Asked on Jun 30, 2014

suggestions for glassless table?

Jerri M
by Jerri M
Help? A freak wind flipped my patio table and shattered the glass. I dont need to replace it but wanted to do something cool with.the frame. Something out of the box? But for outside. I knew you all would have some cool suggestions. What do you think? Thanks
Its probably 6ft long. Using Baby Boots as scale. Lol.
  90 answers
  • Susan Lenertz Krepsky Susan Lenertz Krepsky on Jun 30, 2014
    Use repurposed lunber for a farm house table.
  • Drought Smart Plants Drought Smart Plants on Jun 30, 2014
    I had a similar incident, where the snow got too heavy and broke it (my bad) so I used two metal refrigerator shelves - these were industrial type, from a grocery store or something. They fit the base perfectly.
    • Jerri M Jerri M on Jul 01, 2014
      @Drought Smart Plants I do like that idea, I don't need another patio table, but can always use a work table....thanks!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Jun 30, 2014
    Get a large piece of plywood - good one side and paint and weather proof it.
  • Angela Hastings Angela Hastings on Jun 30, 2014
    Tiles would be nice
  • Daniel O Daniel O on Jun 30, 2014
    Tiling, maybe build a box in the middle for ice to put drinks in for patio parties.
  • Terri Brodfuehrer Terri Brodfuehrer on Jun 30, 2014
    plywood (or outdoor wood) with your choice of tiles, or mosaics, or paint (get a free design from The Graphics Fairy online)... or you can use shutter doors if both are the same length, or barn wood.. whatever you choose have fun!! =)
  • Cheryl Brouwers Cheryl Brouwers on Jun 30, 2014
    That has happened to me twice. No more glass tables for me.
    • Jerri M Jerri M on Jul 01, 2014
      @Cheryl Brouwers I hear you!! we had gotten 2 from garage sales for parties pretty cheap, so it's not a huge financial loss, but just didn't want to give the frame away without consulting all you crafty people first!
  • Tara May Crawford Tara May Crawford on Jun 30, 2014
    This is what I did!
  • Karen Marlowe Karen Marlowe on Jun 30, 2014
    Plywood top, but some old china, break it up and mosaic the top.
  • Tara May Crawford Tara May Crawford on Jun 30, 2014
    I am obviously still searching for the perfect chairs!
  • Bob T Bob T on Jun 30, 2014
    this is what I did with my round table
    • Jerri M Jerri M on Jul 01, 2014
      @Bob T love love love this!!! wondering how to incorporate into my garden... or design a new garden around it!! thanks!!!!
  • Gina S Gina S on Jun 30, 2014
    A piece of plywood and then use floor tiles on it
  • Cheryl Newman Cheryl Newman on Jun 30, 2014
    plywood and slate tile would look great with that base
    • Patricia Linn Patricia Linn on Jun 30, 2014
      I was thinking the same thing!!! Don't think you'd have to worry about the wind flipping it then! But I can see different shades of slate tiles.
  • A.E. Zaring A.E. Zaring on Jun 30, 2014
    If this were my table base~I would get a piece of smooth plywood to fit the frame and then get pennies and glue them to the top~then seal them with a sealer to make it weather proof~
    • See 1 previous
    • Shary Shary on Jun 30, 2014
      @Marc It is not against the law. Defacing money is only a crime if meant to defraud.
  • Jennifer Shutt Jennifer Shutt on Jun 30, 2014
    Propane fire table. Lowes sells them for ideas, bet you could make for a lot cheaper!
    • See 1 previous
    • Jerri M Jerri M on Jul 01, 2014
      @Jennifer Shutt I was wondering if it would be 'safe' for a fire pit type of thing. Ill look into that too. Thanks Everyone!!!
  • Tara May Crawford Tara May Crawford on Jun 30, 2014
    Also did this. It is a coffee table but it has similar lines,
  • Cyndy B Cyndy B on Jun 30, 2014
    Pallet wood dry brushed two or 3 different colors. Looks great plain or waxed. I've seen several examples here and on Pinterest. Love em, just haven't done one yet myself LOL!
  • Brenda W Brenda W on Jun 30, 2014
    Possibly turn it on its side...put plywood or stone on it to make a bar. Slide planks where ever they will fit in the frame for shelving
    • Jerri M Jerri M on Jul 01, 2014
      @Brenda W that is interesting.... would look cool next to the grill and w/ a wood frame, would match my heavy wood picnic table... Great Idea! Thanks!!
  • Kay Hartman Kay Hartman on Jun 30, 2014
    get a piece of plexiglass
  • Barbara W Barbara W on Jun 30, 2014
    Chain your dog to it
    • Jerri M Jerri M on Jul 01, 2014
      @Barbara W - it would probably work for the little guy!! I kept trying to take pics of the frame and he just wouldn't stay out of the pic! lol!
  • Karen Ray Karen Ray on Jun 30, 2014
    My broken glass top table blown over is oval. ???
  • Janet Jayne Janet Jayne on Jun 30, 2014
    What about an outdoor ping pong table with a shelf on the sides for extra games.
  • Amy Pettit Brown Amy Pettit Brown on Jun 30, 2014
    Any shape table frame: barn wood or fence spats or even plywood cut into spats or not.
  • Marcia Marcia on Jun 30, 2014
    @ Use some plywood to cover the top leaving the center for custom made spaces to sink a removable trash can and tub for chilling drinks. Finish the rest of the top with something that pleases your eye.
  • TxMom TxMom on Jun 30, 2014
    If you decide to keep it as a table, what I did with mine when it was flipped and broken is put a piece of plywood down and then used 12x12 inch tiles on top of that. It's heavy so the wind hasn't flipped it again.
  • The Primitive Crow The Primitive Crow on Jun 30, 2014
    Use 3/4 plywood cut out any design and screw together ! We sell these by the truck loads . The Primitive Crow . Jackson ohio
  • Jerri M Jerri M on Jul 01, 2014
    @Marcia - I like the idea of turning it into a tub for drinks or work table, old sink? hose hook up?hmmmm!! some great ideas everyone, Thanks!!! I needed several tables for grad parties, etc, but that's done with now, so didn't necessarily want to put a new top on it... but I love the skid or barn wood top... Thanks !! I will repost when I do get it finished!
  • Sue Salley Sue Salley on Jul 01, 2014
    If you could find a way to extend the legs (or if you have a place to hang it) and put hanging baskets of some vines and make an arbor. The vines could grow across the top. You could also hang some type of lights from the frame.
  • Wendy Willey Wendy Willey on Jul 01, 2014
    How about making the bottom (legs area) look just like the top and flip it on it's end using it as a trellis, hanging bird feeders, bird water pots, hummingbird feeders and flowering baskets.
  • Nanaslug Nanaslug on Jul 01, 2014
    Do a tight weave of lawn chair webbing
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jul 01, 2014
    Paint this a bright color...maybe aqua since you don't see many aqua flowers. Then attach strips of pressure treated wood to the bottom rail and fill it full of different size flower pots with pretty flowers. Leave the top open.
  • Sharon McKusick Sharon McKusick on Jul 01, 2014
    Use 2X6's to make a new tabletop
  • Laurie Cullen Laurie Cullen on Jul 01, 2014
    We have a similar table. The glass top cracked. We repainted it a fun summer color then cut a piece of wood for the top. We drilled a hole for an umbrella in the middle. We stained the wood but usually keep it covered with a pretty summer tablecloth. We use it all the time and I honestly like it better than the glass top.
  • Lori Hilts Lori Hilts on Jul 01, 2014
    I would use a thin plywood and then get some old colored plates and break them and make the table top mosaic.
  • Glenna Williams Glenna Williams on Jul 01, 2014
    If you need a new table somewhere, in house or on covered patio, I would make a table as suggested out of wood board, stain them and first add a good coat of black paint to table. Tables with iron and wood are really a thing now and it could be decorated so pretty with burlap table runner and all that goes with that ... I like the outside table with a well for drinks also but be sure it doesn't leak on table and that the container is removable for emptying it ...
  • Rob F Rob F on Jul 01, 2014
    I painted the bottom a gold/bronze and then had a piece of wood made with rounded edges and then stained a cherry color. It is beautiful. Have also seen them with tiled tops.
  • Sunni Zimmer Sunni Zimmer on Jul 01, 2014
    Pallet wood then stain or paint.
  • Bella B Bella B on Jul 01, 2014
    First of all, unchain the dog. He really detracts from the appearance.
  • Margaret C Margaret C on Jul 01, 2014
    Have a piece of outdoor grade plywood cut to fit (either in the frame or with a slight overhang). You can then tile, stain, paint and/or stencil to your heart's content.
  • Lesa Lesa on Jul 01, 2014
    When you say "out of box" I'm thinking you don't need it for eating on...so this would make a great side bar/built in drink container/food server. Paint your favorite bright color then use pallet wood or new wood to make top. If you are handy with tools, then you could add a cut out for a washtub bucket for using as a drink cooler. I have one similar and we made a wood top (made like a shoebox lid) cut out for tub(reinforce the sides) added some hooks to side, an old marble cutting board and we use it as a table by grill for food serve. The top got stained and 3 coats of poly. The top can be removed for repainting the base(I change colors like the chameleon). Credit goes to pinterest.
    • Brenda Wells Brenda Wells on Jul 01, 2014
      @Lesa Love the idea. consider using some water proof backing to adhere your tile to so it doesn't rot out.
  • Karren Brunell Karren Brunell on Jul 01, 2014
    put a piece of plywood down and do a mosaic top......or depending on your colors, do like a butcher block top would be cool too..
    • Brenda Wells Brenda Wells on Jul 01, 2014
      @Karren Brunell Love the idea. consider using some water proof backing to adhere your tile to so it doesn't rot out.
  • Deanna Snyder Deanna Snyder on Jul 01, 2014
    The table has a very cool shape at the bottom and you could get some plywood & cut to fit the smaller middle (higher) area and then the sides of underneath (where the diagonal supports are). You could mimic the shape by cutting the plywood at an angle and follow the shape of the supports. You may need to give it some more support on the outside for a shelf, but that shouldn't be too tricky. Whatever you use, you could paint it all the same color & it will blend. The frame could be given a splash of color with spray paint and then use it for plants, etc. Have fun!!!
  • Connie Connie on Jul 01, 2014
    I agree with Brunell mosaic all the way.
  • Georgia "Gigi" Manthey Georgia "Gigi" Manthey on Jul 01, 2014
    Thinking "out of the box" - maybe make a trellis or wall to hide things. Cut off the bottom part of the legs up to the support. Paint it all any color you would like. Stand it up on it's side. You may have to build up the underside to be even with the top edge so it stands straight up. Hang plants and/or decorative items throughout the structure. It can be freestanding or placed against a wall or something.
  • Change of Art Change of Art on Jul 01, 2014
    I was going to recommend slats of repurposed wood (with cross support underneath to prevent warping), but the mosaic ideas sound great. You can really make it your own – and there's the added bonus of extra weight. Less likely to be flipped by another big wind! Even if you use outdoor/pressure treated plywood, you might want to add a thin sheet of cement board under the mosaic. (Especially if you get a lot of downpours like we saw last night!)
  • Betty819 Betty819 on Jul 01, 2014
    We have a glass top table like yours that came with a patio furniture set by Martha Stewart. It is so heavy and in the wintertime, we bring it inside to hold any plants that we want to save till Spring. Leaving it out in the winter elements would cause breakage. I was thinking the same things that a lot of others gave as ideas. Don't throw it away. It can be used for a lot of things.
  • Debbie Debbie on Jul 01, 2014
    I would stand it up on it's end and use it in the garden as sculpture to grow vines on. the little nook could even be a "hiding place" for a small child!
  • Eileen Eileen on Jul 01, 2014
    Put it in your veggie garden and grow vining plants like cucumbers or melons on the frame.
  • Andrea R Andrea R on Jul 01, 2014
    cover a piece of plywood with foam and material that will fit on top for a seat and find baskets to slide underneat and fill with country living or some cool mags.
  • Margaret Martin Margaret Martin on Jul 01, 2014
    I am in Minnesota. I would make an ice mold for the tabletop during the winter and use it as an outdoor ice bar.
  • Jenifer Cunningham Jenifer Cunningham on Jul 01, 2014
    scrap wood. this is unfinished. i stained it to match an iron bed bench we made. it came out better that expected.
  • Cher D Cher D on Jul 01, 2014
    for a table get a pc of board paint it good and or stain and put a boat vanish on it ...if you paint it you can go crazy and do something cool then clear coat
  • Dee Dee Bumbarger Dee Dee Bumbarger on Jul 01, 2014
    Stand it on end, cut off legs, paint, use the new 'top' and 'bottom' as wine racks, add shelving above and below wine racks for holding wine glasses, ice to chill bottles, etc...
  • Tammy McLain Tammy McLain on Jul 01, 2014
    I have to go with Mosaic.
  • Sheila Sheila on Jul 01, 2014
    get an old palette and cut to fit, be sure and seal it good!
  • Sharon Carson Dunham Sharon Carson Dunham on Jul 01, 2014
    I'd put plywood down, seal it well, and then also go with a mosaic. Personally I'd use glass as I have an abundance of stained glass but you can also use tiles, stones, etc.
  • Terry Reesing Terry Reesing on Jul 01, 2014
    Thank you for asking this question Jerri. I have a table without a glass top also and have no idea what to do with it. Good suggestions, thank you!
    • Ann Ann on Jul 01, 2014
      My glass broke and I tossed the frame! I'm so mad at myself for not thinking of replacing it with wood.
  • Donna J Donna J on Jul 01, 2014
    A few weeks ago I bought a fire pit at a fantastic discounted price. Since we will not be using the pit during the summer we thought it would be great to use the base as a coffee table. The inserts and mesh cover are removable. To purchase glass for this 24x24" space is quite expensive and we did not want to go over the cost of the pit. We kept our eyes open for ideas until one morning while walking by a building site we got an idea to use a piece of siding. The siding is call fiber cement board which we got for free (DR Horton is building many homes and throw away any leftovers from the building site). We got one long piece and cut it into three 24" pieces. It fits perfectly. Maybe you can do something like it. It's always fun to make improvements with little dollar cost. Here are some pictures to show. Hope it gives you an idea or two.
  • Le' Le' on Jul 01, 2014
    I would turn it on it's side ...secure it....hang a flower basket from the top.
  • Peggy Whisenhunt Peggy Whisenhunt on Jul 01, 2014
    Put in yard and add pots of floweers
  • Lisa Lisa on Jul 01, 2014
    If you've been doing any tile projects, save the tile and do a mosaic on top.
  • Sheila Bowden Sheila Bowden on Jul 01, 2014
    I had a table with no glass top similar to yours (found in a salvage store) and this spring I got a piece of concrete backer board (like what you put behind tile), cut it to size, dropped it in and then faux painted it to look like marble with craft paints. I haven't had time to put a seal over it yet, but so far it's holding up well ! Even in Mississippi summer sun and heat !
  • Catsrule Catsrule on Jul 01, 2014
    Perfect for a pallet wood table top. I have seen several how to instructions here on hometalk
  • Valinda May Valinda May on Jul 01, 2014
    If you like the look you had, try looking for a piece of clear plexiglass and install it the same way the glass was installed on the table legs. :)
  • Judy J. Judy J. on Jul 01, 2014
    this is what I did with a table that had broken glass; put wood in place of glass, but not before stenciling it with an old lace curtain, and painting it a beachy blue!
  • Lora (Howard) Cotton Lora (Howard) Cotton on Jul 01, 2014
    You said, outside the box, so I'd suggest getting the piece of board that everyone else is suggesting, BUT instead of just painting and varnishing, I'd suggest planning out an AWESOME Mosaic!!! Your fave (or hubby's) sports team, a special flower;, the American flag, the ideas are endless.
  • KathrynElizabeth Etier KathrynElizabeth Etier on Jul 01, 2014
    Bench? Trellis?
  • Kelly S Kelly S on Jul 01, 2014
    Clear out side the box, I'm thinking frame for an outdoor tub or base for a water feature or doggie pool. Inside the box, old fence boards for a table top.
  • Stacy R Stacy R on Jul 01, 2014
    Make flower boxes inside and look like they were custom made for next to a deck or something
  • Darlene Clonts Darlene Clonts on Jul 01, 2014
    make a bench out of it add wood and foam and cover the seat
  • Stephanie Ridley Stephanie Ridley on Jul 01, 2014
    Flower tower or put hanging baskets in it. Paint it a bold color to stand out and grab attention!
  • Susanne M Susanne M on Jul 01, 2014
    I WOULD PUT WOOD AND THEN MOSAIC TILE
  • Ida Granny Ida Granny on Jul 01, 2014
    I would weld or screw a fence on the table to do the mosaic on.
  • Jo Marie Jo Marie on Jul 02, 2014
    Flip it upside down, cut a piece of plywood covering all of the supports in the middle of the table, then trim out the front along the angles of the 2 outside boxes and along the length of the oval support (giving it a half hexagon front). Then upholster the plywood for a bench seat. Then attach plywood to the table legs on 3 side, from the seat to the top of the table legs. (You could upholster this as well if you want). Add some nice throw pillows and you'll have a comfy, unique sofa to enjoy. Have fun whatever you choose to do!
  • Bibi Sweet67 Bibi Sweet67 on Jul 02, 2014
    I was about to say that same thing Lisa said. I would do a mosaic table top just get a peace of wood to put on top. I always wanted to do this type of project.
  • Tegma Tegma on Jul 02, 2014
    What kind of a grill do you have? Could it be put in the center, or down into one side of it, with a pallet wood counter to the side of it for outdoor BBQ's? Do you have children who would enjoy your making it into a Sand/water/rock - box for play? To do that, you might find 2 or 3 vinyl under-bed sized boxes to set down into it. (Some of the center may need to be cut away.) What about removing the center and adding a "roof" top and 3 sided walls to it for a shade shelter for the dog in that picture? The same could be done for a small play house for children, too. Just use the top frame and legs, and build accordingly. A small fort top could be added, too. It could also be a waist high garden planter for flowers or veggies. What are your needs?
    • Jerri M Jerri M on Jul 02, 2014
      @tegma wonderful!! My 19 year old wants the water box idea! lol!! she's going to be a preschool teacher only cuz she like to play in water and color! lo!
  • Tegma Tegma on Jul 02, 2014
    Even more ideas if you have children who might fit them: a chalk table for drawing etc., a lego table for kids who enjoy that, or perhaps a game table, with a checker board in the center. I can come up with a million and one ideas, but like I already asked, what are your needs? If you have children, I'd ask them what they'd like made from it. Kids are full of ideas....
  • Judith Costa Judith Costa on Jul 02, 2014
    I would go with the heavy duty plexiglass top. The fun part of that is that you can etch designs on the under side to make it truly unique.
  • Tegma Tegma on Jul 03, 2014
    If your daughter is going to be a preschool teacher, I'm sure she would love the "water box" idea. I have been a foster grandparent to a preschool class, and have a 5 yr. old gr-grandson.... both love those kinds of play boxes! With a table that large, you can certainly do 2 or 3 boxes and have sand, water, & rocks. I've even used colored rice in mine nfor a change up. Boys love to play with small construction type trucks in the rocks, rice &/or sand.... and you'd be surprised how many girls do, too! Both love to play in water! So, go for it.... If you like having little ones around, it's a great way to entertain the neighbor kids who are of the age to enjoy it! Put some little dinosaurs in the sand, and some dollar store construction vehicles in the rocks, some fun toys (Funnels and such) in the water and you've got a wonderful play center. All can be had at the Dollar Tree for little cost.
  • I would build a frame and put cheap bins held up by the frame and turn it into an area for iced soda, drinks, condiments etc. for a party outside or use it as a bar table.
  • The Primitive Crow The Primitive Crow on Aug 03, 2014
    Take 3 2x4s and drill a recessed 1/2 inch hole followed by 1/4 in hole drilled all the way thru. After they are drilled follow up with bolts and when they are attached just Screw 1x4s all different colors the opposite way and top it off with some sanding . Happy creating !!!
  • Lori Hilts Lori Hilts on Aug 04, 2014
    I would do a mosaic top on it
  • Kay Hartman Kay Hartman on Aug 05, 2014
    Why don't you go buy a piece plyglass
  • Boards & Beams Boards & Beams on Aug 05, 2014
    I would use reclaimed lumber or a wood slab! http://www.woodboardsandbeams.com
  • How about using old wooden fencing to create a new top OR frame it out and using stainless steel tray fill it with ice for drinks? Would be great for entertaining... or do a combo of both so you can have a place to set your drink. :-)
  • Le' Le' on Aug 06, 2014
    DesignHouse....love the idea of stainless steel/ice.
  • Stefan Stefan on Mar 13, 2015
    I like plywood, it's fast and reasonable, Home Depot or lowes have people there to cut to the size you like, install, remove, prime and paint it and install again, this way you don't scratch the paint job and it will be fun to do, don't forget to sand it before you prime.
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on Mar 13, 2015
    @Jerri M I realize this post is almost a year old, but if you haven't done anything yet, you could consider doing a replacement glass - plexiglass or framing for ceramic tiles. If you have finished the project would love to know what you did and see a pic update. :)
  • I would cut a piece of plywood for the top and then create a mosaic top with old plates.