DIY Network

Birdbath Tables Transform your backyard with funky ideas. From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-111

A birdbath and an old sled become small tables for entertaining in this backyard transformation.

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Materials:

Found sled
Found table base
3/4" medium density fiberboard (MDF)
2" x 2" scrap wood
Jig saw
Routing tool
Wood screws
Large eyehook
Primer
Paint
Spray paint
Spray varnish
Lace
Spray adhesive
Wood glue
Metal grinder
Acorn nut
Threaded rod
Circular saw
Power sander
Hand sandpaper
Drill
Shims
Water proof caulk

Figure A

1. Cut off the arms of the table and round off the edges making the top of the base circular instead of "X" shaped.

2. Sand all of the table base pieces.

3. If the thread rod from the center of the table base is too rusty, use a metal grinder to sand it smooth. If not, just remove the top nut to separate the pieces of the base.

4. Drill a hole in the center of the sled (figure A) making it the top section of the table base.

5. If the sled is too rounded to sit on the base securely, add primed shims to even the balance.

6. Finish with an acorn nut.

7. Seal the nut with clear waterproof caulk.

8. Spray the primed table base white.

9. Paint the table base and touch up the sled using enamel spray paint.

10. Seal the base with 2-3 coats of outdoor spray varnish.

	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Birdbath Tabletops:

1. Cut a circle out of MDF to desired diameter. Use a router to round off the edges.

2. Cut small blocks out of the scrap MDF approximately four inches long to be attached underneath so the table tops don't slide off the birdbaths.

3. Cut a 1" x 2" piece to the same length (for hanging).

4. Apply two coats of primer to all wood pieces (sanding in between coats on the table tops), and then paint the tops and bottoms a layer of glossy white.

5. Temporarily attach a piece of lace (figure B) with spray adhesive, and then spray a solid layer of color. Let it stand for two minutes, and then carefully peel off. Let the lace and table tops dry. Repeat the application, this time rotating the lace to achieve a more random pattern.

6. Spray a layer of white primer for the next color. Let it dry about 10 minutes but don't peel off the lace. Spray the second color and let it dry, and then peel off the lace (figure C). Repeat on the bottoms of the table and on the small blocks if more colors are desired.

7. After the paint has fully dried, attach small blocks under the table tops in a slightly larger circle than the birdbath using wood glue and wood screws or nails (figure D).

8. Before attaching the 1" x 2" piece, pre-drill one side and screw in a large eye hook.

9. After the glue has completely dried, apply several coats of spray varnish for outdoor elements to the top of the entire piece. In this project, we used dowel rods smaller than the eye hook hole and drilled into the fence at an angle to hang the table tops.

Project Expense:

Sled and table base: Free
Birdbath: $20
MDF: $18
Materials: $6

Total: $44