Farm Table DIY

Hello friends!

After attending the Northwest Flower and Garden Show last weekend, I have a serious case of spring fever and am so ready to get out in my garden.  I attended an amazing seminar by C.L. Fornari, author of The Cocktail Hour Garden:  Creating Evening Landscapes for Relaxation and Entertaining (to be released this April).  Not only was she an amazing speaker, but she left me completely inspired to create a garden to enjoy in the summer evenings.  Doesn’t the idea of sipping a refreshing drink in the garden at dusk sound pretty fantastic?  Sigh, I know.

As part of my plan to create my own “cocktail garden,” I set out to build a farm table this week.  I like the idea of bringing the indoors out, but I have never been satisfied with the traditional patio furniture options. I wanted a table that was simple, rustic, inexpensive, and that would hold up outdoors.  My inspiration was the Pottery Barn Pearson table.  But at $1,800 that just wasn’t going to happen.

I found several tutorials for building farm tables on line including this one by Ana White and this one by Miss Mustard Seed.     My table most closely resembles the one by Miss Mustard Seed, but I made some modifications in size, construction and finish to meet my needs.

Because I am planning to use this table outside, I need a finish that will hopefully hold up to the elements.  I primed the base and then painted it with 2 coats of white exterior paint that I had left over from my recent house painting.  The color is “Frostine” by Benjamin Moore.

I sanded the top and all of the edges to get rid of  the new wood look.  I also wanted a light aged wood finish for the top.  After experimenting with several paint and stain combos, I came up with one I was satisfied with.

Using the same white paint as the base, I made a white wash using approximately 50/50 paint and water.  I brushed it on the top and let it dry.  I then applied General Finishes Antique Walnut gel stain.  Working in sections, I rubbed it on with a rag, and then immediately rubbed it off with a clean rag.  I did not want to go too dark and I wanted some of the white areas to show through.

I let it dry for a couple of days and then sealed the top with 3 coats General Finishes Exterior 450 in a satin finish.   I am so happy with the finish.  I have not previously finished a piece of furniture intended for the outdoors, so this is new territory for me.

I left spaces between the boards for a more rustic feel, and also to help with drainage since this table will be outside.  I do plan to keep it covered when not in use, but just in case, I don’t want water to pool on top.

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Happy spring to you!   Meanwhile, I’ll be dreaming about those summer cocktails.

Susan