Monday, April 13, 2009

DIY Outdoor Coffee Table

If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that I’ll use logs for just about anything if it will save me from having to buy something.  We have plenty of logs.

These two pictures show umbrella stands and end tables (so to speak) on the stone area we use as our patio.  I talked about how to make them here.  We’re saving to get a real patio poured someday soon.  But my project for this week was for the front of the house.

   

We recently hung a swing on our front porch, and I felt like we needed a foot rest/coffee table/catch all to go with it.  I looked everywhere for something that would work.  But, I found little I liked, and nothing in the price range I was willing to spend.

So, I decided to make my own--after the fashion of our patio umbrella stands—one that wouldn’t tip over easy or crack with the weight of a boy sitting on it.

Porch coffee table stool

This is what I came up with.  My husband cut the log I picked into two equal parts.  Then I took a plank (which I got in the scrap bin at the lumber store) and cut it to the length I wanted.   I rounded and sanded its edges, stained it with cedar stain and finally, screwed it to the logs using really long screws.

The result wasn’t half bad, and I didn’t have to buy a thing!

I’m thinking it will last much longer under my boys’ abuse than one of those cheap little plastic tables.

The height is nice, too.  It’s low enough to put a foot or two up and and still swing a little.   Yet, it’s high enough to set a glass of lemonade or a checker board (or Star Wars figure) on and play.  It will do for us! 

Porch Coffee Table Stool and Lucky

Lucky (our kitty) and her buddies like to lay under it, too.

This post is being linked to the following parties, so don’t forget to see what others are talking about and/or link your own ideas up as well!  I’m looking forward to seeing what you all are up to!

  

Talk About Tuesday

13 comments:

Debra Kaye said...

That was just awesome!!! I loved it! Blessings to you!

Christina said...

What a charming table! I love it. I think it looks much better than the little plastic kind.

Mary @Raising 4 Godly Men said...

This is sooooooooooooooooo neat ! I wanna do this !! I live on 30 acers of woods so we have the stumps. lol If I get this done I will post a pic and let you see mine. [0= Thank you very much for sharing this. They are great ideas. [0=

Blessings in Him<><
-Mary

Keetha Broyles said...

I love it, and I love your entire patio area!!!!

Mari said...

Great idea and at such a good price!

Faith - That's Just Freaking Lovely said...

What a cool idea to use logs for the table .. it looks great too!

Traci @ The Bakery said...

OH....what great ideas!!! I like it also because the Oklahoma wind won't blow them off my patio!!! Thanks for posting this!!!

Penny said...

You're amazing! But why am I picturing a glass of lemonade coming into contact with a little boy's swinging foot, and a wet sticky cat??

Veggiemomof2 said...

I love it! Has that homey rustic look :)

Liz@Hoosier Homemade said...

Very cool idea! Thanks for sharing!
~Liz

Susie said...

Oh my gosh!! I that exact set up in my back yard!! We had taken an old tree down in our yard because it was time! Awesome tackle:-)

Anonymous said...

Now that is a way to use your natural resources. I love porch swings. I am jealous.

Anonymous said...

LOVE it!! I am crazy about these type of homemade projects! Good job!