DIY Outdoor Side Table : How we built a small porch table for $0!!
What can you do with left over supplies? Here’s how we built a simple front porch DIY Outdoor side table for zero dollars!!
Spring is my favourite time of year for outdoor projects! And there’s nothing better than being able to create something functional simply by using left over supplies that are likely taking up space in the garage.
The Porch Problem
Having recently removed the railing from the front porch to improve the view, we realized we could use a pretty little coffee table beside the Outdoor Glider. The metal table we had previously was too small and was starting to rust.
The budget-friendly Solution
If you love to DIY too, then chances are you have lots of left over lumber and paint taking up space in the garage. Small projects like outdoor tables are a great way to use up supplies and save money at the same time. 2 birds, one table 😉
Where to find DIY patio table inspiration
To get the ideas flowing, I often head to Pinterest and Houzz. Sometimes I like to check out what styles are available at local stores then customize the design to suit our space.
When it comes to step by step build instructions, we head over to Youtube and find a project and tutorial that works for our skill set and abilities. (I’m more of a “Can we do it in a weekend?” kind of girl.)
DIY Patio table design process
The first step was to measure the spot on the porch where I wanted the table to go, so I knew how much space I had to work with.
Around here, I focus on design while my husband prefers to build stuff. Once I determined the length, width and height of the project, I then sketched out the table design for my handy hubby to construct.
The verbal addendum I also gave him was to “please build a simple table with a shelf on the bottom and I’ll make it pretty with paint”. LOL
DIY Patio Table $0 build
My husband began by constructing a simple base using left over wood from the DIY Sliding closet door project we built for our son’s Teen Bedroom Makeover. Once he’d cut and assembled the pieces as per the plan, it was ready to prep for stain.
Patio table progress: Sand & Stain
The next step was giving the patio table a light sanding with 150 grit sandpaper. Following that, I applied stain using a foam brush for the corners, then a small foam roller for the flat surfaces.
Later that day, I applied a second coat of stain. And finally, I let it dry overnight. By morning, we had a pretty and solid little DIY patio table.
Q: What products can you use on outdoor furniture?
You can find exterior paint in a multitude of colours at your local home improvement/paint shops.
Alternatively, you can apply tinted outdoor stains that can be translucent or opaque .
Opaque outdoor stain is what I used for this project. (Benjamin Moore’s Arbour Coat stain Amherst grey). The colour complemented the front brick and we had lots left over from staining our backyard fence.
Bonus Tip:
Because this was an outdoor project, I prefer to use foam rollers/brushes from the dollar store that I don’t have to worry about cleaning afterwards.
This was such an easy and fun weekend project and all it cost us was time. For more porch inspo, check out our partner post, an easy 15 minute DIY Front Porch idea.
We created an elevated front porch style while simultaneously clearing some much needed space in the garage. (Don’t you love finishing 2 projects in 1 weekend?!?)
Finally, we have a handy spot for flowers, morning coffee and even cocktails on a warm summer evening. Cheers!
Take a peak at these other DIY Outdoor table plans here.
More DIY ideas
If you liked this simple DIY Outdoor side table, you might also like these other DIY projects.
