DIY Concrete Table ~ Plus DIY Solar Lamps

by Larissa 146 Comments

Are you ready to take your outdoor (or indoor) decor to the next level? I’m here, as promised, to show you how to create the DIY concrete table that we built for our backyard fire pit reveal last week. Plus, I’m also going to share how I create two different solar lamps for a few dollars too. So much to share, so let’s get started!

The best part about these concrete tables is that they are very versatile. Also, you can size it to meet your needs and they even look wonderful in your interior decor. Eventually, I will get to the solar lamps in a bit, so hang in there.

We made both tables with flat surfaces. However, one has inserted cylinder to hold roasting sticks when not in use.

Ready to get started? Here is what you’ll need for one table:

TERMS OF USE: when you build this concrete table, you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own. This table design can not be used as decor in a store either online or brick and mortar. Thanks for complying!

Materials: use treated wood for outdoor tables, or naturally rot resistant wood like cedar or cypress. Cuts outlined within post.

1 – 4″ x 4″ x 8′ post
1 – 2″x 4″ x 8′ board
concrete adhesive
1 – bag QuikCrete concrete (an 80 lb. bag made two tops)
wood glue
3″ decking screws
1 ¼” decking screws
chicken wire or other metal mesh
Behr Waterproofing Stain in Chocolate (or your choice)
Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multi-Surface Waterproofer
1 – terra cotta drain pipe (optional for roasting stick table)

Tools:

double-beveling compound miter saw
table saw
drill
drill bits
mixing drill bit
5 gallon bucket (or something to mix concrete in)
trowel or spade
tape measure
quick square
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig
HomeRight Finish Max Extra
sander
sandpaper discs in 80 grit and 120 grit
nailer
1″ brads
paint brush
wire cutters
concrete form made from scrap wood: Ours top measures 18 ½” x 16″ – feel free to change it up.
- 2 – 20″ x 1 ¾ x 1″
- 2 – 16″ x 1 ¾” x 1
- 1 – 20″ x 17 ½” plywood panel

DIY Concrete Table Top

Step 1

First, here is what your concrete form will look like when assembled. We made ours out of scrap wood and it can be used more than once. Then, to create two tables at the same time, we built two so they would cure at the same pace.

Attach the side pieces together with screws at corners. Then attach the base to the frame with more screws through the bottom of the plywood.

note: If you are making the roasting stick table, center the terra cotta drain pipe in the form before pouring concrete.

Step 2

Mix up your concrete per manufacturer’s instructions using a 5 gallon bucket and mixing drill bit. We used concrete we had on hand, but if we had to do it over we might try the concrete for countertops. Our choice led to a more rough texture, but worked.

Step 3

Pour a bit of concrete into the form then place your cut piece of chicken wire into the concrete making sure not to press it to the bottom. Pour the remaining concrete to fill the form. (note: We cut a hole in the chicken wire and slid it over the terra cotta drain pipe on the other table)

Step 4

Drag a scrap piece of wood across the form to level out the concrete. Gently shake or tap the form to make air bubbles come to the surface. Let cure per manufacturer’s instructions (approx. 24 hours)

Step 5

After letting your table top cure, it’s time to fill in the bubbles and imperfections. Mix up a small amount of concrete and patch those spots. When dry, sand them down with 80 grit paper. It can be messy! Just be sure to use a mask and protection as with any job. Y’all know you want to be just like me when you grow up, right?

You can see behind me that I tried a batch of colored concrete to fill in the bubbles, but it didn’t come out quite as I liked it to be. So, I went back over with a skim coat of regular old stuff.

Step 6

Next, your DIY concrete table top is ready for the sealant. First, we use Thompson’s WaterSeal and brushed it on. It, too, has to cure approximately 24 hours.

While you’re top is curing it’s time to build the base. Hoo-Rah!!

DIY Concrete Table Base

Cut instructions for double-beveled legs: (leave out the bevel for straight leg design or do a single bevel – up to you)

From the 4″ x 4″ x 8″ – cut & rip 4 pieces measuring 20 ¼” x 2 ¾ x 2 ¾” with both ends cut on a double bevel at 7° (see below)
From the 4″ x 4″ scrap:
- 2 – 13″ x 2 ¾” x ¾”
- 2 – 5 ¾” x 2 ¾” x ¾”
- 4 – 2″ x ¾” x ¾”
From the 2″ x 4″ x 8″:
- 2 leg braces – 9 ½” long with 7° mitered ends
- 1 stretcher – 13 ½” long with 7° mitered ends