Guide

A simple corner table for your mini balcony

19.6.2019

Translation: machine translated

Do you often ask yourself the question "A table or me?" when looking at your balcony? Follow my simple DIY and the answer will soon be "Both!".

There's barely room for a table and two chairs on my balcony. That's fine if you're spending time with two people. But as soon as a third person joins you, it gets difficult. Not to mention social evenings with smokers. Sure, I could take the table from the balcony. But having no surface for glasses is also annoying. We need a space-saving alternative.

Off to the quiet corner

This essentially consists of a wooden triangle that is attached to the railing in the corner of my balcony with a rope. The little spot classifies itself as a permanent wasteland, so no valuable space has to make way for the table. My version is quick and easy to make, but still looks good.

Eternal wasteland: the left-hand corner of my balcony.

All you need for this are:

A piece of weatherproof wood, for example larch (I used scrap wood)
Rope or rope
Wood protection
Drilling machine
Inch rule for measuring
Sandpaper or sanding machine

Laws of geometry

Consider how long the sides of your floating table should be. I tried out different lengths with a folding rule and finally decided on 40 cm. As your corner is normally right-angled, you can now use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the long side (hypotenuse). If you don't remember: a² +b² = c², where a and b describe the short side and c the long side. In my case, c² = 3200. Now I take the square root and end up with about 56.5 centimetres.

Choose the size of your table according to your needs.

If you're thinking "Eh, that's easier, isn't it?", you're right. You can save yourself the Pythagorean theorem, but a little school geometry knowledge never hurts ;) Alternatively, measure the desired length on both sides of the right-angled corner of your timber and connect these two points diagonally. This will also give you the hypotenuse. Now either saw along the line by hand or, if available, set your circular table saw to an angle of 45 degrees. At the end, you should have a right-angled triangle in your hands.

With the angle as an addition to the table saw, the cut is made within seconds.

Fine grinding

What's missing are the holes for hanging. I drilled three - one in each corner. But that's entirely up to you and your stability requirements. For my taste, the table still has a few corners and edges that need to be rounded off. You can either sand with paper, sponge or with a machine. Optionally, apply a coat of weatherproof varnish, which you should leave to dry for 24 hours.

Do not drill your hole too big, so that a knot in the rope is enough.

Now the table can go outside. I pull my coconut rope through the holes and tie a large knot at the bottom. I wrap the other end once around the railing and then tie another knot. Everything is secure and it's time to try it out. I get a glass and place it on the table. It holds. The old, space-consuming table can go. At least when friends are round. The folding table is still better for breakfast for two.

The little table is in place after less than an hour.

Do you still have leftover wood and a thirst for action, but lack ideas? Then follow me and never miss a DIY again!

23 people like this article

Carolin Teufelberger

Editor

carolin.teufelberger@digitecgalaxus.ch

My life in a nutshell? On a quest to broaden my horizon. I love discovering and learning new skills and I see a chance to experience something new in everything – be it travelling, reading, cooking, movies or DIY.

Arts and crafts