How To DIY an Umbrella Stand Side Table

An umbrella stand can create a shady spot on your patio to enjoy the outdoors, but why not make one that doubles as a side table and secret drink cooler? With a few basic tools and materials, you can DIY the project in under a day. In the video above, Jenn Largesse from House One shows how to build this functional piece of outdoor furniture using simple materials and basic woodworking skills. Our guide below details each step, from cutting the wood to assembling the final product.

Umbrella Stand Side Table: Materials and Tools Needed

Gather all the necessary materials and tools before starting the construction process. This project uses readily available items that you can find at most home improvement stores.

Materials

• Five 1-inch x 6-inch x 8-foot pressure-treated boards
• Two 2-inch x 2-inch x 8-foot pressure-treated boards
• 2-inch deck screws
• 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws
• 1 1/2-inch x 2-foot PVC pipe
• Two plastic bins (14-by-6-by 8 inches)
• Four 2-inch hinges
• Thumb screw
• Clear silicone caulk (optional)
• Paint or finish (if desired)

Tools

• Miter saw or circular saw
• Router with chamfer bit
• Drill and drill bits
• Pocket hole jig
• Hole saw attachment
• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Safety glasses and hearing protection

Preparing the Wood

The first step in creating your umbrella stand side table is to prepare the wood. This involves cutting the boards to size and adding some decorative details.

Cutting the Boards

Using the miter saw or circular saw, cut the boards according to this cut list:

• 1 x 6 front and back boards: Eight at 19 1/2 inches (Bevel edges and clip corners at 45 degrees)
• 1 x 6 side boards: Eight at 18 inches (Bevel edges)
• 1 x 6 inside shelf and base boards: Three at 18 inches (Bevel edges)
• 1 x 6 lid boards: Three at 18 inches (Trim two of these a bit short so they open and close more easily)
• 2 x 2 uprights: Four at 21 3/4 inches
• 2 x 2 lid supports: Two at 15 inches

Since all the boards in this design are either 18 or 19 1/2 inches, Largesse recommends setting up a stop block to speed up the process and guarantee an even length.

Adding Decorative Details

To give the table a more polished look, use a router fitted with a chamfer bit to bevel the edges of all the 1 x 6 boards except for one, which you’ll use for the lid. This simple detail creates the illusion of continuous layers when the table is assembled. For the longer front and back boards, clip the corners at a 45-degree angle. This miter cut will meet the beveled edges for a seamless look. 

Assembling the Table Frame

With all the pieces cut and prepared, it’s time to start assembling the frame of the table:

1. Drill two pocket holes in each end of the beveled boards and in the ends of one of the lid pieces.
2. Position the side boards between the front and back boards. Use pocket hole screws to attach the side boards to the front and back boards. Repeat to create four identical levels for the table.
3. Lay the assembled levels on their side.
4. Place 2 × 2s cut to length along their inside corners. Position them flush with the top edge, and then slide them down three-quarters of an inch to allow space for the inset lid. (This will create a short “foot” on the bottom of the table to raise the boards off the ground and allow moisture to escape.)
5. Secure the 2 x 2s to each adjoining side using deck screws.
6. Add two horizontal 2 x 2s three-quarters of an inch below the top edge along the sides to act as stops for the hinged top pieces.

Installing the Lid and Interior Components

The lid and interior components of the table are what make it truly functional.

Preparing and Installing the Lid

First, Largesse shows how to prepare and install the lid:

1. Attach two hinges to the edge of two lid boards.
2. Place the boards on the 2 x 2 supports inside the table, with the hinged edge along the front and back of the table’s opening.
3. Rotate the boards “open” and secure the hinges to the inside edge of the table.
4. Using a drill or driver with a hole saw attachment, create a hole in the center of the remaining lid piece for the umbrella.
5. Secure this center board between the hinged pieces using pocket hole screws.

In the video, Largesse leaves some room for gaps so that when the boards open, they don’t bind. This also ensures there’s enough room for the hinges.

Adding Interior Shelves and Umbrella Support

Next are the shelves and umbrella support:

1. Install two shelf pieces inside the table at a height that accommodates your drink containers.
2. Drill a hole in the center of the remaining interior board.
3. Install this board centered inside the table and flush with the bottom edge to support the base of the umbrella pipe.
4. Prepare the PVC pipe by drilling a hole in the base to allow water to escape.
5. Drill a second hole five inches from the top of the pipe to accept a thumbscrew, which can twist into the hole to hold the umbrella pole.
6. Insert the pipe into the bottom hole, and then tilt the table to allow it to pass under the lid, and then rise up through the opening.

Finishing Touches

Complete these final steps to improve your umbrella stand side table’s durability and function:

1. Add small knobs or finger holes to the hinged lid pieces for easy access.
2. If desired, apply a bead of clear silicone caulk around the pipe to secure it in place.
3. Allow pressure-treated wood to dry completely before applying any paint or finish.

How To Maintain Your Umbrella Stand Side Table

To keep your DIY umbrella stand side table in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:

• Regular cleaning: Wipe down the table and interior compartments to remove dirt and debris.
• Inspect for damage: Regularly check for signs of wear, such as loose screws or wood splinters, and address them promptly.
• Reapply finish: Depending on the exposure to the elements, reapply a protective finish to the wood every few years to maintain its appearance and durability.