I spruced up a petite bench to use as an outdoor coffee table and have zero regrets, especially since this was a free project.
Free meaning I didn’t have to buy anything new. Those are the best kinds of projects.
This petite bench was hiding under a stack of pool chemicals in our pump house. It was left here when we moved in and I’m guessing it was originally part of a kid-size picnic table. Hence, the petite part.
The bench needed a bit of love.
I sanded off the flaky bits and added a few new nails to hold it together. I didn’t do much about the areas that had some rot partly because this bench doesn’t need to be strong enough for an elephant to sit on and partly because I didn’t think it was worth it at this point in the bench’s life.
I gave the bench a fresh coat of black paint, which was a bit like putting lipstick on a pig. Meaning, it looks pretty but it’s still a pig in less than ideal shape.
All that aside, this bench is absolutely perfect in its new spot on our deck.
It’s the right size and shape. It serves a new purpose of being an extremely important spot to hold a drink or a book.
As a bonus, it doesn’t look like every other outdoor coffee table out there.
In a way, I can relate to this poor bench.
I sag a little in spots. I am not as structurally sound as I was 20 years ago. However, I don’t have to be. I’m smarter and wiser now. I don’t sweat the small stuff nearly as often. I can leave the heavy lifting to the younger generation.
Most importantly, like this bench, I can adapt to change, find a new purpose, and I still have a lot of life left in me.
Well, that took a decidedly philosophical turn. Ha!
What’s your outdoor furniture setup? Do you have coffee tables and side tables in your outdoor space? Do you find life lessons in DIY? I’d love to know. You can always comment on this blog post, email us here, or reach out via Instagram or Facebook.
Happy Summer!
P.S. Here are some outdoor benches that could serve a dual purpose as seating or as an outdoor coffee table.
This slatted bench from Home Depot is just under $100. I like the combination of the wood slats with the industrial legs.
(image: Home Depot)
This outdoor bench from Wayfair is around $250 and comes in navy blue, black, green, brown, white, and a bunch of other colors. I, of course, am partial to the navy blue.
(image: Wayfair)
I especially love the classic nature of this cedar bench from Adams All Natural Furniture. It will never go out of style. A 4-ft bench is $130 and it comes in different lengths.
I appreciate it when you come for the DIY and stay for the life lesson. That happens frequently around here. Here are some other blog posts you might enjoy.
$20 Outdoor Dining Set Makeover
Outdoor Decorating With Farm Junk
Patriotic Front Porch For Our Colonial Farmhouse
*affiliate links in this blog post*