Gardener Turns An Old Cable Spool Into A Stunning Table That Doubles As Storage

It's not at all uncommon to convert an old wood cable spool into a table, but to transform it into a garden table, perfect for potting and storing garden equipment, is something special. And to create this transformation easily, with virtually no construction, makes for an amazingly simple project. On behalf of Hometalk, a gardener showed off one of the unique ways to repurpose wooden spools in your backyard and garden: as a versatile outdoor table that can be styled for garden chores or relaxing.

While cable spools can be challenging to maneuver, their rustic look and sturdy construction are perfect for turning into an outdoor feature that makes every gardener's life easier. Cable spools can stand up to all kinds of weather, too. Still, you should place your spool in a dry spot to keep it from rotting eventually.

It's simple to emulate the Hometalk gardener's cable spool potting table. First, obtain a spool. These are easy to find and often inexpensive or free from electrical supply companies. You can often locate them though online venues like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

Once you have your spool, determine whether you'll need to pressure wash; if it's mildewed or dirty, this is an esssential step. Next, when the top is dry, give it a good sanding with an orbital sander and low-grit sandpaper. Using a paintbrush, apply a coat of clear water-based weather protectant and allow it to dry, or consider waterproofing the wood with an all-natural ingredient: beeswax.

Customization comes next. The Hometalk gardener fastened an old garden rake head to the drum portion of the cable spool and used the rake's tines to hang garden tools. In showing how the table can be styled in multiple ways, she used the rake's tines to hang an ice bucket with cans of soda.

Try other customizations, like adding a door panel with hooks that forms a backdrop for the table.  Affix some small hanging pots to the backdrop for a vertical garden, and finish off with gardening supplies and other potted plants strewn around to create a dedicated potting station. If you'd rather use your new find to kick back and relax, style it with an adjacent chair and use it as a table for sipping a beverage as you gaze at your garden. You could insert an umbrella in the center of the table or give the top a colorful paint or mosaic treatment, and some DIYers even cut an opening in the drum portion to the spool for more storage. The possibilities are nearly endless.