I really love doing reclaimed wood projects in between my repurposed furniture projects. Easy builds like this rustic garden table are a fun break after doing furniture projects that sometimes take days!
Reclaimed Wood Rustic Garden Table Directions
When a friend alerted me to all of this free wood, little did I know how long it would last! I’ve already made lots of projects, and today I’m sharing another easy reclaimed wood garden table project with you.
I don’t remember where I got these large boards, but I’m pretty sure it was a handmade bed rail of some sort. It was already quite weathered when I got it. I cut it in half lengthwise and then trimmed off partially rotted end pieces. You can see I’ve already cut the 2x4 legs (leaning against the saw stand).
Here’s where I tell you the truth in blogging. My first attempt at assembling the table didn’t go so well. Because I make things up as I go along, I often resort to plan B. We’ll pick up there . . .
Build Table Legs
Initially I started out with all 2x4’s, but when that didn’t quite work out, I switched to fence boards for the table skirt. These are the two sets of legs. I used wood screws to assemble all the parts of this garden table.
Assembly
I attached side supports to the two leg sections of the table.
Because the boards had a rabbet cut, I opted to put one up, and one down to allow the joints to sort of interlock.
The boards were slightly warped so I had to use a bar clamp to help pull the table top down while I secured it with the wood screws.
It’s well on it’s way, but to further support the legs and add extra storage, I decided to do a lower shelf.
I measured from the top to get the lower shelf support in place.
Rustic Garden Table Lower Shelf
Ta Da! So perfect!
Weathered Paint Technique
The height of this table is comfortable enough to stand and work on garden plants and potting.
It looks like Mindi might be rubbing off on me because I couldn’t resist this can of blue oops paint. Can you see that the table is wet? I cleaned it off with the hose and began painting with the cheap chip brush while the wood was still wet.
I did a really quick coat of the blue paint on the wet garden table.
Just as the paint was setting up and drying, I sprayed all the parts with the hose to make it look more weathered.
I absolutely LOVE the oops color looking all weathered. It looks like it’s been in the yard for years! The garden table is the perfect height for potting or working on a project. Clean it up and it would look great holding your favorite beverages for a pool party! Put it next to the grill to hold food, plates, utensils and more! The options for this little workhorse are endless!
It would get the most use at my house as a work bench. Will you build one, how will you use it?
gail
Susan
I love this beautiful project and you make it look so easy Gail! I love the "hose effect", it sure made it look weathered! I think I need one of these on the side of my house.
Choice Furniture Superstore
Simply amazing. Your table looks great. You did a wonderful job.
Judy
Love the table; I want to make one; have some old fence board scraps. Thanks for the inspiration.
Mindi
Cutest little potting table! The weathered blue is soooo perfect! Glad to know I am "brain" washing you! hee hee!
Love it! Pinned!
Gail Wilson
hahaha you ARE brainwashing me. You were in my head the day I picked up that blue oops paint Mindi! Thanks for pinning!
gail
ps It was so fun to see you at SNAP!
Julie@followyourheartwoodworking
Adorable table... love the colour!! I am making some tables myself and just last night posted a photo on my facebook page of the legs with the skirts attached.
girlfromwva
love that blue table! awesome and could be used so many ways!
Sandy
You can never have too many multi=purpose tables! I loved the article. Thanks for sharing!
Carole
I love how you made this work and I dream of the day when I can find a pile of reclaimed wood such as that. Holy cow what fun awaits! Love this style of table and how you connected everything makes it such a great build for anyone to duplicate. Thanks forsharing another great idea~