Homemade Patio Table

Patio tables are a necessity for outdoor living. They provide a place to eat, to play games, to socialize, or just unwind after a long day at work. If properly chosen and cared for, a store-bought patio table will last for many seasons. But for the do-it-yourselfer, a home-built patio table can be more than just a usable piece of furniture. It can add a very personal, custom-tailored look to your home. Does this Spark an idea?

PVC

PVC pipe is a good choice for lightweight patio furniture. Build a table of almost any shape or size; the wide variety of diameters and fittings gives the home builder many choices. For the top, buy a plastic one or make your own from wood. Clean PVC with a little bleach mixed in water. You'll also need a place to store your patio table, especially if it is exposed to a lot of wind.

Wood

Wood is usually the first choice for a builder, because it is easy to work with, requires few special skills or tools, and is readily available. This combination makes it an ideal construction material.

Redwood and cedar may be the first woods that come to mind, but these require special treatment. Although they can be left unfinished, they will need more attention than many of the other available options. They must be treated with water-sealers if they are to weather well.

Many other wood choices are less labor-intensive, such as teak, eucalyptus, acacia, and balau. These heavier woods have a high natural oil content, which helps them weather well. Typically, they will only need cleaning with soap and warm water.

Concrete

Don't overlook the convenience and permanence of concrete. Concrete can be cast in almost any shape by using wooden forms, creating specialized patio tables that would be difficult to create any other way.

If you decide to use concrete, have everything prepared before mixing it, as it will set up rapidly. If you work with concrete during cold weather, add calcium chloride to the mix to decrease the time it needs to set up.

Tile

Patio tile can be used for more than just the surface of the patio. It makes a durable and stylish surface for patio tables, especially those formed from concrete. The unified look of tabletops that match the patio itself is appealing to many builders. Tile can also be combined with wood accents for a truly unique look.

Best of all, a tile patio table can be used for more than just entertaining. Also use it as a work area for beautifying your patio, such as potting plants. A garden hose is all you need to clean it.