Easy Patio Table

Terry
by Terry
5 Materials
$120
1 Hour
Easy

Here's a way to easily create an inexpensive side table for your patio using an odd assortment of natural and household items.

I came across two of these cool planters at a farmer's market for $35 each. They are big enough to be side tables next to my patio couch so I figured "why not?" I gathered some items I knew I would need and got started.

I purchased a pizza pan at Walmart for $3.50 and gathered some shells at the beach along with some sand. I thought about using a pot saucer in place of the pizza pan, but it would have been much more expensive--you'll see the pan's use in a minute.

I did have to pay to have two pieces of tempered glass cut, but I've also seen pieces of glass at thrift stores around town. Because I had two pot/tables, I wanted them to match therefore the extra expense.

To keep the pot from being heavy with sand, I filled it with peanuts I got from a local shipping store and some I had saved. This step turns out not to be necessary, but I include it.

I put the pizza pan (or a terracotta pot saucer would work too) in the top of the pot. Because the sides were curved, the pizza pan stayed nicely in place, but a bead of silicone caulking would be helpful to keep the pan in place if your pot's top is not curved and keep the sand from sifting through the small hole between the pan and the side of the pot. 3/17/19 Update: I definitely recommend putting the caulking around the outside of the pizza pan to keep the sand in place. I had to take this table apart when I painted this pot (see below) so I caulked it and it makes it easy to move the pot around without disturbing the sand and having it go over the edge of the pan.

Next, I poured in my sand...

...and spread it around...

...then added shells for a coastal look. Anything can be used for decoration depending on your decor.

The final step is to place the glass on the pot. I used three of those little clear rubber table protectors used under glass tops to keep the glass from scrapping on the pot. And there you have it...

...the perfect addition to my outdoor space.

3/17/19 Update. I got tired of the orange pot with my greige patio set and travertine tile so I painted the pot a grey-beige color and then waxed just the high relief items (fish seahorses, etc.). While it's hard to see the wax in this picture, I really like the table much better now.

The updated table....

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  • Mimi Mimi on Mar 17, 2019

    What kind of paint did you use? Exactly what I’m looking for. So cute!

  • SueHen SueHen on Mar 18, 2019

    I did something very similar last summer. Had a round piece of heavy, beveled glass left from an outdoor table which broke. First, measured the width of the glass, noticed a local home improvement store had a sale on fiberglass pots. Took my measuring tape with me, found a perfect pot, color that matched my outside decor and top opening that was perfect size for glass. Got home, glass fit perfectly into pot! Glued the glass in and used it right away. I'd like to try the seashells and sand or other decor under the glass. Wonder if I can get the glass out now, lol?

  • Hello, where did you buy your beautiful rug ? Thank you.for your clever idea.

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  • Terry Terry on Feb 12, 2021

    Thank you, Diana.


  • Sjt29229935 Sjt29229935 on Mar 02, 2021

    I think your tables are terrific and really beautiful after the matching coat of paint. Your patio and pool are lovely too. I have one suggestion about the tables. I know you used tempered glass for safety and if it does break, it tends to shatter into small pebble/crystal shaped pieces that are much less dangerous than regular glass. We have a pool and I am obsessed about not having glass around the pool. Too many bare feet and if it were to get into the pool it would be a real mess. Even with tempered glass, you can still be cut, just not a deeply. Plus, you definitely need to vacuum the area a couple of times to be sure all pieces are up. We broke a table on the deck once and it does shatter into a million small pieces. Around a pool, I would suggest laminated glass as it will hold together vs shattering. Or better yet get a piece of polycarbonate or clear vinyl. But, that is just me. Again, I think your pool area is relaxing and beautiful. Nice job! Enjoy!

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