Make a Chic Concrete Side Table That Doubles as a Stool

This ultra-stylish concrete side table is mobile, colorful and tough, which is perfect for your outdoor living space.

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By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Materials Needed

(1) 50-pound bag fast-setting concrete mix
(2) 5-gallon plastic buckets
(1) 2'x4'x8' lumber
8"x4' concrete tube form
3/4"x4'x4' plywood
duct tape
(4) 2 1/2" exterior-rated wood screws
miter or chop saw
rotary cutting tool
jigsaw
utility knife
measuring tape
pencil
safety goggles
drill (optional)
1/8" masonry drill bit (optional)
(4) 2" heavy-duty casters (optional)
paint (exterior spray paint for concrete; sealer)(optional)
paintbrush (optional)
painter's tape (optional)

Cut Concrete Tube Form

Measure and mark the concrete tube 11 inches high (Image 1). Using a utility knife, cut the tube to size (Image 2).

Measure, then mark the concrete form at 11 inches high. Using a utility knife, cut the form to size.

Brian Patrick Flynn

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Brian Patrick Flynn

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Step 1- Cut Tube

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 1- Cut Tube

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Add Bracing

Measure and mark two 2x4s each 11 inches high. Using the chop saw, cut both to size (Image 1). Place each opposite to one another on the inside of the tube and secure with wood screws (Image 2).

Measure, then mark two 2x4s, each at 11 inches high. Using the chop saw, cut these to size. Place them opposite of each other on the inside of the tube and secure with wood screws.

Brian Patrick Flynn

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Brian Patrick Flynn

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Step 2- Add 2x4 Bracing

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 2- Add 2x4 Bracing

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Assemble and Seal Tube Form

Using the concrete tube as your guide, draw a circle onto the plywood (Image 1). Use a jigsaw to cut the circle out (Image 2). Attach the plywood top to the bottom of the 2x4s with wood screws (Image 3). Add duct tape around the bottom plywood edge, flip over and add duct tape across the top of the open tube (Image 4). (This will keep the concrete mixture from seeping through.)

Using the concrete tube as your guide, draw a circle onto the plywood. Then, using a jigsaw, cut the circle out. Attach the plywood top to the bottom of the 2x4s with wood screws.Add duct tape around the bottom plywood edge, flip over and add duct tape across the top of the open tube so that the concrete mixture does not seep through.

Brian Patrick Flynn

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Brian Patrick Flynn

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Brian Patrick Flynn

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Brian Patrick Flynn

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Step 3- Assemble & Seal Form

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 3- Assemble & Seal Form

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 3- Assemble & Seal Form

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 3- Assemble & Seal Form

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Mix and Pour Concrete

Mix the concrete with extra water for a more consistent, pourable blend. Once the concrete is ready, pour a 4-inch layer into the bottom of another bucket.

Step 4- Mix & Pour Concrete

Mix concrete with extra water for a more consistent, pourable mix. Use a mixing tool with a heavy duty drill to make the job a bit easier. Once concrete is ready, pour a 4 inch layer into the bottom of another bucket

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Place Tube Form in Bucket

Lower the tube form down into the bucket, so that it's resting on top of the 4-inch layer of concrete. Press down or place something heavy on top to limit movement while you finish pouring the concrete.

Step 5- Place Form In Bucket

Lower the form down into the bucket, so that itâs resting on top of the 4 inch layer of concrete. Press down or place something heavy on top to limit movement while you finish pouring concrete.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Add More Concrete

Continue adding concrete around the edges and shake the bucket to agitate the concrete; this will help remove any bubbles from the mixture. Run a scrap 2x4 or trowel along the top of the bucket to smooth the mixture. Let set for at least 24 hours.

Step 6- Add More Concrete Around Edges

Continue adding concrete around the edges and shake bucket to agitate concrete â this will help remove any bubbles from the mixture. Run a scrap 2x4 or trowel along the top of the bucket to smooth mixture. Let this set for at least 24 hours.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Remove Bucket

After 24 hours, use a rotary cutting tool to make one vertical cut along the side of the bucket (Image 1). Peel the plastic away to reveal the concrete table (Image 2).

After 24 hours, use a rotary cutting tool to make one vertical cut along the side of the bucket. Then peel the plastic away to reveal the concrete table

Brian Patrick Flynn

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Brian Patrick Flynn

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Step 7- Remove Bucket

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 7- Remove Bucket

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Attach Casters (Optional)

Using a masonry bit, pre-drill holes for your caster hardware. Then using the screws supplied, install the casters into the plywood bottom.

Step 8- Attach Casters

Using a masonry bit, pre-drill appropriate holes for your caster hardware. Then using the screws supplied, install the casters into the plywood bottom.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Paint Table (Optional)

Carefully flip the table over and add a splash of color. Use an exterior-grade paint in your favorite shade and top with a sealer. Just make sure it's okay to use on concrete surfaces so it will hold up well over time.

Carefully flip the table over and add color! Use an exterior grade paint in your favorite shade, just make sure it is okay to use on concrete surfaces so it will hold up well over time.

Brian Patrick Flynn

This chic DIY concrete side table is mobile, colorful and TOUGH- perfect for outdoor living.

Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 9- Paint Table

Carefully flip the table over and add color! Use an exterior grade paint in your favorite shade, just make sure it is okay to use on concrete surfaces so it will hold up well over time.

Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn