If you’re dreaming of an outdoor space that blends modern design with a handmade touch, this DIY outdoor accent table is the project for you. Make this World Market dupe for only $25 and save yourself over $100!
I’ve been searching for affordable side, end, or accent tables to complete the living space on my deck this spring.
But I haven’t found anything that’s within my budget.
So I did what any good DIYer… ahem…I mean any cheap 50-something-year-old mom would do…I got to work making a few tables.
I made these rustic wood and stone end tables that are perfect for either side of my outdoor couch.
But I needed something for in between the two chairs.
Have you been looking for affordable outdoor accent tables too?
Well look no further, today you’ll learn step by step how to construct an accent end table and find inspiration to customize it to fit your individual style.
And the best part is it’s a really affordable project!
Get ready to grab your supplies and make a pretty side table that you’ll be proud to show off to your family and friends.
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Where to Find Inspiration for DIY Projects
Most of my inspiration for DIY projects comes from seeing something in a store that I love but is out of my budget.
Like this cool accent table from World Market.
I love everything about this outdoor table…the pretty wood legs…the unique black basket tabletop
Well, I love just about everything…except the price!
Can you read that price tag?
Yup, it’s $129…yikes!
I snapped a pic and thought I can totally make that.
So come along with me while I make a World Market table dupe for only $25!
What Supplies Do You Need to Make an Outdoor Accent Table
The table top on the World Market table had higher sides more like a basket but without handles.
When I was looking for a tray to use for my DIY table I found this covered serving tray at Home Goods and thought it could work for my accent table.
I liked that it had a hard circle piece in the middle of the wicker and the basket was fairly flat so it would be great for a tabletop.
I just had to figure out how to get rid of the mesh gauze tent cover.
Here is a list of the supplies and tools I used to make my accent table.
- 2x2x8 pressure-treated lumber
- wicker serving tray or basket
- deck screws (or outdoor screws)
- drill
- needle nose pliers
- tape measure
- miter saw
- stain or paint
- polyacrylic top coat
Before you head out to the store to buy the supplies look around your house for things that may work left over from previous projects.
Or maybe you have an old serving tray that you can use for your tabletop.
How to Make a Wood Table Base
The circumference of my basket tray for the tabletop is 18 1/4″
Since I really liked the style of the legs on the inspiration table, I decided to make mine similar.
Using my miter saw I made all of the cuts I needed from 2″x2″ pressure-treated wood.
Here is a list of cuts I needed for my table:
- 4 -19″ (vertical legs)
- 1 – 16″ (solid top)
- 2 – 7 3/8″ ( individual top)
- 2 – 13 3/8″ (bottom cross bars)
You may need to adjust your sizes depending on the diameter of your tabletop.
I assembled the base of the table with deck screws so they would withstand the elements outdoors.
Start by screwing the 16″ top bracket into two of the 19″ table legs on each end of the top.
Just drive the screws through the wood into the end of the next piece of the frame.
Then add the 13 3/8″ bottom support 2″ from the bottom of the table legs.
To assemble the next frame you’ll start with the other two 19″ legs but this time you’ll screw the 7 3/8″ piece of wood into the end of each frame.
Next, you’ll secure the legs together with the 13 3/8″ bottom bracket but this time you need to attach it up a bit higher on the legs at 3 1/2″ from the bottom.
This will allow the two frames to cross over one another to form the X pattern of the table base.
Once you have the two frames in place you can screw the top support brackets together.
I don’t have a jig kit so I just screwed the top pieces together on an angle.
Then for added support, I secured the bottom braces together in the middle where they cross over.
How to Create a Unique Basket Tabletop
I wanted to use a food serving tent basket as my tabletop for the accent table I was making.
But I needed to remove the actual tent part on the tray as I wouldn’t need it for my table.
The tent cover was attached to each side of the basket with screws which I was able to easily remove with my drill.
Next, I used a pair of needle nose pliers to remove the staples around the back of the cover where it was secured to the tray.
Attaching the Wicker Tray to DIY Wood Base
I stained this accent table base with the other side tables I made.
It was easier to stain all three table frames at the same time.
I was able to easily attach the wicker tray to the wood legs with deck screws and my drill.
Just drill the screws right through the basket into the wood to secure the top.
I used four screws, one in each table leg.
If you look closely you can see the screw head in between the wicker, but they’re honestly not really noticeable at all.
How to Protect DIY Outdoor Furniture
You don’t want all your hard work to get damaged by the elements outdoors.
So give the wood base a spray with Polycrylic to protect it.
I had this can of clear matte protective finish so I covered the wood frame with it.
I also went ahead and sprayed the wicker tray to give that a nice protective finish as well.
Since we’ll be setting drinks on the table, a top coat will help with water rings.
Where to Use an Outdoor Accent Table
You can add an accent table in any outdoor living space around your home.
Do you need one on your deck, patio, or front porch?
This DIY table is the perfect addition to our deck between these outdoor chairs.
Now we have a place to set a drink or book while enjoying time outside.
I’m really happy with the outcome of this little side table.
It only cost $25 to make since I had many of the supplies already.
The tray was $19.99 and another 2×2″ piece of wood (I had one from another project) was less than $5.
I’d say that’s a pretty good saving from the $129 inspiration table, don’t you think so?
Click on any image to shop items from this post
Sources: miter saw | tape measure | drill | deck screws | 2x2x8″ pressure treated lumber | basket serving tray | tented food serving tray | needle nose pliers | Polycrylic top coat spray
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