Creating outdoor furniture offers the perfect blend of doing work you love and spending time outside. And when you’re finished, your project becomes part of your outdoor space to enjoy. We’ll help you get started by covering everything from selecting the right wood to the finishing touches that will ensure you get the most out of your outdoor furniture projects.
Where to Find Project Plans
For inspiration and guidance, Kreg offers a wide range of project plans for patio furniture, outdoor games, grilling, and more. Visit our library of outdoor woodworking projects to explore various plans that cater to different skill levels and styles. Whether you’re looking to build a simple bench or a complete patio set, you’ll find a project plan that suits your needs.
The Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture
Choosing the right wood is crucial for outdoor furniture. Look for woods that are naturally resistant to decay and pests, such as cedar, redwood, teak, and pressure-treated lumber. These types of wood can withstand outdoor conditions better and last longer. Remember, the durability of your project starts with the right material.
Before building with pressure-treated wood, it’s important to understand how to use it safely. Check out our five tips on how to work safely with pressure-treated wood.
Can You Use Kreg Screws Outdoors?
Yes, Kreg screws can be used for outdoor projects. Specifically, Kreg Blue-Kote™ and stainless steel pocket-hole screws are designed for outdoor use.
Blue-Kote™ Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws are the best choice for damp or wet applications, including projects for your porch, patio, detached garage, or outdoor areas. These screws feature three anti-corrosion layers to help them resist corrosion in wet areas for the long haul and provide rust resistance up to 400% greater than zinc-plated screws.
Stainless Steel Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws are the ultimate choice for outdoor applications that involve excessive exposure to water, and other exceedingly corrosive environments, such as pressure-treated lumber. If you’re looking for the best in rust resistance, stainless is the way to go.
If you ever need help finding the right screws for your projects, try our easy-to-use Screw Selector tool.
Workspace Tips
A well-organized workspace is key to a successful project. Ensure your area is well-lit and spacious enough to handle your materials and tools. Use sawhorses or a sturdy table to keep your work at a comfortable height. Keep your Kreg tools and screws within easy reach to streamline your workflow.
Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide for setting up a temporary project space so you can work where you want to build your project.
Tips for Cutting On-Site
When cutting on-site, a circular saw is your best friend. To achieve precise cuts, use circular saw cutting guides like the Kreg Rip-Cut™, Accu-Cut™, and Straight Edge Guide. These tools help keep your cuts straight and accurate, saving time and reducing waste. They also let you take a more compact saw to the materials you want to cut instead of making multiple trips back and forth to take materials to your saw or lugging a table or miter saw to your work.
Wherever you choose to make your cuts, supporting the material is vital for getting clean, consistent results. Check out the video below for a few quick tips.
Transporting Lumber
Moving lumber — especially when you’re dealing with 2 x 2s, 4 x 4s, and other larger material you’ll use for outdoor projects — can be cumbersome. We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you decide what works best for you when transporting materials.
Finishing Your Outdoor Project
Finishing is not just about getting a great-looking result; it’s about protection. For outdoor furniture, select finishes that offer UV protection and moisture resistance. Spar varnish and outdoor-grade polyurethane are excellent choices. Apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Reapply as needed to maintain protection.
For an in-depth look at selecting and applying finishes for outdoor furniture, check out this handy guide, 5 Awesome Options for Outdoor Finishes. This article covers everything from choosing the right type of finish, how to finish treated lumber, and application tips that will help extend the life of your outdoor projects.
You can also check out the short video below on choosing the right exterior stain.
Building outdoor furniture is a rewarding project that improves your outdoor space and can provide endless hours of entertainment and enjoyment. By following these tips products, you can create beautiful, durable pieces that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
If you need some project inspiration, check out this quick video of a vertical garden project. You can check out the free plans here. Happy building!
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