DIY Deck Side Tables from Old Plant Stands: A Quick & Easy Tutorial

Updated at: 15/05/2025

Tired of cluttered patios and expensive outdoor furniture? Transform your unwanted plant stands into charming and functional deck side tables with this quick and easy DIY project! We'll show you how to breathe new life into those forgotten metal or wooden stands, turning them into stylish additions to your outdoor space without breaking the bank. Forget flimsy plastic tables that fade in the sun – these sturdy creations will last for years, adding a touch of rustic charm or modern elegance, depending on your chosen style. They're perfect for holding drinks, snacks, or even a good book while you relax outdoors.

This simple tutorial requires minimal tools and materials, making it ideal for beginners. Ready to get started and create your own unique deck side tables? Let's dive into the step-by-step process, complete with helpful tips and tricks to ensure a successful project.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Old metal plant stands
  • Flat black outdoor spray paint
  • Table saw
  • Plywood
  • Drill
  • Miter gauge
  • Nail
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood glue
  • Sawdust
  • Mineral paint (or other suitable paint)
  • Paintbrush
  • Cricut machine (or other design method)
  • Heat press
  • Screws
  • Clear sealant
Safety Guidelines
  • Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from splinters and debris during sanding and assembly.
  • Ensure the plant stand is structurally sound before repurposing. Discard any that are significantly damaged or unstable.
  • Use appropriate-strength screws and fastenings for your chosen plant stand material and intended weight capacity. Overloading a weak stand can cause it to collapse.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Plant Stands

    • Paint the plant stands with flat black outdoor spray paint.
    Paint the plant stands with flat black outdoor spray paint.
    Prepare the Plant Stands

  2. Cut and Prepare Table Tops

    • Cut circles from plywood using a table saw, a jig (a base with a groove for the miter gauge), and a nail to create a rotating pivot point.
    • Sand the edges of the plywood circles.
    • Fill the pilot hole in the center of the circles with a mixture of sawdust and wood glue.
    • Sand the filled holes smooth.
    Sand the filled holes smooth.Sand the filled holes smooth.Sand the filled holes smooth.Sand the filled holes smooth.
    Cut and Prepare Table Tops

  3. Paint the Table Tops

    • Paint the plywood circles with mineral paint (or other suitable paint).
    Paint the plywood circles with mineral paint (or other suitable paint).
    Paint the Table Tops

  4. Add Design (Optional)

    • Add a design to the tabletops using a Cricut machine or other method.
    • Attach the design to the tabletops using a heat press.
    Attach the design to the tabletops using a heat press.Attach the design to the tabletops using a heat press.
    Add Design (Optional)

  5. Assemble the Side Tables

    • Attach the tabletops to the plant stands using screws.
    Attach the tabletops to the plant stands using screws.
    Assemble the Side Tables

  6. Seal and Finish

    • Apply a few coats of clear sealant to protect the tables.
    Apply a few coats of clear sealant to protect the tables.
    Seal and Finish

Read more: DIY Upcycled Bed Frame: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use a flat black outdoor spray paint for durability.
  • The jig for cutting the circles ensures accuracy and safety.
  • A sawdust and wood glue mixture provides an inexpensive and effective way to fill holes.
  • Mineral paint is easy to use and dries quickly, but you can substitute with any suitable paint.
  • A Cricut machine offers one option for adding designs, but other methods are also possible or you can skip this step altogether.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Legs

Reason: Plant stands often have slightly uneven legs or wobbly joints, leading to an unstable side table.
Solution: Use shims or add felt pads under the shorter legs to level the table.

2. Ignoring Weathering

Reason: Untreated wood can warp, rot, or become damaged from exposure to the elements.
Solution: Apply a weather-resistant sealant or paint to protect the wood.

FAQs

What kind of plant stands work best for this project?
Metal and wooden plant stands are both great options. Look for ones with a sturdy base and a surface area large enough to be practical as a side table. Avoid stands that are too wobbly or unstable.
What if my plant stand is rusty or weathered?
For metal stands, consider using a wire brush to remove loose rust and then applying a rust-resistant primer and paint. For wooden stands, sand down any rough spots and apply a weather-resistant sealant or paint to protect the wood.