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When you’re relaxing on the patio, you don’t always feel like hopping in for a refreshing drink. Sure, call it lazy, but it’s nice to have your drinks on ice next to you. Did you know there are outdoor side tables that actually moonlight as coolers? For example, the Cater Pacific Cool Bar Table Lifts to reveal a hidden compartment to keep drinks ice-cold. Close it, and you can use it just like a normal table. If you like this idea and just going the DIY route is more your style, pick up some planters and a pizza pan. You can use it to create a small cooler table that will keep you hydrated while relaxing in your chair.
To complete the DIY, you’ll need two large planter pots that match in size and design. The bigger the pots, the more drinks the “cooler” can hold. However, keep in mind that in order to use a pizza pan as a table surface, the diameter of the openings of the pots should not be larger than the diameter of the pan. That’s why you might want to look for a jumbo-sized pizza pan. Maybe you have an old one in your cabinet that you can sacrifice. Or, this The 16-inch nonstick deli pizza pan remains the staple Less than $8 at Walmart.
If you have been Reuse old plastic pots around your gardenHopefully, you still have a couple saved for a rainy day. It will help in reducing the project cost. You can always check thrift stores, discount stores, and retailers with garden departments. This 20-quart Bloom Terra Plastic Planter Sold at Home Depot for under $15. You will also need spray paint and glue for DIY.
Here’s how to make a simple cooler table for your patio
TikTok users A comfortable home Shared this clever idea — which might be the inspiration you’re looking for DIY outdoor furniture projects. Start by bringing out your pizza pan and painting it a color that complements your planter. For example, you can use Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray PaintAvailable in different colors. Let it sit to dry. Next, turn one of your pots upside down and add glue to the bottom. Place another pot on top, right side up.
@cozydiyhome Who knew plant pots could turn into dollars? I whipped up this side table-slash-drink cooler with just a couple of planters, a pizza pan, and some spray paint… and now my porch is looking fancier than my budget suggested. One pot goes upside down, the other stacked on top with a little E6000 glue. Fill the top with ice and drinks, then pop a painted pizza pan as a lid slash table surface. Boom. Chic and chill-ready! Will you use this for drinks or snacks? or both? #dollaramadiy #outdoordecor #budgetfriendly decor #thediymommy #cozydiyhome
Once everything is dry, set the pizza pan on top of the planter to create a table top. You can easily remove the pizza pan, then fill the top pot with ice and your favorite beverage whenever you’re in the mood to lounge. Or, add ice and water bottles first Hosting an alcohol-free shindig On your patio. After the party is over, you have to shovel out the melted snow. That is, unless the pots have drainage holes, they will drain on their own. Will a planter keep snow from melting as well as an insulated cooler? Definitely not. However, you can try adding styrofoam beforehand or packing peanuts in the bottom of the pot to help.
This DIY is ideal if you can get cheap supplies and enjoy making things with your own hands. Best of all, you can use it as a regular side table on your patio all season long. However, when it’s a “chill time”, it can be a real conversation piece.
