We’re excited to welcome Donna from Do Dodson Designs as our guest blogger! Donna is sharing a fantastic DIY project that’s perfect for outdoor living — an easy wooden coffee table you can build yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, Donna’s step-by-step guide will help you create a stylish and functional piece that’s perfect for relaxing outdoors. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and add some handmade charm to your patio or garden space!

(The following is an excerpt from Do Dodson Designs.  Read the full article here.) 

Hey DIY friends! I’m taking today’s DIY furniture project outdoors! If you’re looking for a quick and easy DIY Outdoor coffee table that requires zero woodworking skills, you’re in the right place. And if that’s not enough, the finish on the table repels water.

Modern outdoor coffee table with a light wood tabletop and black metal legs, styled with a wooden planter box holding a green plant, a small white decorative planter, and a green glass bottle. The table sits on a textured outdoor rug, with a wicker basket underneath holding magazines. The background shows a covered patio area with a wooden armchair nearby. The image is branded with the text "Do Dodson Designs."

SUPPLY LIST: Here is what you’ll need to build a DIY outdoor coffee table.

  • Butcher block Allen Roth 4-ft x 25 in x 1.5 in
  • wood sander (my preferred sander)
  • 220 grit sanding pad
  • Badlands SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint
  • Extra Coat (water-based topcoat for Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint)
  • 2-inch mini synthetic paintbrush
  • 16-inch metal coffee table legs
  • cordless drill

Color Washing Wood

The wood finish I’m working with today is called color washing, and it’s a great option when you want the wood grain to show but want to change the color subtly. Using a water-based paint, I mixed it with water, more water than paint. The water-to-paint ratio for this project is approximately 1:5. You can adjust the ratio according to the desired color intensity.

The butcher block I chose for this project has definite yellow undertones in the wood. I could use a sealer directly over the wood; however, I know that doing so will only accentuate the yellow even more. A color wash is a good option for correcting this, but colors matter when trying to cover the yellow and orange wood tones.

The chairs that will accompany this outdoor coffee table are made of a wood-colored metal with a hint of gray. Knowing this, I chose the color Badlands from the SILK All-In-One Mineral Paint line by Dixie Belle Paint Company to correct the yellow and to get a similar color match to the chairs. This color is the perfect blend of brown and gray, which creates a soft, weathered look on wood when used as a wash.

Open jar of Dixie Belle Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint in the color Badlands on a light wood surface, next to a red bowl with paint and a wooden stir stick. A paintbrush with dark bristles rests nearby. The image includes the watermark DoDodsonDesigns.com.

How To Apply A Color Wash To Wood

Using a soft-bristled paintbrush, apply the wash in the same direction as the wood grain. For these large projects, I work on one manageable section at a time.

Wipe away the remaining wash immediately after applying with a soft cotton cloth. If you notice that you have more color in one area, use a spray mist bottle filled with water to lightly mist over the area and wipe back any overlapping color. You don’t want a blotchy finish on your outdoor coffee table.

You will need to work quickly as the color wash will penetrate the wood immediately.

Additionally, you may want to dampen the wood with the spray mist bottle of water first before applying the color wash. I’ve used this method before, but not on this wood project.

Open jar of Dixie Belle Silk All-In-One Mineral Paint in the color Badlands on a light wood surface, next to a red bowl with paint and a wooden stir stick. A paintbrush with dark bristles rests nearby. The image includes the watermark DoDodsonDesigns.com.

Once the color wash has completely dried, you will notice that the wood is now slightly rough to the touch.

This occurs when water is applied to bare wood, causing the wood grain to swell. No worries! All you’ll need to do is lightly sand the wood with a 220-grit sandpaper. Remove any remaining dust from the wood with a soft cotton cloth.

Hand holding a red sanding sponge, smoothing a light wood surface. The image includes a watermark for DoDodsonDesigns.com.

How To Apply Water Repellant To Wood Furniture

Because my DIY coffee table will be living outdoors under my covered patio, it will need a water-repellent finish.

We experience high humidity levels in Texas, and even the moisture in the air can cause significant damage to wood furniture.

Extra Coat is a water-based polyacrylic that repels water when applied correctly. It leaves a beautiful satin finish that adds additional protection to the surface. It’s also great for high-traffic areas.

First, stir the Extra Coat before application. Do not shake, as this will create bubbles in your finish.

Apply the first layer of Extra Coat with a high-quality synthetic paintbrush. Work quickly, applying it in long, smooth strokes. Allow to dry completely. About 2 hours in a controlled temperature environment.

Afterwards, use a 220 grit (fine sandpaper) to smooth any tiny bubbles. This occurs as the brush glides over the wood. This will lessen with each topcoat applied.

Repeat the application and lightly sand the surface for a total of three coats. Do not sand the third and final coat. The total dry time is about 48 hours.

The total cure time is anywhere from 21 to 30 days.

Hand applying a clear coat with a paintbrush to a light wood surface. An open jar of Dixie Belle Silk Extra Coat sits in the background. The image includes a watermark for DoDodsonDesigns.com.

STEP 4: Outdoor Coffee Table – Adding Modern Legs

We are almost done! This is the easiest part of all. I found these black modern legs on Amazon and installed them in literally minutes.

Collage of four photos showing the assembly process of a black metal table frame on a light wood surface. Top left photo shows all parts and hardware laid out. Top right photo shows a hand positioning a metal bracket and screw. Bottom left photo shows a hand tightening a bolt with an Allen wrench. Bottom right photo shows a hand using a Ryobi power drill to secure screws in the frame. The images include the watermark DoDodsonDesigns.com.

The Finished Results Of My DIY Outdoor Coffee Table

A cool morning, a quilt, a good magazine, and my morning coffee. This is the good life.

Modern outdoor coffee table with a light wood tabletop and black metal legs, styled with a wooden planter box holding a green plant, a small white decorative planter, and a green glass bottle. The table sits on a textured outdoor rug, with a wicker basket underneath holding magazines. The background shows a covered patio area with a wooden armchair nearby. The image is branded with the text "Do Dodson Designs." Modern outdoor coffee table with a light wood tabletop and black metal legs, styled with a wooden planter box holding a green plant, a small white decorative planter, and a green glass bottle. The table sits on a textured outdoor rug, with a wicker basket underneath holding magazines. The background shows a covered patio area with a wooden armchair nearby. The image is branded with the text "Do Dodson Designs."

We hope you enjoyed this easy wooden DIY outdoor coffee table project by Donna from Do Dodson Designs! 🌿✨ It’s always great to see how simple materials and a little creativity can turn into something beautiful for your home. If you’re inspired to tackle your own outdoor project, remember Dixie Belle Paint has everything you need to bring your vision to life—whether it’s a table, chair, or any other piece! Be sure to check out Donna’s blog for more creative ideas, and don’t forget to share your own projects with us! Happy DIYing! 💙

For more fun and easy outdoor projects, check out our blog, How to Update Your Outdoor Space with Dixie Belle Paint.

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About the Author

Do Dodson Designs

Donna, also known as Do, is a decorative furniture artist, photographer, DIYer, author of Do Dodson Designs Blog. Do's true passion is attached to the paint brush and encouraging women. She has a successful online group where she teaches women how to merge their passion for furniture painting with business growth.

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