Mark set me a two part challenge at the weekend, to build him a table with a planting area. Ok, so far so good, the second part was to recycle timber we had in the garden.
Hmmm well I know I do hang onto off cuts or useful buts of wood from projects long gone but do we have enough useful pieces of wood to build a table.
The table top was the easy part, we had several off cuts left over from the decking by the pond, fortunately we had 5 pieces roughly 4 feet long (about 140cm each) and several smaller bits. Ok so thats the table top, but it wouldnt be very impressive if it was just placed on the ground. A hunt in the shed and there was a decent sized bit of 2x4". Ok thats one leg....
Then I remembered we still had quite a lot of wood left from the old deck that is now home to the conservatory - result! enough for the rest of the construction.
A basic frame built from the old deck base.
Using a counter sink on the deck boards so the screws will be flush to the table.
Boards fastened on, its starting to look like a table.
Taking the rough edges off the old timbers.
A shelf was added under the table to support a planting area. This is lined with weed membrane to hold the compost in place. A free draining mix was used. A coat of decking oil was added to help preserve the colour of the wood.
Getting planted up and removing the excess membrane.
And ta-da! the finished table, all set for some enjoyable meals on the patio this summer. Both parts of Marks challenge were completed, 100% of the materials used for the table we already had in the garden or shed, all we had to do was add plants.
Gaz
Hmmm well I know I do hang onto off cuts or useful buts of wood from projects long gone but do we have enough useful pieces of wood to build a table.
The table top was the easy part, we had several off cuts left over from the decking by the pond, fortunately we had 5 pieces roughly 4 feet long (about 140cm each) and several smaller bits. Ok so thats the table top, but it wouldnt be very impressive if it was just placed on the ground. A hunt in the shed and there was a decent sized bit of 2x4". Ok thats one leg....
Then I remembered we still had quite a lot of wood left from the old deck that is now home to the conservatory - result! enough for the rest of the construction.
A basic frame built from the old deck base.
Using a counter sink on the deck boards so the screws will be flush to the table.
Boards fastened on, its starting to look like a table.
Taking the rough edges off the old timbers.
A shelf was added under the table to support a planting area. This is lined with weed membrane to hold the compost in place. A free draining mix was used. A coat of decking oil was added to help preserve the colour of the wood.
Getting planted up and removing the excess membrane.
And ta-da! the finished table, all set for some enjoyable meals on the patio this summer. Both parts of Marks challenge were completed, 100% of the materials used for the table we already had in the garden or shed, all we had to do was add plants.
Gaz
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
Gaz: Beautiful work, and inspirational! I have plenty of scrap lumber, but it's never quite right for the job at hand -- for instance I don't have any decking boards. What type of wood is that?
ReplyDeleteThanks Alan! I suppose any type of wood will do as long as it's flat? Can always sand and saw them to fit. The wood is Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) decking and a bit of wood oil really brings out its lovely grain. Go for it Alan, we had fun doing this and I'm sure you will too :)
DeleteI like that quite a lot! Excellent work on using existing materials. Good call on the choice of decking for the table top as it will go with the garden and continue to look good for a long time. I've always liked the idea of a planting table now I have an idea of how to go about it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shirley! The deck boards as tabletop will link to the koi pond area too. We're pleased that we didn't buy anything to make the table, just used what we have already :) do make a succulent table, it will look great in your garden!
DeleteI continue to be in awe of your skills. The result is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteExpect a challenge like that if and when you visit us. Just kidding :-).
Wouldn't mind Gerhard, it'll be fun doing something like this altogether :))
DeleteThat is brilliant, so impressed. As long as the plants don't grow tooooo quick!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jessica! The succulents won't be permanent residents, more summer bedding :)
DeleteWell done Mark for setting the challenge. Do you ever get that feeling your are being controlled and conned :-) A superb job Gaz- it's something that could not be bought and is quite personal to you both xx
ReplyDeleteSometimes Don :)) thanks, it was good fun making it!
DeleteGreat!!!! I totally love it!! I´m impressed :). I like this kind of tables with succulents and yours is perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa! Can imagine this sort in your garden in Madrid too :)
DeleteOh well done! Love the succulents in the trough in the center.
ReplyDeleteShould fill in nicely this season Alison :)
DeleteThat's a very professional job! You used a nice selection of succulents too - were they also something you had on hand?
ReplyDeleteSort of Kris, we had them already for use in succulents bowls originally but the table came up and they were perfect for it :)
DeleteImpressive as always! Nice planting job too...
ReplyDeleteThanks Loree :)
DeleteGood work! It looks fantastic, you could stand candles in the gravel at night.
ReplyDeleteI'm now thinking of a table with cut and come again lettuce and herbs growing along it ;-)
Go for it Celia, lettuce and herbs would be great alternatives to succulents, edible and straight to plate as well :)
DeleteBrilliant, I love using up bits from around the garden, its scary in fact to find out how much you actually do have lieing around lol!!
ReplyDeleteThere's a sense of satisfaction using up bits and pieces lying around in the garden Libby, and come up with something new :)
DeleteAsk and it shall be done...what a concept! You are a rare pair, indeed.
ReplyDeleteWe work well together Ricki :)
DeleteYou guys make it look effortless...bravo!
ReplyDeletePrevious experience can pay dividends later Denise :) thank you!
DeleteAbsolutely wonderful and such a cute table. Duh! couldn't you live near? I was then going to request you to make one for me :-). It would be helpful if you please explain in details how you did the middle part and planted those plants.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy :) will do a separate post on it!
DeleteAre you kidding me?!? This is incredible!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy :) I can shine you doing something similar with your spiky plants
DeleteYou really make this look too easy when I know it's not. Your new table looks AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteThanks Heather! The Ipe wood really does help, such fab grain!
DeleteBeautiful table, and then you added a planter, making it perfect.
ReplyDeleteThe grain on the Ipe wood is lovely--now I think you've inspired me to finally rebuild my garden gates. Off to the lumber yard--unfortunately no scraps available.
Thanks Gail! I adore this wood the moment we used it for decking. Hardwood gate is going to look fantastic!
DeleteI absolutely love it! Can you and Mark please come and stay, Neil? I need a bench to go beside my pond!
ReplyDeleteOh how cool! Very impressive! :)
ReplyDelete