The Patio Dance: I’m DIYing my set for $150

It is officially grillin’ and chillin’ season here in Pennsylvania. We live near a lake, so spending time outdoors is a way of life for us. We’ve already fired up our grill and we’re ready to pop a squat outside and enjoy some fresh air.

The only problem? Until this week, my back patio was as bare as a newborn baby’s bottom. The only other problem? I didn’t have a bunch of moolah to throw down on a table and chairs. Our patio set had to happen for less … like way less. It was time to get creative.

Fortunately, my sis and bro-in-law needed to get rid of this beauty, so they gave it to me for free:

I can’t imagine why. 😉 I figured I could transform it fairly painlessly, so I started by taking off the glass top and grinding and sanding off as much paint as possible.

These are the tools I used to get the job done:

I will mention that this is a job for safety glasses, a mask and gloves. That is, unless you want rusty paint chips in your eyes and nose. I always have to bring my safety “A” game around here. My foreman is ruthless ;):

After I removed as much paint as possible using the grinder, wire brushes, sandpaper and sanding block, I gave the table its first coat of spray primer/paint.

I used Rust-Oleum’s Paint & Primer in One in Oil-rubbed Bronze.

Here’s a peek at what the finished table looks like:

Now for the chairs … I went to about a hundred (OK, seven) stores looking for the best deal and I did the happy dance when I found seating for six for under $150 at Big Lots. It involved mixing and matching different pieces, but you are going to be blown away at how it all came together (at least I was, anyway :)).

Here’s a sneak peek at the brand new seating:

I will be posting the final reveal on Monday. You won’t want to miss it!