Let me guide you through my personal DIY garden table ideas that are perfect for adding a bit of creativity to your outdoor space.
There’s something almost lyrical about having your own garden outdoor table, especially when it’s something you’ve made yourself, agree? A garden table isn’t just a place to rest your coffee cup or pot up some herbs—it’s the heart of an outdoor space. And if you’re like us, finding new ways to upcycle, repurpose, or build something unique is where the real joy lies.
We’ve spent hours on our homestead making just about every piece of furniture you can imagine (some from scratch and some from what others would consider junk). Weather-beaten picnic table we bought last summer? Yeah! That’s now the centerpiece of our garden… 😉 It’s all possible, even if you don’t have a huge budget or a ton of experience.
Top DIY Garden Table Ideas
1. Rustic Wooden Table from Repurposed Pallets
If you’ve been hanging around the DIY scene for a while, you’ve probably heard about pallet projects. I love them. We found a few old wooden pallets (which, if you’re lucky, you can get for free!) and turned them into a sturdy, rustic garden table. The texture of the weathered wood adds so much character.
All you need to do is:
- Dismantle the pallets (carefully, nails can be stubborn!).
- Sand down the wood to avoid splinters.
- Assemble it into your desired table shape, securing the pieces with screws.
It’s simple, affordable, and it can take a beating from the elements. Just add a coat of weatherproof sealer or paint to protect your future “cozy-up platform” from rain and sun.
Pro Tip: Use adjustable feet on the table legs to keep it level, especially if your garden is a little uneven (ours definitely is!).
2. Mosaic Tiled Table Top
A mosaic tiled tabletop is a good way to add life to your outdoor space, and it’s surprisingly easy. We once had a bunch of broken tiles left over from an indoor project—waste or something useful? The second option it is 😎 We decided to give our boring old table a face-lift by turning it into a mosaic masterpiece.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Find a sturdy base—anything from an old table to a repurposed piece of wood.
- Gather some ceramic tiles (or even broken bits of tile).
- Arrange them in any pattern you like—this is where you can get really creative.
- Use outdoor grout to secure the tiles, and voilà!
Not only does this give a personalized, vibrant touch to your garden, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover materials (that’s our main focus during any DIY project as you can see).
3. Concrete Table Top on Wooden Legs
If you’re looking for a sleek and durable option, a concrete tabletop is your way to go. We’ve been loving the modern, industrial look lately, and concrete is as tough as it gets. Don’t let the thought of working with concrete scare you, it’s actually easier than you think. Plus, when combined with wooden legs, it makes the perfect balance between rustic and industrial.
Here’s the basic process:
- Build a mold for your tabletop using wood.
- Mix up your concrete and pour it into the mold.
- Let it set (this part requires patience, but trust me, it’s worth it).
- Attach the wooden legs after the concrete has cured, and seal it with a concrete-safe sealer.
It’s super sturdy and weatherproof, perfect for year-round use.
4. Upcycled Tree Stump Table
This one’s for all of us who love turning what’s already in our backyard into something functional. We had an old tree stump that was too beautiful to discard, so we sanded it down, sealed it, and turned it into the perfect garden side table. This is a great option if you’re looking for a more earthy “tones” in your garden.
Simply:
- Find a large tree stump.
- Sand it down to smooth the surface.
- Coat it with a clear weatherproof varnish, and you’re done!
You can leave it as-is or add a wooden or glass top for a more polished look, up to you.
5. Repurposed Window or Door Frame Table Top
Wanna show the character? That’s my favorite one from these DIY garden table ideas. We had an old window frame at a yard sale, and Lindy was immediately smitten. Instead of leaving it to gather dust, we decided to transform it into a garden table. You can do this with an old door too!
Steps:
- Sand down the frame and refinish it if needed.
- Attach some table legs (you can buy them or repurpose legs from another old table).
- If you want to protect the frame, you can add a piece of glass to the top, but leaving the wood exposed gives it a beautiful, rustic touch.
We’ve had ours out in the garden for years now (especially, after we moved recently to a new homestead), and every time I sit down at it, I feel like I’m part of the past and future all at once. Nice feeling.
DIY Garden Tables on a Budget
You don’t need a huge budget to create a beautiful garden table. Some of the best pieces we’ve made came from the simplest materials.
1. Cinder Block and Wood Plank Table
Want something sturdy and cheap? Cinder blocks and wooden planks make a fantastic garden table. We put this one together in under an hour for a backyard BBQ, and it’s been our go-to table ever since!
- Stack the cinder blocks for legs (two per corner works great).
- Lay a treated wood plank on top for the table surface.
- Add a quick coat of outdoor paint to the blocks if you want to spruce them up a bit.
It’s minimalistic and oh-so-affordable. Plus, the rustic-industrial vibe is on point!
2. Upcycled Bicycle Wheel Table
For something more quirky, how about an upcycled bicycle wheel as your table base? Yeah, it sounds wild, but it looks incredible! We salvaged an old wheel from a junk pile and topped it with a round wooden top, and it worked out in something beautiful.
Here’s the gist:
- Secure the bicycle wheel to a base (you can use cement or even cinder blocks).
- Attach your tabletop (glass or wood both work).
- Paint the wheel for extra flair if you want!
It’s funky, unique, and adds a playful touch to your garden.
How to Maintain Your DIY Garden Table
You’ve put in the work, now let’s make sure your DIY garden table lasts.
1. Weatherproofing Tips
Whether you’ve built a wooden table or a concrete one, weatherproofing is essential. For wooden tables, a good outdoor wood sealer is a must. For concrete tables, you’ll need a special concrete sealant to prevent water absorption and cracking.
Pro Tip: Reapply sealer once a year, preferably after the rainy season, to keep your table looking fresh and lasting longer.
2. Handling Wear and Tear
Tables take a beating, especially outdoors. We’ve learned that scratches, dings, and even broken tiles are inevitable, but easy to fix. Keep a small pot of your original paint or stain handy for quick touch-ups. For tile repairs, outdoor adhesive works wonders to re-secure any loose pieces.
Good luck with your ideas!
