You thought I was being funny when I mentioned I’d always dreamed of having a picnic table. But it’s true. I grew up eating on picnic tables in my grandparent’s back yard and just like a having a tire swing, it’s a shining beacon of home.
But it wasn’t until I was a freshman in high school that our family got our first picnic table. In my fourteen-year-old head, picnic tables were for rich people. So I figured that’s why we didn’t have one. So yes, even in college I knew that one day, I would have a picnic table too. I can vividly remember thinking that I might even *gasp* put my own picnic table inside one day.
Regardless if you are rich or not, every house could use an unassuming workhorse picnic table. And I’m so happy we finally got one.
This year I was part of the True Value Blog Squad and the very first thing I knew I wanted one of our projects to be was a picnic table. It came as a kit and it was a little tricky because some of the pre-drilled holes weren’t lined up but, nothing my husband and our neighbor weren’t able to handle.
The kit comes with the top already assembled (PHEW!) so all you (or your husband) have to do is put the legs together and secure it all.
I also wanted an umbrella for our table so my husband grabbed a one inch drill bit hole cutter thingy (you are welcome True Value, you have my permission to start using that name on the packaging now) and simply drilled a hole in the middle of the table once it was put together. He also grabbed a metal something-or-other (that’s the official name) to put around the hole. It’s not necessary but it does make it look a little more finished. Personally, because I’m a picnic table purest, I think it looks better without that metal thing but my husband was begging to pimp out this table a little. But for the most part I wanted the basic rich people model so we compromised. He got to attach a metal ring around the hole and I got to proclaim “We’re rich!”.
I knew I wanted an opaque stain so while I was at True Value I asked about what would work best. I was pleasantly surprised that they carried a really high quality Benjamin Moore paint and stain. So I just followed what the paint expert told me and bought a quart of siding stain.
I wanted a really dark olive color and they had a chart with all the different colors and thankfully, it was really easy to pick out one right in the store.
Beware, when you get a new picnic table you will realize how desperately your deck needs to be stained. I love the finished result.
Cost Breakdown:
Picnic Table Kit: $149
Umbrella : $49 (just noticed it’s on sale for $39)
Drill Bit: $10ish
Stain: $12ish
Total: $225ish
Not bad for seating for six and a versatile table that I hope will stay with our family for years–maybe I’ll even bring it inside one day…
My favorite part about the table, the knots and holes.
And just for funs, here’s some picnic table inspiration:
Angela’s picnic table at the cottage rekindled my almost forgotten love of the humble picnic table. Indoors? YES please!
Small on space? Scoot it against the wall and use just one side.
Metropolitan Home
Is there a little something you’ve always dreamed of having in your home? Maybe like me, it’s not anything all that expensive, but something that represents home to you. I’m surprised at how great it felt to fulfil a childhood dream for our home, as ridiculous as it was to wait this long for a picnic table, it really helps makes our house feel like home to me. And isn’t that what Home. On Purpose is all about?
True Value would like to help you start a project in your home too. Leave a comment to win a $100 gift card from True Value to use online or in the store.
I was one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments. I even had to tell them about the fact that my picnic table pre-drilled holes were all wonky and they were cool with me letting you know about that.
For more ideas visit True Value around the web:
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I love the table! I have been wanting to build one for myself, maybe this will be the inspiration I need.
Outstanding idea! The paint/stain makes it sophisticated – and it seems like I could put it together myself! Off to True Value…
As a kid I always wanted a slide inside… Maybe not all that practical but so so fun!
Something I REALLY want to have at our home someday is a hammock. Love those things. Love the picnic table too, so fun. Thanks for the giveaway!
We had a yellow one in our kitchen when I was growing up….great memories there. Picnic Tables just ooze warmth and family.
I always wanted a metal swing set like the one I had when I was a kid. It was in the shape of an H, with monkey bars in the middle, two swings, a trapeze, and olympic rings. There is only one company in the US that makes this swingset now. And it costs $1500 more than it did in 1984, but I bought it. And after months of prep and a lot of lifting and heaving, we got it in place. I love that I can play with my girls on the swingset, just the way my brother and I played 28 years ago. Someday I’ll give my grandbabies their first push on those swings. :)
looks awesome and I love the hanging lanterns!
Liked the picnic table idea. We are planning to furnish our backyard and picnic table is certain to be considered!
Love the color of the picnic table!
Love picnic tables and the color of yours is great!
I am so impressed with the construction! It truly looks professional. I need to start with something WAY basic… maybe a shelf :)
Wow,I love the picnic tables that you showed. It doesn’t look to far beyond my skills (with a little help from my friends). When my husband was in school and we lived in the mountains above Wilkesbarre, Pa., we had one in our kitchen and used it for everything. I’d love to make one and paint it a cool blue/green for the porch.
Thanks for the great idea.
Ugh! I love the painted picnic table. We bought one a few years ago, but it is all warped (long story) and discolored and such. I am absolutely buying a new one next year and painting/staining it!!
I’d love to make some more progress on the treehouse we’ve started for the kids….
Love your table. When I was younger I thought you had to be rich to have AC. I would love to win that gift card. We have a fixer upper house and that $ would go a long way!
When I was a kid, my aunt (who actually was pretty rich-her husband had his own medical practice) had a phone in her car and I thought it was the most awesome thing ever. It was huge (image an 80s house phone) and even had a big cord coming out of the dashboard. But she could make calls FROM. HER. CAR. Amazing… And whenever I visited, she would rent a Nintendo from Blockbuster and rent a whole bunch of video games. My cousins were used to that treatment, but I was so impressed!
Oh my word you made me laugh about picnic tables for rich people :) heheh. That was funny. Great round up of pictures as well!
I always wanted rugs. Our first home had hardwoods and in the three years we lived there we had no rugs. Now in our third home again with hard woods we have area rugs, and it makes me so happy. :)
Now I want a picnic table……
Would love to win! I need some help on my back deck for sure!
Great giveaway! We just got a firepit for our backyard – now our boys can roast hot dogs and marshmallows just like my brother and I used to when we were growing up :)
oh, I love all of these tables! Makes me think about bringing one inside my house too!
I’ve dreamed about having a picnic table in our backyard…the only issue is we really don’t have a backyard. We have a section of grass between garages – totally open to a busy street. Blech. Oh, how I would love a large shed to block off an area of privacy for my family. :) maybe this card will be the beginning of that shed, who knows. (Love the color of the stain you chose, btw.)
We could really use a True Value gift card. We have endless home improvement projects in progress!
Love the color you chose for the picnic table!
I’ve always wanted one of those freestanding hanging egg-type chairs. I think it would be an awesome spot to curl up and read a book.
You’ve just made me think outside the box. I think a picnic table would be great by the pool. I LOVE the better homes & gardens ideas!!
I LOVE your table and how you’ve decorated it – especially the color! Thanks for also including other incredible photos of all the useful and beautiful ways picnic tables may be utilized…oh, I need a bigger house. :)
Pretty inspiring!
I also have always wanted a picnic table…my dad built one for each of my 4 brothers when they got married, however I have yet to get one and I have been married 9 years now. I think I will have to build my own!
My family would definitely put this to good use…immediately! We have so many projects we’re wanting to get done, but the funds just aren’t flowing.
I would love to win. We have lots of projects we could use it for….leaky sinks, new deck, painting closet doors.
I haven’t thought of a picnic table in many years, but now I MUST HAVE ONE!
For me, the picnic table is a sign of HOME! When we moved, it was the firs thing we put out and the last thing we pack up.
When I moved a few years ago and had to leave the table behind, my son built a new, better picnic table for me. I LOVE the idea of putting it indoors! Why didn’t I think of that?? <3
love your tranformations!
We got an aluminum picnic table when I was in high school, but I just love those wooden ones! You’ve given me a great idea for our small kitchen — indoor picnic table! Wish I’d thought of that sooner!
I always wanted a big vegetable garden…I’m glad I married a man who wanted the same :)
I’ve always wanted a picnic table just like yours!!! Count me in for this wonderful giveaway :)
How divine! I always thought only rich people had pools!
We bought that same table kit at Lowes…and use it at our lake cabin. I have left it natural but love the look of your stain…I see a cabin project in my future! And I have always wanted a wooden stump table in my home. I love the look of bringing the outside in. I even asked the tree guys that cut down a neigbors tree if I could get a couple and came home one day to them dumping their entire truck of stumps into my side yard! Yikes! I settled on a few and they are still sitting there…waiting to be turned into tables…one more thing on “the list”.
oh .. what a great color. I love the color your chose for the table and I never heard of that stain before, gotta check it out. We painted our picnic with interior stain .. whoops!! Didnt’ realized it till we’re done with the job … guess we got to excited with the project and finding a cheap stain (on sale, no wonder — it’s interior!!)
Looks great! I could do a lot with $100 at TV. Thansk for the giveaway!
Haha! That’s so funny, and I love the picnic table. I always thought people who had ponds or fountains in their backyard/garden were the epitome of “rich” lol. Some day I will build my own and use it for an aquaponics system! :)
I love you choice of satin, you have a great eye for colors and combinations! I would love to be apart of your giveaway, thank you so so much!
Funny you should post about this. That is what I want for Christmas. Can’t wait to see how they wrap it.
Beautiful table color and table. Love it all! Glad you are now rich! :)
I have wanted a real picnic table for years…but somehow it gets pushed down the list….
I dream of someday having the kind of bookshelf that needs a ladder :)
Oh, I LOVE picnic tables! We have never had any outdoor furniture, but now that we have a wrap around porch on our current rental…I want some even more for next summer! :)
Love picnic tables! Never thought to put one inside, but you’ve got my wheels turning! Could be an inexpensive/stylish option for a dining area.
Love, love the colors! Thanks for the inspiration!