DIY Patio Table & Benches

Hey there!!  This has been a fast paced week for me, but it has all been self-induced and for a good cause!!  The best cause, preparing for my sweet baby girl's third birthday party!!  She requested a Cinderella party, but with LOTS of pink!  I have shared a few little peeks on Instagram of the party preparation in progress and hope to share with you next week all the party details!

Today, I want to share with you all an awesome patio table and bench my sweet husband built for us.  A few months ago I found plans for the table and benches on Shanty 2 Chic's blog and took it straight to Jeremy.  With lots of pretty pleases, Jeremy was on board to build us a new patio table.  One of the most awesome things about this table and two benches was the cost...$125!!!  For all the details on how to build the table and benches, please follow the links above.  The sisters at Shanty 2 Chic provide a great tutorial that includes detailed plans and lays out exactly how much lumber you will need to purchase.

Our store only had 8-foot boards, so we ended up with more scraps.  On the up side, Jeremy was able to use some of the scraps for the benches so we didn't need to buy two of the boards.  The money we saved on lumber went towards buying some new stain for this project.  We wanted to try something new and purchased Rust-Oleum Weathered Gray and Rust-Oleum Decorative Glaze in Java Brown.  We painted one coat of the weathered gray stain using a brush and then wiped off the excess with an old t-shirt.  The stain has a blue tint to it, so to warm it up we applied the glaze over it.

The next day we tackled the glaze, but this time used a foam brush to apply the glaze and wipe off the excess.  The glaze sat for a few minutes prior to wiping off the excess, which gave it a richer hue.

     
Originally, I thought to sand down the edges, but once it was all complete I was in love with it as it was.  We still need to apply the exterior varnish, which will help protect the table since it is outside.  I just couldn't wait to show you the table!!!

We currently have the table under the covering of the patio since we like to keep the extended patio clear for the girls to run around and play on.  The table can always be moved out if needed, but that sucker is heavy and it isn't a one man job!  Oh, and please ignore the windows...they are about 5 years overdue for a cleaning!!  

I found the little Christmas trees in the dollar section at Target - they were actually $3 a piece, but absolutely adorable and just had to get in my basket!  I might be a little stalker-ish at Target, but every time I go, I walk down the isle on the end caps to try and spot any good clearance finds.  And let me tell you, last time I went it did not disappoint...I found the lantern for $7.48!!!!  I just about peed my pants, it felt like I had won the lottery...although if I did win the lottery I probably would pee my pants!

The pinecones and ornaments are from my Christmas stash, but I did buy a LED flameless candle at Target to use in the lantern, which was actually more than the lantern itself.

When we put the coat of stain on the table, I was feeling a little down on how blue it looked.  However, once the coat of glaze was put on top, it was a whole new ball game and it was fantastic!!  The only down side is I can't enjoy it right now since we are experiencing some cold weather, but I can admire it from the window.

I hope to be back on Friday with some of my favorites from this week, but I might get a little behind with party preparations!!  Be sure to follow along on Instagram for some of the behind the scenes of the party!

With much love,

Kristin