Distressed Wood Outdoor Side Table

Need an outdoor side table or little bench? We built one using salvaged wood and pretty aqua blue paint. Take a look!

Can you believe we’re nearing the end of May and it’s the final week of the OUTDOOR EXTRAVAGANZA already? Thankfully the weather has been cooperating and our backyard is almost summer-ready. All set for tomorrow’s wrap-up link party? We can’t wait to see your DIY outdoor projects!

Before you read on, be sure to check out my Tomato Sauce Garden Gift Basket and Pimm’s Cocktail Jug if you missed weeks one and two. You’ll get caught up on the other fantastic outdoor ideas there too.

DIY Outdoor Side Table

Today it’s all about Outdoor Paint & Build-it Projects. If you could use an outdoor side table or little bench, this one’s for you!

Do you recall when I mentioned this DIY project during last year’s Outdoor Extravaganza? Well, that’s when we actually started building this side table or bench (it’s kinda in between). Unfortunately, the weather was super cold and rainy then, so I put it on the back burner and shared my weathered pots with succulents instead.

In contrast, this May has been sunny and warm, which means we’ve been able to cross many projects off our to-do list. Over the weekend, we topped our flower beds with mulch, and I was able to give our little farmhouse style bench a coat of paint.

At first, I was going to leave the reclaimed wood in its natural state. I do like the look of distressed outdoor furniture, so we built the side table using salvaged wood left over from our farmhouse dining table project.

However, after I painted the adirondack chairs our son built in a soft grey colour (you can see the before pics), I changed my mind. Instead, I went with a pretty aqua blue colour for a fresh summery coastal look.

As you can see, it still looks quite rustic. I may distress it a bit more with sandpaper, but I’m leaving it for now to see how it responds to the elements.

I used an outdoor paint, so it shouldn’t change too much over time.

That’s the beauty of using old wood, right? Rain, hail or whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at it only enhances the look. Plus, the entire thing cost about $2 to make, so I’m not overly worried.

It’s super heavy, too, which means it won’t go anywhere in a wind storm.

Multi-Purpose Outdoor Furniture

It’s the perfect height alongside our chairs for holding drinks and books, but high enough to be used for extra seating at the table too.

I may even use this DIY outdoor bench as a flower pot stand. I’m thinking about doing a mix of white and patterned pots with mostly green and white plants. I added this pop of pink until our perennials start to bloom. Can’t wait for my gorgeous peonies to open up!

Of course, the soft blue colour works well inside our house too. It may find a place in our kitchen or front entrance come September.

Looks like this outdoor wood side table has been around for years, doesn’t it? I love the rustic charm it gives to our backyard.

We hope to see you at tomorrow’s Outdoor Extravaganza link party!

Come and share your projects (old and new) with an outdoor theme- plants & flowers, outdoor decorating & entertaining, paint & build-it, and so much more. We’ll be featuring our favourites.

One other thing before you head off… If you’re looking for more useful and pretty ideas in your life, make sure you’re on the email list! You can subscribe here.