Vintage Patio Table Makeover


I’m excited to share my newest vintage makeover today! This one was 10 years in the making…can you believe it? That really just means that I procrastinated for 10 years on this project. So, right before Reid and I got married, my parents neighbors at the time gave us this vintage wrought iron patio set from the 1950’s. I just fell in love with the shape and lines of the set, but it was rusted and old with no top or seats. This vintage patio table makeover project was so quick and easy, I can’t believe I put it off for so long!
Give a vintage patio table a makeover with a rustic wood slat top and a fresh coat of paint. This patio table makeover is easy to do and inexpensive as well. It will freshen up any patio space for a fraction of the cost. 
Give a vintage patio table a makeover with a rustic wood slat top and a fresh coat of paint. This patio table makeover is easy to do and inexpensive as well. It will freshen up any patio space for a fraction of the cost. 

Vintage Patio Table Makeover

When decorating a home, patio furniture can really add up. I tend to focus on the interior spaces of my home and often forget the yard, exterior and patio. It’s much harder for me to want to spend my money in those spaces. So, I try to do things for as little cash as possible when it comes to the exterior and patio. Instead of going out and purchasing a new patio table, I decided to do a little patio table makeover for our backyard space.

Our vintage patio table had to top and I knew that it wasn’t practical or cost effective to have a new glass top cut, so we decided to make a rustic wood plank top for our vintage patio table. It was so easy to do and we love how it turned out. This method could be used for a variety of different types of patio tables. Find one on FB marketplace or Craigslist and spruce it up with this easy tutorial!

Vintage patio table makeover. Amazing transformation!

It has been sitting in storage and been moved to 2 different homes over the past 10 years. I always had intentions of of doing something awesome with it, but never got around to it. Originally I was going to have some glass cut for the top and I think that is what hindered me from taking the plunge.

Vintage patio table makeover. Amazing transformation!

But my mom saw a wrought iron table somewhere with a wood planked top and gave me the idea of doing that instead! This seemed SO much more doable than going to the trouble of a glass top. We went for it and it looks awesome!

Materials Needed For Patio Table Makeover

Here is what you will need:

  • Metal Patio Table
  • Wire Brush
  • Liquid De-Ruster
  • Spray Paint
  • Wood Planks
  • Outdoor Sealer

Instructions For Vintage Patio Table Makeover

Vintage patio table makeover. Amazing transformation!

I love a little bit of a rusted look, but the set was way too rusted and I was worried about possible lead in the old paint that was flaking off. So, we took a wire brush and got to work getting of any large chunks of paint.

Vintage patio table makeover. Amazing transformation!

Then, we got a liquid de-ruster to treat the wrought iron. After it sets for a bit, you just rinse it off. It was amazing at how well it worked make that orange rust disappear.

Vintage patio table makeover. Amazing transformation!

We sprayed it with a anti rust primer and white outdoor rustoleam spray paint. The finish is definitely not perfectly smooth because there was so much rust and paint underneath. But, that’s ok. I figure over time it will wear a little and have that aged look without being crazy rusty like it was before.

Vintage patio table makeover. Amazing transformation!

Next, Reid cut some wood planks to size and we stained them with a walnut stain. We also treated it with an outdoor sealer to make it weather proof.

Vintage patio table makeover. Amazing transformation!

Reid cut some plywood for the seats and I found some clearance Target cushions for $9 each! The top fits perfectly I think it looks even better than a glass top would.

Vintage patio table makeover. Amazing transformation!

This is part of a whole patio and backyard overhaul/makeover. I have lots more projects in the making that I can’t wait t share. As you can see, the rest of the patio is in pretty sad shape. This vintage set is just the first installment.

Vintage patio table makeover. Amazing transformation!

But we love our little sitting area so far and can’t wait to spruce up the rest!

Check out the FULL PATIO REVEAL!!

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