upcycled metal table | outdoor coffee table

I used an upcycled metal frame table to make a new outdoor coffee table using pallet wood! You may remember the small pallet top tables I made for the backyard camper retreat last year.

How to add a top to an upcycled metal table

Generally, I take a before picture when someone drops off unwanted items. This upcycled metal table was given to me by a good friend. It sat in the garage for months before I decided it would be perfect for the backyard. As I was looking for something to make the outdoor coffee table, I found this leftover wood from the new porch out back. Would you believe, this is exactly how I found the boards? They fit perfectly!

After trimming the mill ends off the boards, I used scrap wood to join the planks together using Gorilla Wood Glue and Wood Screws.

In this image, you can see the tools I used to secure the planks. I pre-drilled pilot holes so that the small pieces of wood wouldn't split.

Sand reclaimed wood table top

Did you notice that I intentionally left a small gap between the planks for water to drain? Since this upcycled metal table will be out in the elements, that's a necessary step.

Now, it's time to sand the boards.

Did you know you can store paint in plastic jugs?

Using the same paint as I did for the other outdoor tables, I applied it with a  chip brush. Do you know why I love using these small cheap brushes? Because they are easy to clean, and they don't waste a lot of paint down the drain! Why do I store paint in the water jug? Because I tend to keep it for years. This paint has been around since about 2007. You can read more about how to deal with rusted paint cans by clicking that link.

As always, I started painting the underside first, that way if anything gets scuffed, it won't be the top.

Resting your project on sawhorses, even cheap plastic ones, really saves your back.

Spray paint upcycled metal table

Spray painting an upcycled metal table is the easiest way to give it an update.

Assemble New Outdoor Table

Now that everything is painted, it's time to attach the new table top to the upcycled metal frame base. Lucky for me, I was able to use the original holes. Although, I have no idea what kind of table top was originally attached.

Can you see where I placed the scrap wood inside the frame upcycled metal frame? You could also place them on the other side. Just be sure to check YOUR table to see how everything works on the underside.

It was so easy. I marked and drilled pilot holes then added screws by hand.

New upcycled metal table for outdoors

The upcycled metal table looks great with the Pallet Love Seat Bench! This is my go-to seating in the backyard for the most part. I still love that orange bench!

Now, let the fun begin with some backyard bingo and more! It's been a long, long winter.

Have you thrown away an unwanted table base that YOU should have kept?

gail