How to Make a Modular Outdoor Table | I Like To Make Stuff

I made a modular hexagonal table for our gazebo!
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This project began with a call to my local steel yard. I was pretty intimidated when I called because I don't really understand the terminology and didn't want to sound dumb to a bunch of steel workers. To my surprise, the guys were super helpful and patient when taking my order, and even offered to deliver the steel to my house!
I used my new floor-standing band saw to cut the 1 1/2 steel tubing to length. This was a pretty slow and repetitive process, but this new saw worked perfectly. After I had all 8 legs cut, I had to measure the angles for the top to make up the hexagon shape. A hexagon is made of 6, 60 degree sides, so I cut each piece to 30 degrees so when the met, it would equal 60.
Using the angled iron that I cut earlier, I tack welded the joints to make up the 60 degree angles. To attach the long sides, I had to notch out the bottom edges of the two adjoining pieces. The outer faces then matched up and were welded together. Since this table is made up of two separate halves, I just had to repeat the cuts and welds on the second piece. After I got all the joints welded, I went back with a grinding disc and a sanding disc to smooth out those welds to make some seamless transitions. This was especially important on the undersides where the square legs would be welded.
I took the 1 1/2" square legs we cut earlier and welded them to the 4 corners of each table half. I aligned the sides with the faces that you would typically see when sitting down. After tacking them in place, I laid down some final welds. Just like the top frames, I ground and sanded the joints smooth in preparation for paint.
I chose to paint the tables bases with some black enamel spray paint. Powder coating would be more durable in the long run, but I don't have an oven big enough to bake the entire table. Each metal base got two coats of enamel, and they really looked great.
Because I am painting the frame, even with more durable enamel, the frame can be scratched and the metal can show through. We have to watch out for any abrasions so that the exposed steel frame doesn't start to rust.
To match the style of my Outdoor Chair, I went with cedar planks for the wooden table top. I planed all of these boards to the same thickness and set them in place on the table half. With the cedar hanging over the edges, I could mark a line on the underside of the boards to get a rough cut line. I used the miter saw to cut each piece to a rough length and then placed all of the cedar boards back inside the table top. Using some nails as spacers, I attached the planks to a wooden support beam using brad nails.
Because I wanted an 1/8" reveal between the table top and the base, I used the circular saw to make one final cleanup cut on the angled sides. This cut gave me the 1/8' gap on the outsides and a consistent spacing all the way around. The table tops were secured to the base with some stainless steel screws to prevent corrosion.
This spilt design really is quite versatile. We can use it as one big table with enough room for my whole family as we sit in the gazebo, or I can push them up against the railings individually to act as buffet counters, or we can bring them out into the yard to make a long banquet table. I really love the sleek and simple look and the versatility.
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How to Make a Modular Outdoor Table | I Like To Make Stuff
• How to Make a Modular ...
I Like To Make Stuff
/ iliketomakestuff

[@lynnstevens4772]

My grandson and I love this channel. My late husband was a cabinet maker and woodworker and it brings back wonderful memories of working in the shop with my husband and our children and then our grandson until the passing of my husband in 2007. Thank you for the great projects and the awesome videos that you continue to put out for us. We will always support your channel. Thanks again ILTMS

[@MikeTheMaker1]

Lynn Stevens sorry for you loss, hopefully the kids make stuff or will pick it up one day.

[@EvanAndKatelyn]

Love the reconfigurabilityness :D This is awesome!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks!

[@vincentferrari]

That word totally needs to be on a shirt.

[@jhk22]

Nice word! :D

[@christopherheffner]

Is Evan making a new word??? 😄

[@HelloKitty-sd9vs]

Refergenblega what what?

[@jamesdaugherty5779]

When I grind my welds, I stop just before the two pieces flow together, then I finish it off with the flap disk. It just helps keep your grind marks tight and you won’t have to chase them. Love this build and you are already a great welder keep the videos coming. You give me all kinds of ideas.

[@rawlsawh2804]

"Like this. Or this. Or this." I love that. Great job Bob.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

:)

[@ragnkja]

Rawl Sawh We had desks that were this shape in primary school, and I’m pretty sure we tried out most of the practical ways you can arrange half-hexagons in a classroom. One I liked quite well in that context was as individual desks with one of the short sides adjacent to the long side against a side wall so that we sat with our backs turned slightly towards the outside wall, facing the front. It made a nice, snug little corner to sit in.

[@fernandocabette6050]

Maths! Helping building tables since 200BC.

[@hunterdavis7504]

Future project idea could be remodeling/remaking your pavilion! Nothing wrong with it, it just seems like a cool build project. Love the videos, Bob! ILTMS is my favorite channel on KZbin!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you!! One of these days it’ll get an update 👍🏻

[@wckdtrb]

As a newbie wood worker, thank you for making mistakes, and SHARING that. I see pintrest projects or some channels and they make it seem like everything is perfect. Knowing that mistakes or mis-measurements happen on every project reassures me that I am doing just fine. Also, dig your channel, its super fun and helpful.

[@felixdietzCGN]

I do all my furniture in this style of construction and I use 3D-printed endcaps as feet for the square tubing, works great, prevents scratches and makes for some extra fun 😄

[@forby_]

That's a really great idea

[@christopherheffner]

first 10 seconds I am already floored for this project.

[@possiblegenius1]

All well and good that you're floored by it, but I think you should table it for now! :D

[@HelloKitty-sd9vs]

Good! New interest new project! I recommend you make the table

[@The_Linux_User]

2 videos from my 2 favourite KZbinrs on one day! Collin Furze, and you obviously! It can't get better

[@Theexsquaddie.]

Colin Furze is top don't know why I'm not subscribed but I'll fix that now

[@doctordumbass9425]

Me too man. Every Thursday I get the double notification... feelsgood

[@pinkponyofprey1965]

Colin always destroys me with his wild ideas that always somehow ... works ... at least in the end.

[@dj_sparkks]

Colin is a legend

[@ezuk55]

loved how you put the sponsorship bit right into the montage - I actually watched it through, and it wasn't distracting or annoying in any way. Very cool :)

[@Ramjetjetpilot]

Schools in Australia used student desks with this design for a long time due to this shape's versatility. Nice job Sir.

[@ericbartha6313]

Disappointed you didn't forge the steel for this table :P Great project though. More ammo for me to convince my wife that we need a welder.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Do it!

[@HelloKitty-sd9vs]

You should do it :)

[@wisdon]

You are a ma of course u need

[@bradherring4698]

Everyone needs a welder. :-)

[@joma4452]

Wow the versatility of this project is so pleasing...

[@123Oussama123]

i missed classic wooden project like that !! Great Jooooooooooob Bob

[@blakelee4555]

I grew up without any of the space that your kids have and I wish I had it.. going forward, I would like to do this kind of stuff and have a larger property.. thanks for being inspirational to those of us who don't necessarily have the resources to do stuff like this at home due to space constraints!

[@forby_]

Sometimes you can work with space constraints and work up to something more over time. These videos started with a really tiny work area and most table/miter saw cuts were done outside with portable tools. Then a *_super tiny_* shop for a few years. You can def work up to more complicated shop spaces/tools.

[@the5thFallenAngel]

I love seeing your weld quality progress, kudos for the consistency you've achieved!

[@DennisNestor]

Great project. Appreciate the tips on working with angle iron. Like accounting for the inside radius.

[@ChiefMoonChunks]

Super cool build, Bob! I think it is perfectly designed and sized for both of the gazebo configurations, how it takes up the right amount of space in either position is just awesome.

[@comaranggaming2961]

quick tip for cutting angle iron, have some square tube in the vice that it sits over, it should not quite be hit by the blade but still be in the vice, holds the angle iron completely safely

[@FrontierlessCraftsman]

There is a way to get the leg that warped out to straighten up again by doing a bead of weld along the face of the leg to encourage a counter warp in the direction you want. Matt Cremona does it on his big saw mill build when he's welding up the main frame. Easy fix just grind it flat when your done and repaint, no cutting!

[@SarcasmoRex]

Hexagons are the bestagons. This is an awesome build!

[@socialmediumspace]

Great video as always Bob. I like that you point out your mistakes so that people can learn from them.

[@whatzupLizzy]

Great idea to make 2 tables that have so many configurations. Great idea for coffee tables too.

[@the5thFallenAngel]

thumbs up for shamelessly plugging middleschool math!

[@phunkissartisticcreations2316]

How is it that your videos and your projects keep getting better and better. You must be using a DIY Jedi mind trick on all of us. "These ARE the videos you're looking for"

[@DannyFourSquare]

That shape looks a lot more useful than I initially thought. I really like the other configuration in the gazebo, prefect for a buffet setup for a bbq or something like that. Well done sir.

[@DoItProjects]

No pocket holes? What the hell, man? j/k Those are awesome.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Haha!

[@HelloKitty-sd9vs]

Whet are pocket holes?

[@DoItProjects]

GACHAVERSE CREATOR well, depending on who you’re talking to, they’re the best or worst thing to ever happen to woodworking 😂

[@nathanjones9239]

Do It “MY DISSAPOINTMSNT IS UNMEASUREABLE AND MY DAY HAS BEEN RUINED”

[@Felisargyle]

GACHAVERSE CREATOR you probably already searched it up but you use a jig and drill holes at a diagonal and then you can join them what a terrible explanation

[@MakeBrooklyn]

Awesome pair of tables, very versatile design! It looks like it's a pretty good match for the chair you made as well!

[@abbeyramsey8992]

First five seconds reminded me why I love Bob.

[@industrialarts3921]

The tables are cool! Matching the shape of the gazebo was a great idea.I'm also having some serious yard envy ;)

[@Sonal_Mobile]

We had this style of table in school. Very versatile! Great work in showing how to make them!

[@masterofnone]

Kindergarten tables are same shape and works great on the classroom. Now I am thinking of a dinning room tables with this shape

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Ah, I didn't realize that! Awesome!

[@HelloKitty-sd9vs]

Table* sorry to correct. That's great! You should make one of those! :)

[@biancabrooks280]

My kindergarten would call them rainbow tables, cuz the center of the long side was cut out so that the teacher/aid could sit in the middle and assist the kids sitting on the 3 short sides.

[@MeBeingAble]

Wicked. Goes from a 6 seater to a 10 seater. Looks great, works anywhere👍🏽

[@tharemyhopkins5873]

Your ability to customize builds for your situation yet keep them flexible is fantastic. Great project, very classy! #buildyourownfurniture

[@codacreator6162]

Nice job! What a cool idea and excellent execution. Thanks for posting. It's always fun to watch guys that can create so easily.

[@bruceredmond522]

Great work, I am glad you had the patience to work with the iron. It turned out nice.

[@connordingle4112]

When I’m cutting Angle Iron at school I put a piece of box that is the next size up (e.g. 20mm Angle Iron with a 25mm box section) I find it helps keeping it all square. Thats just what I do.

[@imsickofmakingnames]

Legend has it, that Bob likes to make stuff.

[@starboy71]

Your patience with every step is great!

[@remoc52357]

Great job! I love following you.....your not afraid to take on any challenge and build anything you want/need!

[@Blahnik1182]

A good pressure washing and some poly on that gazebo floor would be really pretty! Love the table!

[@InfiniteCraftsman]

If you heat the joints to cherry red after grinding and sanding, they will disappear. The. You can wire wheel them for a perfect finish.

[@JoseSalas-cw7ef]

Love your vids Bob your my to go channel when i want to make something. and your vids are amazing

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you Jose!!

[@Denali822]

Your welds are looking much better now with the new welder!! 👍🏼👍🏼. Great work. To save yourself some grinding, don’t weld the joint that you’re going to cover with the leg. That joint will be just as strong when you weld the leg on.

[@user-gg6zg1fn2p]

Brilliant. You really made the perfect table for that gazebo.

[@Wid3]

Legend has it he's still a mad lad to this day.

[@hblamo]

This project impressed the hell out of me! Keep it up Bob!

[@InspireToMake]

Great Project!

[@sandrochiavaroBeerCircles]

Great freaking idea Bob! Well done! The best part is how versatile these are.

[@2HellWUtube]

I see you include your kids in your projects. Well earned subscription man.

[@M4st3r0fN0n3]

I love those tables, it leaves the protection to make even more and have a ring of tables in the gazebo or even have a long buffet style table for large gatherings. I love it, great job bob

[@MrDwaynePoff]

A little bit of welding help on those legs IF you wanna try it.. (REMOVE THE PAINT FIRST ON WELD PLUS COUPLE INCHES BOTH WAYS) Heat up the side that needs to move with a torch at the weld.. then get a spray bottle with water and spray the weld until you got it where you need it. Hope it helps. Nice build as usual!!!

[@cliffdoes_stuff4012]

Awesome video, I particularly enjoyed how you thought out the geometry and the sizes to be compatible with the existing gazebo, very satisfying!

[@BruceAUlrich]

Really unique. Love how you can do so many different things with them!

[@Bugkiller666]

Beautiful piece Bob, Thanks for sharing !!

[@jimjohnson5787]

When you had to go back and trim off a little on all the slats, it reminded me of a miter saw tip I thought I'd share with you (could be useful in a bits video?). If you need to sneak up on an exact length with a miter saw, you can push the board flush up against the face of the saw blade, with the blade stopped and all the way down. When you raise the blade, you'll be able to take off half of the kerf with one cut. One of the little tricks I picked up along the way. Love how the table(s) turned out!

[@karlbrant2115]

I would love to have a table like that I wish I had a set up like you do I love to make things instead of buying it because you can put your own personal touch on it thanks so much for making videos your the one that inspired me to start making things for my wife daughter and myself keep up the good work .

[@The_Bearded_Lady]

I love this! Thanks so much for sharing :) The versatility of this shape will be so nice!

[@PJGalati]

GREAT idea Bob! I do like the versatility of the design.

[@HelloKitty-sd9vs]

Who else was weirded out yet satisfied at Bob sanding the weld when he was talking about Audible (in a good way)? I was! Great vid

[@FilamentFriday]

Excellent design. Great explanation.

[@SpecificLove7]

Great looking tables

[@Rodgerrynd08]

Excellent work sir! Thanks for what you do.

[@maika9739]

As other people have said, before you fix the wood planks in place varnish all surfaces. Like that it’s protected not only on the top but on the sides and underneath as well.. nice project as always

[@richardbenson4750]

Brilliantly thought out... I like how you mix materials and it's something that I'm trying to expand into in my at home business

[@RsixSlow]

In the future, when cutting angle iron, use a piece of square tubing that is the same size ( or slightly large) than the piece of angle iron you are cutting. Then lay the angle iron over the corner or the square tubing and clamp it down in the vice. This will ensure the piece does not fall over/down while cutting.

[@sgsax]

Really liked the tips for getting the wood edges nice and straight on this one. Thanks for sharing!

[@twowheeladventure8731]

just a tip for when cutting angle iron keep a off cut of box tube to put under it to stop it dropping down when cutting it has helped me a bunch of times .

[@jareddilley]

Another beautiful build, you should put recessed magnets on the sides so that the tables come together aesthetically well

[@RIPbiker13]

I love your channel, you have an incredible mind. I have the same saw and I enjoy it. It has worked very well for its intended purpose. I love working with metal, as any video on my channel proves, but I love how you mix the metal and wood together. I did something similar with the nightstands in my room and our bed frame.

[@rossweiler8715]

Great build! I’m looking for ideas for our outdoor plans for the future and I definitely love this one. My wife and I have been watching you for years and love your channel.

[@ehabrabadi120]

loved the shape its so clever

[@tonyarthomas6403]

Great table!! I love that it can convert into different shapes👍👍Great job

[@cbeauf]

Love these tables. Great idea!

[@brianemunroe]

Love the project and love the flexibility of the design - middle school math for the win!

[@TheBeardedWorker]

Next time you have to cut angle iron where the wide side is up top I suggest using a block to help lock it in the vise. Helps reduce vibration which can snap the blade

[@Rogn1]

Very nice. Great use of materials and space.

[@natebolton9385]

Big fan of this. Perhaps something I should work with one of my welder friends on.

[@dwmonk2000]

I love it. Good job. Can't wait the next one.

[@drosmith242]

Great idea. One of your best videos in my opinion!

[@jwydubak9673]

If I were doing this, I would make the wood 2/8"-3/8" above the steel angles and flush with their vertical sides. This would hide the metal between two parts standing side by side. I would also weld the support/spacer bars in the corners between the short sides and make them in the middle of the longer side. This way three triangles would be formed making the whole structure more rigid. Otherwise it is a very cool piece of garden furniture.

[@tsaemi]

Awesome project! Very versatile!

[@billyg211]

That's pretty genius. Good build, sir!

[@jcarlin]

This is brilliant. One of my favorite of your creations.

[@ByersLeafguard]

Awesome table. Really appreciate the multi-use function.

[@hamzaraissouli]

The quality and production of the videos are getting better with each upload. Great job man!

[@InstrucTube]

The only way I can see this being cooler is if it was split into 6 wedges instead of just two pieces. Then you really have some "reconfigurabilityness". However, I also know that would make it hard to not only get each piece the same but also to make sure you can balance everything together. At that point I'd suggest some attachment bolts somewhere on the legs for sturdiness. Great job Bob, love it!

[@filmfervor]

Them welds cleaned up real pretty. 👍

[@PatCavanaugh1]

Great design and super versatile.

[@dmann579]

Great work! You build the best stuff - I love your channel!

[@i.m.peterrific]

They say everything eventually comes back in fashion.... We had tables just like these when I was in school 40+ years ago.... ;)

[@JacobAntoun]

Bob is an expert with in video commercials

[@gSuuP]

omg that garden :o I should say "that wood"! nice project

[@drhender6943]

Dude-- That's freakin' awesome! I've always loved gazebos and the way your tables can fit together in the center or slide out to the rail as buffet tables is just too cool. I enjoy your channel and always look forward to your next video.

[@erichelm4339]

I have been watching for a while, Best project I have seen for a long time. Very cool.

[@GuyInHisBasement]

I'm moving soon. At the new place, I'll have access to a couple welders and a scrap metal pile. I'm hoping by next summer I'll be skilled enough to start making stuff like this. Great job!

[@SCHUYLERDR]

Awesome job Bob!

[@donaldpowell7762]

Great idea Jenny!

[@alektad]

Oh, look at Bob starting to use the drown-up tools, nice.