DIY Patio Accents: Wagon Picnic Table

Inspired by a page in the book, Junk Beautiful by Sue Whitney, Studio 5 Contributor Jennifer Heslop made her own version of this picnic basket on wheels.

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Wooden wagon with high sides

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Pre-fab wood picket fence (16 inch x 8 foot roll works well- however any type will work as long as it is wide enough and long enough to rest on top of wagon)

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1×2 inch board (2 cut to length of table top)

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Wood screws

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Sand paper

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Exterior sealer

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Metal “L” brackets (optional)

1. Begin by measuring out a length of picket fence to fit the top of the wagon. This piece will become your table top.

2. Cut two pieces of 1×2 board , 1 inch shorter than the length of the fence.

3. Lay the 2 boards along the back side of the fence- about 3 inches in from each side, and spaced evenly from ends of table. Using short wood screws, attach the fence to the boards, by inserting a screw through each end of the pickets into the board.

4. Take the left-over piece of fencing and remove each picket. Now you have single pickets that can be placed in between the pickets on the table top. This will make the “gaps” in the table top smaller.

5. Attach the second series of pickets using the small wood screws.

6. Once table top is assembled, sand with a medium grit sandpaper, stain and seal if desired.

7. “L” brackets can be installed on the underside of the table top. Place them under the top, and against the sides of the wagon. This will help keep the table top in place.

More Trash-to-Treasure Patio Accents:

1. Use a chain link fence as a buffet. Wire on mason jars to hold utensils, tuck cloth napkins through the openings and hang stemware through the fence.

2. Mason jars have many uses and look great in an outdoor setting. Use them to hold the ingredients for “smores” or other campfire treats. Hang them from trees as votives or simply use as votives on your table. Punch holes through the lids to create a flower frog to hold your cuttings from your yard.

3. Votives come in all different shapes and sizes. Use a glass pitcher, bowl, cookie jar, vase, etc . Just add a candle and a few rocks, sand or birdseed.

4. An old chair, minus its seat, makes a perfect planter. Simply sand and paint the chair and drop a potted pot down inside the chair.