Transform An Old Tomato Cage Into A Simple & Stylish Patio Decor Piece

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Do you have a bunch of old tomato cages taking up space in your shed? If you're an expert on how to grow tomatoes, you may not be using them much anymore since rope and trellis systems make it easier to train and harvest the tastiest vining species. However, there's no need to give up on them completely, since old tomato cages can form the base of a simple and stylish patio decor piece. Several crafty DIYers have figured out how to transform the simple structures into functional side tables. To make them, they cut their tomato cages to the desired height before painting them, then attached small round tabletops before using the tables to display decorative items.

While you won't want to use a tomato cage table to hold anything heavy, it's easy to turn them into an attractive spot for drinks or a Martha Stewart-approved plant stand. You don't need to be an expert crafter to pull it off, either, although some basic DIY skills will allow you to customize your table more easily. It's perfectly fine to use a standard tomato cage for each table you want to construct, but you may want to vary the height by taking a grinder to trim the legs down to your desired size. Don't forget to wear safety glasses!

Tomato cages are available in a variety of colors, but if you're stuck with steel ones, don't be afraid to spray paint them. If they've been stuck in the ground, make sure to thoroughly clean the legs before using a product like Krylon COLORmaxx Paint and Primer from Amazon, applying several light coats to get a smooth finish.

Once your tomato cage table base has been cut to size and customized with paint, it's time to make the tabletop. There are two different approaches worth considering. Beginners should opt for a wooden version made using a large round wooden craft circle. You could also repurpose or upcycle a round wooden tray that's been thrifted or is collecting dust in the back of your china closet. Just make sure your wooden tabletop is larger than the tomato cage itself. Painting the wood with chalk paint coated with wax is an optional step, and using some kind of sealant is a good way to protect a table from water rings. To attach your tabletop, center the tomato cage circle on your tabletop before securing it in place with small staple nails all the way around.

If you're feeling slightly more ambitious, make a concrete tabletop instead. This involves creating a circular form using metal flashing held together with pop rivets. Use cardboard to create a base before pouring prepared concrete into the form. Before it dries, set your tomato cage legs into the concrete. (In this version, the tomato cage circle will be the base of the table.) You can use small clamps clipped to each leg of the tomato cage to provide support as the concrete hardens, making sure each of the legs is completely level so your finished table doesn't get too wobbly. The last step is to cut the flashing away to reveal the hardened concrete. For extra support, add a small amount of epoxy between the bottom of the tabletop and each leg.