Make Stunning Outdoor Side Tables For Under $25 With TikTok's Easy DIY
Because outdoor side tables have to be sturdy through all seasons, able to withstand both intense sun and heavy rain, they can get expensive, usually ranging in price from $40 to $400. Fortunately, TikTok's done it again, demonstrating a DIY project that's easy, affordable, and sure to raise your guests' eyebrows in the best way.
Kristyn Cole (@kristyncole) knows that finding the perfect side table for your balcony, patio, or backyard shouldn't have to break the bank. Those looking to elevate their outdoor space on a budget can make an elegant piece for under $25.
For this DIY, Krystyn took three pieces of tile, all 16 inches by 24 inches, and used liquid nails to adhere the side of one to the face of another in the shape of a T to form a base. She then added more liquid nails to the top of the T shape, on which she placed the final tile. Be sure to allow 30 minutes for your liquid nails to set and about 24 hours to cure, and that's it!
How to make this your own
The fun thing about this DIY is that you can customize it however you'd like. Kristyn used gray tile, but you can use tile in any color that feels like you. Daltile Rorington Taupe 12 in. x 24 in. Glazed Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile is great if you'd prefer a more natural appearance (remember, we're embracing earthy decor!), while TrafficMaster Strata 12 in. x 24 in. Matte Ceramic Stone Look Floor and Wall Tile creates an elegant atmosphere and screams chic.
Texture is everything too. If you want something that stands out, use a tile with a completely different pattern for the top piece. For example, if you chose emerald green tiles for the base, opt for a richer wood tone for the tile on the top to make it pop. A wood tabletop would also look great if that's your preference. And if you need some tips to decorate your side tables, try items that resonate with the aesthetic, like plants, magazines, or light fixtures.
Other outdoor table ideas
Although keeping your plants alive just got easier thanks to some incredible apps, if you're a plant parent, you likely still have an empty planter lying around that you could use to make an outdoor coffee table, as demonstrated by Allison Loden (@beautifullybudgeted_home). To get this look, adhere a spruce pine fir disc to the top of a round planter using liquid nails. Sand down the disc using sandpaper before coating it in a layer of underlayment patch and skimcoat (Allison used Henry 549 FeatherFinish). Let it dry for 15 minutes and sand it down again using an orbital sander. Finally, add a top coat to give it a natural stone look.
Content creator Julie Sousa (@the_avantgarde) made a three-piece side table that's catching everyone's attention. To get this look, first build a small cube out of wood using wood glue, cutting a round hole in the top face for the orb to sit in. Adhere a flat-bottomed terrazzo orb from World Market to the top of the cube upside down using liquid nails. Then use liquid nails again to adhere a 12" Unfinished Wooden Circle Plaque by Make Market from Michaels to the bottom of the orb. Finally, prime and paint your piece whatever color your heart desires. Julie settled for black, but you can use Henry 549 FeatherFinish for a concrete look.