How to Make an Outdoor Side Table

This project starts with a large terracotta pot and a terracotta saucer. I measured the chaise lounge I wanted to sit mine next to. You can measure the chairs you want to sit yours next to so you can decide which size pot and saucer to use. The pot I picked was 17 inches high and the saucer is 16 inches across.

You can leave your pots totally natural if you would like, but I want to show you what I did to mine! The thing I love about DIY and crafting is that you can customize things exactly like you want them to be, and this is one of those projects! Begin by spraying your pot and saucer with Clay Pot Sealer. I like this brand from Plaid and had it delivered from Amazon. Follow the directions and make sure you spray them and let them dry completely. I sprayed the pot both inside and out.

After you have let the pots dry thoroughly from the sealer, you will want to paint them. I selected white for my table. Make sure you use a paint that is waterproof and suitable for those wet locations if you will be using yours outdoors like I am.

Spray paint your pot and saucer in a well ventilated or outdoor setting. Make sure there is nothing around like a car or the side of your house that will catch the overspray! Shake the can well and check the can for the proper spraying distance and drying time.

After applying three or four coats of white spray paint and letting my pieces dry completely between coats, I was ready to bring my project indoors to finish.

Because I will be using my table out of doors in a damp location I used a silicone glue to attach rope to my pot.

Simply squeeze a bead of the glue out around the edge of the pot and firmly push your rope into the glue so it is secure. It will dry and stay right there, even in wet or hot and humid conditions.

The pattern I decided on for my pot was just two bands of rope as shown above. You can do anything you want. If I did it again, I would likely use a coarser rope. I am also considering making these side tables for out by our pool and spray painting the rope white, so there is just the texture, but the tables would be all white without the rope being just a texture.

When you have completely decorated your pot like you want it to look, it will be time to attach the saucer to the top. The saucer will serve as your table top. Use a strong bonding silicone caulk or a construction adhesive to the top (which is really the bottom) of your large terracotta pot. Follow the instructions for the adhesive you are using. Apply a generous amount to the surface and then put the saucer down on it pressing firmly.

Now I have the perfect little side table nice and handy next to the chaise on our front porch. I will be ready to settle in with a good book and my puppy. It’s a nice afternoon in Florida, and this side of the porch is getting a little breeze. I have a big pitcher of lemonade and am ready for a rest. My new table will keep my drink nearby and no spilling! Let me know if you need some side tables out of doors and might take on this project! How might you decorate or design yours? I tried some stenciling while I was at Haven and am thinking some palm leaf stencils would be cool, what do you think? For more of my DIY and decor, check out my blog at: https://celebrateanddecorate.com/