully to ensure all pieces are consistent in size; use clamps or a guide to ensure straight, accurate cuts.

Lay out three of the full-sized wood pieces side by side with gaps to form the upper tabletop, which will measure 32 cm x 32 cm. Attach two of the smaller support pieces across the underside of the tabletop using the 2.5 cm screws, spacing them evenly. These supports will help distribute weight and keep the tabletop sturdy.

Repeat the process from Step 2 to assemble the lower tabletop using the remaining three full-sized wood pieces and two support pieces. This lower tabletop will be identical in size to the upper one.

Tip:

Pre drill to avoid cracks in the wood. I found the resulting gaps in the structure for too big, so I had some extra wood cut and fill the gaps (two additional wood pieces, one for each table top; see images).

Position the four full-sized wood pieces vertically to serve as legs, securing them to the underside of the upper tabletop first. Each leg will require two 8 cm screws, drilled through the legs intro the tabletop and the support piece. Pre-drill with a suitable drill bit to avoid cracks.

Once the upper tabletop is attached, move down 20 cm from the upper tabletop and attach the lower tabletop in the same manner, securing each leg to the lower tabletop using two more 8 cm screws per leg. Ensure that you keep a similar diagonal pattern for each leg at both the upper and lower table top - also cross check that you actually hit a wood, by not accidentally mixing up where you screw.

Tip:

Ensure the legs are perfectly perpendicular to the tabletops for a stable structure. Use clamps and a square to check alignment during assembly.

With both tabletops securely attached to the legs, stand the table upright and check for stability. Oil the surfaces with a suitable wood oil, preserving the beautiful charred surface of the Yaki Sugi wood. If the table is used outdoors, consider applying a clear outdoor wood sealant for added protection against the elements and/or oil occasionally to preserve the wood.

Make sure to check out the images of the wood and the finished table, and download the Tinkercad design file to explore the project digitally. Share your results and feel free to ask questions in the comments below. Happy woodworking!