TikTok's Affordable DIY Side Table Is The Perfect Way To Level Up Any Patio
TikTok is the land of new and inventive hacks for all sorts of home decor need situations, often presenting innovative solutions and price-friendlier creations that rival some of the hotter and more spendy items popular at other retailers. Southern California TikTok user @memezavalahome recently showed off a great hack for an inexpensive but very stylish outdoor side table created from dollar store items that has endless boho, beachy, and easy laid-back California charm.
Using two plain wire trash cans, some rope, a circular pizza pan, and some adhesives, Zavala's table can be constructed for well under $10 in materials. It's a perfect solution if you need a small outdoor table to accompany a seating arrangement or to round out your patio space. It's a fair DIY dupe for much more expensive outdoor tables at retailers like Amazon and Wayfair and can be made at only a fraction of the price.
Creating a rope-wrapped table
You will need two wire, inexpensive mesh trashcans with a top that is wider than the bottom from the Dollar Tree or other discount outlet. Use E-6000 adhesive to affix the two wastebaskets bottom to bottom, creating an hourglass shape. Start at one end and after securing the rope with a dab of hot glue. Begin wrapping the rope around the baskets, using hot glue as needed to keep it in place. After you have wrapped the entire table base, use the E-6000 to affix the pizza pan to one end of the frame, creating the top of your small table.
Spray paint is optional, but in the TikTok video, Zavala uses a black matte paint for the pan for a sleek modern looking finish, but you can choose your shade. You can also use different colored ropes for a solo color or rainbow effect on the table's base to match your outdoor aesthetic if you want something bolder.
Caring for your new table
This small table makes a perfect spot for a cup of coffee and a book (or a cocktail). It also has the look of something much more expensive than $10. While the table will offer a good amount of stability due to both the wire framework and the mesh interior, be mindful not to add too much weight to the small table since it is possible for it to bend out of shape. You can also repeat this hack with similar wire trash cans available at other retailers that grant a bit more stability than the dollar store option.
If your table becomes faded or damaged or faded due to outdoor weather, you can simply rewrap the exterior for a fresh new look. For the top, you can also look for paint from Rust-Oleum or similar brands that prevent rusting to combat any moisture or accrued standing water in an outdoor environment. To preserve your rope in its best shape, try spraying the base with a waterproof spray meant for fabric, rattan, or other outdoor furniture.