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:

Free patio table

I can’t imagine why. ๐Ÿ˜‰ 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.

Grinding off old paintThese are the tools I used to get the job done:

Tools for patio table re-doI 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 ;):

ForemanAfter 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.

Rustoleum paint and primerI used Rust-Oleum’s Paint & Primer in One in Oil-rubbed Bronze.

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

Renovated patio tableNow for the chairs … I went to about a hundred (OK, seven)ย 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:

Patio furniture sneak peekI will be posting the final reveal on Monday. You won’t want to miss it!

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14 Responses

  1. Kelly Palmer says:

    I can’t wait to see the finished product ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. michelle says:

    What a way to lee me on the edge of my seat!!!’

  3. Jane says:

    Great job! Can’t wait to see it all!

  4. Pam P says:

    You are so talented! I’m kinda crushin’ on your foreman too. WHATACUTIEPATOOTIE! !(I have 2 grandsons~My Lil Super Heros in Training).
    Can’t wait for Monday! Have a great weekend.
    Blessings!

  5. lisa says:

    Love it and can’t wait to see the final results but would love to see more photos of the little face. How precious he is. I have four sons and my baby is 18. How I miss those days!

  6. Jaima says:

    I haven’t heard, “pop a squat” in years…

    Can’t wait to see the reveal! I know it will be fabulous!

  7. Linda says:

    Wow!! Looking forward to seeing the end result.

    Have a GREAT weekend!!

  8. Pamela says:

    Can’t wait to see the reveal. I never even thought of DIYing a table for the backyard. I need one too. Definitely will be on the look-out for one now. Thanks!

    • Susan says:

      Keep an eye on those yard sales. A friend of mine showed me a picture of a patio set she saw at a yard sale this weekend. The whole set was $40 and it was sturdy and gorgeous.

  9. Runt says:

    I LOVE that table already! I can’t wait to see the whole set together! =]

  10. Diane Wright says:

    Can’t wait to see what u did to yr table.

  1. May 6, 2013

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