Build your own outdoor camping table: for your next trip into the great outdoors

You need: Jigsaws, T119BO Jigsaw Blade HCS, Multi-sander, Sanding paper for multi-sanders, g-clamps, pencil, Round object, 4 slats (40 x 20 x 855 mm)

To make the legs for your table, you’ll first need to cut the slats to the right length. You’ll find the dimensions you need in the list of materials. You can use any suitable round object as a guide to help mark out the curve you want. We’re using a roll of adhesive tape.

Secure the slat with G-clamps to cut out the curve using a jigsaw. It’s best to use a jigsaw blade for curves to do this. Our guide to changing jigsaw blades will show you how to use it correctly. Our video tutorials are packed full of great tips on how to use a jigsaw, including how easy using a jigsaw makes it to saw curves.

You can now use the multi-sander to sand down the sawn edge. You can even sand down the slats in their entirety if they’re on the rough side. Check out our sanding guide to find out more.

You need: Cordless combi drill, Forstner bit 20mm, Wood drill bit set 5 Pieces, The Bosch Routers, Router Bit Sets, g-clamps, Sawn and sanded table legs from step 1

The table legs need to be connected together and have an axis for the table leg structure to be able to fold up. Start by drilling the connecting holes using a Forstner drill bit that has a diameter of 20 mm. Position them 30 mm from the ends of the table legs.

Then, drill the axis point at a height of 405 mm. Preparing the table legs like this will then allow you to finish them with the router and give them nice bevelled edges.

You need: Jigsaws, Jigsaw Blades for Wood, glue, Prepared table legs from step 2, 2 rods (540 mm in length, 20 mm in diameter), 2 rods (590 mm in length, 20 mm in diameter), 2 carriage bolts (M6 x 55 mm), 2 plastic spacers (6.5 x 20.5 mm), 2 large washers (6.5 x 20 mm), 2 M6 lock nuts

The rods connect the table legs together. Here’s a little tip for when you’re out buying your materials: take a calliper or a template with you to make sure the wooden rods really are 20 mm in diameter. Firmly secure the rods, use the jigsaw to cut two of them to 590 mm and two of them to 540 mm, then glue them to the table legs in pairs. If the rods get a little stuck while you’re trying to insert them into the drill holes, use a hammer to help ease them into the right place – but make sure to put a piece of scrap wood in between to avoid damaging the table legs. The glue will take around ten minutes to dry.

You can then screw the table legs to the axis to form a cross shape. Place a spacer between the table legs so the structure can move freely and finish up by adding a washer and a lock nut. The table legs are now complete.

You need: Cordless combi drill, Forstner bit 20mm, Jigsaws, Wood drill bit set 5 Pieces, The Bosch Routers, Router Bit Sets, g-clamps, try square, pencil, 2 squared timbers (40 x 20 x 620 mm)

Now it’s time to build the base of the table. The two square timbers support the table top and anchor the table legs.

First, designate which of the sides of the squared timbers is the top and which is the bottom. To anchor the table legs, you need to create two holes with a diameter of 20 mm in the bottom, 100 mm from the end of the slat. Secure your workpiece before you start using the Forstner drill bit.

You now need an opening for the rods to lock into place in. Mark it out at an angle of 45° and saw out the opening with the jigsaw. You can use the router again to round off the edges.

Tip: Cut off the bottom corners at the same time to stop them getting in the way when you’re sitting at the table.

You need: Cordless combi drill, Wood drill bit set 5 Pieces, suitable bit set, g-clamps, pencil, glue, Squared timbers for the frame, 2 squared timbers from step 4, 11 slats (47 x 13.5 x 640 mm), 20 wooden spacers (13 mm)

To lay the table top, we recommend first securing two square timbers at an angle of 90° at the edge of the worktop. They should be about the same length as the side of the table. You can now use them to line up the slats of your table top. You can use small wooden pegs (ours are about 13 mm) to make sure the slats are spaced out evenly.

If you’re working with different dimensions, it’s easy to calculate the distance you need between each slat to keep the spacing even: push all 11 slats together and divide the remaining amount of 640 mm by 10 spaces.

Next, place the squared timbers for the base on the lined-up slats of the table top and mark the positions for the holes for each slat. Drill the holes in the cross beams at the positions you’ve marked with a 4-mm drill bit.

Place the cross beams in their final position about 70 mm in from the side edge of the table. Mark this position so you have an excellent template for the wood glue. Spread the glue, position the cross beams and screw them to the slats.

Done! You can take your new table straight out to the garden and set it up so you can enjoy a well-deserved drink – and decide which tasty treats you’re going to pack for your trip. Speaking of drinks, our DIY earth fridge is perfect for keeping them cold on hot summer days – no electric or cooling elements needed! And here are a few creative ideas for outdoor games to build yourself, such as our ladder golf throwing game or a DIY fold-up football goal. Both are ideal for kids – big or small – who love playtime.

Of course, the space-saving table is also great for small balconies. We have put together some ideas for designing and decorating small balconies to show you how you can furnish them with a flourish despite the tight space.