PLANNING AND BUILDING TIPS

This prep table is intended for outdoor use and will withstand a little rain, but it isn’t built for constant exposure to the weather. When you’re not using the table, protect it with a tarp or grill cover.

I used poplar because it’s knot-free, fairly hard and mid-priced. The countertop panel is aspen.

I cut the legs from 1x6 stock, but some home centers carry 2-1/2-in.wide material, which would let you skip that step.

The upper ends of the legs must be rounded. I traced around a can of spray paint and cut the curves with a jigsaw.

The sink is optional. Without it, you’ll gain more work surface, making the table useful for other tasks.

The lower shelf is optional. It’s handy and it adds strength and stability, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

To position the shelf cleats, set the shelf on the stretchers, trace along them and then screw the cleats along the traced lines.

I finished the table with a couple coats of spar urethane. It will hold up to water and is easy to renew with a fresh coat.