Say Goodbye To Pricey Patio Side Tables: Use Hula Hoops For This Dollar Tree DIY

Having a place to set your drink down on a patio is a must. But if you've tried searching for a side table at a furniture store, the hefty price tags might've given you second thoughts. That's where a good old DIY can save the day. While you could turn pavers into a stunning patio piece, another option is to grab hula hoops from Dollar Tree. A Hometalk crafter proved they can become building materials, too, by creating a base out of them. Once a top surface is added, the end result is a stylish side table that can be used on a patio. Best of all, it won't break the bank.

The items required for the DIY are fairly simple. Firstly, you'll need six of Dollar Tree's Colorful Assorted Plastic Fun Hoops. Don't worry if they're not all matching in design, as you'll be spray painting them a new color anyway (spray paint is another material on the supply list). Grab a package of Tool Bench Nylon Cable Ties from Dollar Tree as well. Finally, you'll need jute twine and a circular wood piece, similar to this 18-inch Round Pine Edge-Glued Board at Home Depot. Now, there are embellishments you might want to add to your side table. But first start by making the actual furniture piece so you can decide if upgrading is even necessary.

Let's face it, you don't want the table to actually look like hula hoops. So, bring them outside for a paint job. Consider using a color like black or gold for a boost of chicness. Make sure to spray paint both sides of the hoops. After they're fully dry, you can start assembling the table on a large surface. Lay a hula hoop down in the center, then place one on each of its four sides. Secure the hoops to the center ring using cable ties (don't pull them 100% tight, though).

Next, lay the sixth hoop over the one in the left-hand position. Connect their left sides together with a cable tie. Fold the pair of rings upwards, then begin attaching the outer hoops to the sixth one, which will become the top. Basically, you're forming them into a cube. Go around and tighten all the cable ties and snip off their tails for a polished finish. 

Get out the spool of twine (like this KINGLAKE Natural Jute String) and knot the end to the top hoop. Pull it across the ring and wrap it tightly around the other side. Continue this process all around the hoop as if you're making a net-like pattern. You want it to be strong enough that it'll be able to hold some weight. Once the top is covered in taut twine, snip it and tie the end to the hoop. Place the circular wood piece on and it'll become the table's top surface.

You'll now be able to bring the side table to your patio and enjoy the fruits of your labor. It'll be perfect for holding beverages, a candle, or a stack of magazines — all while looking unique with its rounded sides. You could even transform an old pickle jar into a chic vase to keep on top. Another benefit is that it won't be a heavy table, meaning you can move it whenever needed (like if you're trying to batten down the hatches before a storm). It would be lovely between a set of chairs, or just on the side of your favorite.

Feel free to zhuzh the table up if it'd better fit your decor tastes. You could attach battery-powered fairy lights to the top hoop for an ambiance boost. These Ariceleo Led Fairy Lights on Amazon even come in multicolor. Do you adore a garden look? Wrap strands of artificial greenery around the hula hoops. Or, use twine for a faux wicker appearance. There are also ways to cover an unsightly tabletop if you want to give the surface a makeover — including using a beautiful tablecloth or placemat.