ana white outdoor table

May 18, 2025 - Looking for a spacious, stylish outdoor table that’s strong, weather-resistant, and fits the whole crew?

reddit.com › r/woodworking › advice: patio outdoor furniture - plans from ana white

r/woodworking on Reddit: Advice: Patio Outdoor Furniture - Plans from Ana White

May 31, 2023 -

First, I've been an avid lover of wood working projects/products for ever, and definitely visit this sub often, even if I haven't yet done anything really worthwhile myself.

Well we own a house now, third kid just turned 1 so a little less time needy and the oldest 12 year old definitely shows an interest in doing stuff with his hands, so now's the time right?

Okay, wife is onboard, she wants some front porch stuff.

We both like this Ana White design.

https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/outdoor-chair-modern-comfort-collection

From what I remember lurking here for a while is that some people sort of hate on Ana White stuff. I think the general consensus is that it's generally good for the beginners, though some projects are not as good as others? Also I get the whole fasteners vs wood joints, but I really don't think I can get away with fine work like that yet.

Anyway, I'm looking for advice on anyone that's made something off their plans and instructions. Anything to look out for specifically?

Also, my neighbors tree is a PITA and drops about a million leaves come autumn, is there some stain or treatment that is preferred to use on it after it's all in place because of the leaves?

Top answer

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The Ana White plans are fine. You’re not going to be making heritage furniture you’ll hand down to your grandkids but so what, if you like the designs they’ll hold up just fine. I’ve built some of her plans before and two things I’d recommend are to add glue to the joints where it just mentions pocket screws. Glue will add additional strength and there’s no reason not to do it, just use a waterproof glue for exterior like Titebond III. The second, for outdoor furniture I recommend you get the stainless steel pocket screws. They hold up much longer and won’t discolor the wood when moisture gets to it. As for finish on the cedar recommended in the plans, there are multiple options depending upon the look you like. If the piece gets a lot of sun and you want to keep the color of the cedar you’ll need a finish with a UV protector like marine spar varnish (I like Epifanes) or exterior polyurethane like General Finishes Exterior 450. If you want something more natural looking, you could use something like Waterlox or an oil like tung or boiled linseed oil. Regarding your other comment about where to source, I’m on the opposite side of the country and can’t help other than to say anywhere except Home Depot or Lowe’s.

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Another question about source lumber. I'm in Northern Virginia, does anyone have a particular recommendation for what company to supply the wood from? We use Builders First Choice (used to be SMOOT LUMBER) a lot for work, and they seem to be okay, but I'm not really sure, and not sure where else I'd ask locally. Walk into homedepot - hey, do you know where I can get quality lumber for projects? haha yeah.... If there isn't already that should definitely be a sticky, or wiki thing eh? Preferred vendors for your area.

Discussions

So a year ago I made an Ana White dining table. That name might as well be nsfw in this sub. I had a circular saw and knew nothing. I thought I'd share how it is holding up, and what I have learned since then.

The design is all pocket holes and does not account or allow for wood movement. This is embarrassing enough to post so don't tear me apart. This one is for the new guys. More on reddit.com

r/woodworking

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593

April 6, 2016

Advice: Patio Outdoor Furniture - Plans from Ana White

The Ana White plans are fine. You’re not going to be making heritage furniture you’ll hand down to your grandkids but so what, if you like the designs they’ll hold up just fine. I’ve built some of her plans before and two things I’d recommend are to add glue to the joints where it just mentions pocket screws. Glue will add additional strength and there’s no reason not to do it, just use a waterproof glue for exterior like Titebond III. The second, for outdoor furniture I recommend you get the stainless steel pocket screws. They hold up much longer and won’t discolor the wood when moisture gets to it. As for finish on the cedar recommended in the plans, there are multiple options depending upon the look you like. If the piece gets a lot of sun and you want to keep the color of the cedar you’ll need a finish with a UV protector like marine spar varnish (I like Epifanes) or exterior polyurethane like General Finishes Exterior 450. If you want something more natural looking, you could use something like Waterlox or an oil like tung or boiled linseed oil. Regarding your other comment about where to source, I’m on the opposite side of the country and can’t help other than to say anywhere except Home Depot or Lowe’s. More on reddit.com

r/woodworking

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May 31, 2023

my first build, ana white outdoor coffee table

This EXACT table design is what got me started with loving woodworking. More on reddit.com

r/BeginnerWoodWorking

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March 9, 2022

I built my second thing out of wood! Farmhouse table by Ana White, with redwood stain.

Look amazing! And i love Ana White. Built an outdoor sectional from her website.. Turned out pretty good! More on reddit.com