Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by Team Ideas24
Got a lovely garden? Then this cute DIY furniture might just be the perfect set that would complement your yard!
It’s a project that falls into the easy DIY ideas category. You don’t need a fully equipped workshop; just some basic tools that can help you make clean cuts and smooth surfaces.
We all know that repurposing materials is a simple way for every person to contribute to making a better world. What we like about this is that it’s made from recycled and cheap materials – pallets, a metal storage shelving unit that’s no longer needed, and pebbles.
But surely there must be more benefits to it than just reducing the amount of trash we throw out.
We like that the table is very sturdy and visually pleasing, as it features a gabion. (If you’re new to the concept of gabion construction, you can learn about its numerous benefits here.)
This outdoor wood bench with gabion table is a big thumbs up for all of it’s great qualities. Inexpensive, recycled, decorative and most of all easy to DIY!
Is this going to be your next project for the garden?
Contents
Crafting an Outdoor Wood Bench with Gabion Table
Materials:
- Pallets
- Pebble Stones
- Gabion Cage / Hardware Cloth
- Wood Glue
- Waterproof Paint
- Tung Oil and Citrus Solvent Finish, Furniture Wax
Tools:
- Measuring Tape
- Wood Clamps
- Circular Saw
- Kreg Jig
- Sander
- Pallet Breaker
Steps:
Design: When designing these pieces, there are 2 main limitations to consider:
The beauty as well as the challenge of pallet wood lies in it’s variations. They are quite different from finished wood sold in hardware stores. Although most boards on pallets are either 3.5″ or 5.5″ wide, the thickness can vary from 0.5″ to 0.8″.
The other limitation is tools. I am spoiled in my woodworking class with amazing shop tools. But I want to make these with simple tools that most people with limited space can have, which means no surfacer, jointer, router, band saw, or table saw (sob!).
These diagrams show the basic structures and assembly of the benches and table. There are certainly other ways to build these, and feel free to adjust them according to the wood sizes you have.
The hollow post that the table fit into will be secured inside the gabion. Because the gabion cage in this case is 15″x15″x15″, the post needs to be a size that fits inside and still leaves room for the pebbles/rocks, which are not just decorative, but more importantly, they contribute to a strong base.
Build a simple cross cut jig: As you can see we need a lot of pieces of the same length. Even though pallet wood is quite irregular, we still want the cuts to be as clean and square as possible. This jig worked great.
This jig is made for our Makita circular saw, and cuts pieces under 1.5″ thick. It’s very simple to make, but there are lot of considerations from blade cutting depth, to clearances on several parts of the saw when it slide along the guide. We had to trim and plane our jig a few times!
We used 1/4″ and 1/2″ plywood, and finished wood 1Xs to make the jig. After cutting the pieces using a straight edge guide that came with the circular saw, we glued the pieces together.
Please refer to the diagram, which explains the design considerations for a jig that will work for your saw.
Make benches and table: For the bench and table top, select board of the same thickness. The sides can have more variations.
After all the pieces are cut and sanded, we painted the frames of the benches a lemon yellow to echo the gabion cage / metal shelving unit.
Next, drill pocket holes in the pieces that need them, such as the bracing pieces under the tabletop and the bench top, and the frame around the tabletop.
To make the benches, the easier way would be to build the frame first with pocket hole screws, then glue or nail the side and top boards. But I somehow chose to do it in the reverse order, only to learn a better way later!
To make the tabletop, arrange the measured and cut boards in a way that accentuates the variations of the pallet wood, attach back brace pieces with glue or nails…
Then attach the frame all around the 4 sides with pocket hole screws.
The base of the table slides into a hollow post stabilized by the metal cages filled with rock / pebbles. When making the base and the post, the most important thing to remember is that they should be the same height, and fit snugly. The dimensions shown in the diagram is adjustable depending on the size of your metal cage and the size of wood you are using. We made them with vertical boards joined together by horizontal braces, and pocket hole screws at right angles. There are about 2″ to 3″ of spacing all the way around between the cage and post for the pebbles.
And that took 50 lbs of pebbles to fill!
Non-toxic finishes: Before attaching the base to the tabletop, we applied wood finishing since it’s easier. The finishing oil recipe we used here is a 50% tung oil and 50% citrus solvent, which helps the oil seep into the wood more effectively. We got this already mixed.
After applying a coat of this finish and let it cure for a day, repeat this process 2 more times. In my woodworking class, we used a ‘slurry method’ where we sand with 220 -400 grit sand paper and create an oil-fine saw dust slurry mixture, which fills in the pores of the wood and creates a marble-like finish after doing it daily for 7 days.
We didn’t do it here, not that we are lazy (well, maybe), but because we retained a lot of the surface character of the pallet wood. So we just wiped on the finish with a rag. Woohoo no long hours of sanding!
After the oil cured for a week, we applied a finishing wax. Melt 1 part beeswax to 4 parts olive oil in a double boiler, let cool, apply a generous amount onto the wood surface, and enjoy the delicious honey smell on your furniture!
There seem to be as many great woodworkers as there are different recipes for wood finishes. You are welcome to share your favorites in the comment section!
Assemble and enjoy the outdoors: To assemble the table, collect some pebbles or rocks from nearby mountains and rivers. We used beach pebbles, which make us think of the ocean.
And these chubby little pebbles weighed 50 lbs!
Center the hollow post inside the metal wire cage, fill pebbles all around the post to the top. Slide the table base inside the post. The pebbles heavy weight hold the post and table in place, and create a strong and sturdy base.
Now we can sit in the garden and enjoy a nice book outdoors accompanied by bird songs!
Thanks to blissful2015 for this great project!
Gabion Table Design Ideas for Different Outdoor Spaces
A gabion table makes an eye-catching centerpiece in any outdoor space. Paired with a sturdy wood bench, it creates a rustic and functional setup that suits many garden styles. Whether you’re planning a cozy reading nook or a spacious dining area, the versatility of a gabion table allows you to tailor the design to fit your space and needs. Below are several gabion table design ideas that work in different settings and can enhance your outdoor experience.
Rustic Country Garden
If your outdoor area has a country or farmhouse feel, a gabion table filled with natural river stones or slate pieces complements the landscape. A wooden tabletop made from reclaimed timber adds warmth and character. Pair this gabion table with a solid wood bench finished in a natural oil or stain. Together, they blend seamlessly into the earthy tones of a country garden. Add a few potted herbs or wildflowers nearby to complete the look.
Modern Minimalist Patio
For a clean, minimalist vibe, a gabion table with sharp, geometric lines works best. Select smooth, uniform fillers such as white quartz or black basalt to achieve a sleek base appearance. A tabletop made from smooth hardwood, such as teak or ipe, offers durability and a clean finish. Match it with a simple, slatted wood bench in the same tone. This style suits patios with concrete pavers, clean edges, and neutral-colored furniture.
Coastal or Beach-Inspired Spaces
Bring a coastal touch to your backyard by filling the gabion cage with shells, driftwood pieces, or pale-colored pebbles. A whitewashed or light oak wood bench pairs beautifully with this type of gabion table. Choose a weathered wood tabletop for a casual, sun-bleached look. This design works well near pools, patios with light-colored tiles, or beachside gardens where the relaxed vibe takes center stage.
Urban Rooftop Terraces
Maximize a small rooftop by using multi-functional furniture. A gabion table can double as a planter, with part of the cage filled with soil and plants. Use light-colored stones or gravel around the rest of the cage for contrast. A compact wood bench with built-in storage fits right in, giving you extra seating and a place to tuck away outdoor cushions. The combination of wood and gabion elements adds texture without crowding the space.
Industrial Loft-Style Gardens
For an industrial edge, fill the gabion table base with broken concrete chunks, metal scraps, or brick pieces. Use a reclaimed wood tabletop with visible grain and knots to soften the rough look. A matching wood bench with iron legs or brackets completes the industrial theme. This design works well in converted warehouse gardens or urban backyards with exposed brick and steel features.
Woodland Retreat
Create a woodland escape with a gabion table filled with moss-covered rocks, pieces of bark, and small logs. Use a thick slab of live-edge wood for the tabletop. Place a wood bench nearby, preferably in darker, richer tones, to reflect the forest surroundings. This setting offers a cozy spot to enjoy coffee in the morning or an evening chat by the fire pit.
A gabion table and wood bench combo is a versatile addition to any outdoor space. With the right design choices, they can enhance the beauty and function of your garden, patio, or terrace. Whether you prefer a rustic look or a modern feel, there’s a gabion table style to match your outdoor vision.
Outdoor Wood Bench and Gabion Table Gallery
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Creative Gabion Fillers: Beyond Rocks and Pebbles
A gabion table is typically known for its sturdy base, often filled with rocks or pebbles. While these are classic choices, there are many other creative fillers that can give your gabion table a unique and personalized look. Choosing an unexpected material adds character to your outdoor space and transforms your table into a conversation piece. Here are some ideas to inspire your next project.
Recycled Glass Bottles
Colorful glass bottles or broken glass pieces can make a striking filler. Use different shades—greens, blues, and clear glass work well together. The glass catches sunlight during the day and adds a subtle glow at night. This choice works great if your gabion table sits on a sunny patio or garden deck. To add an extra design element, consider installing solar lights inside the cage to make the glass sparkle after dark.
Wood Logs and Branches
Filling your gabion table with neatly stacked logs or bundled branches creates a natural, earthy aesthetic. Use slices of hardwood or driftwood for a rustic feel. This filler works well in woodland gardens or beside a matching wood bench. The texture of the wood adds warmth and contrasts nicely with the metal cage. It also maintains a cohesive look if your tabletop is made from reclaimed wood.
Terracotta Pot Shards
If you have broken terracotta pots lying around, they make excellent fillers for gabions. Their warm, reddish tones complement outdoor spaces that feature Mediterranean plants or clay garden accents. A gabion table filled with terracotta pieces pairs well with a patio decorated with olive trees, lavender, or rosemary. The rough edges of the shards give the base a textured, organic look.
Seashells and Coral
For a coastal vibe, try filling your gabion table with seashells, coral pieces, or even sand-filled glass jars. These materials bring the beach to your backyard, especially when combined with a light wood bench. This filler works best in sheltered areas, as delicate shells may not handle heavy exposure to the elements over time. Still, the look captures the calm, breezy feel of a seaside retreat.
Recycled Metal Scraps
If your outdoor space leans toward an industrial style, recycled metal scraps can fill your gabion table base. Pieces of old tools, pipes, or gears create a rugged and edgy design. The metallic tones contrast well with a smooth, polished wooden tabletop. This style pairs well with minimalist or urban outdoor settings, especially when matched with steel-framed furniture.
Colorful Ceramic Tiles
Broken ceramic tiles or mosaic pieces offer a vibrant alternative. Fill your gabion table with colorful tile fragments arranged by shade or pattern. This playful option works well in eclectic gardens or patios with bright outdoor rugs and cushions. It’s also a clever way to repurpose old tiles from previous home improvement projects.
Your gabion table doesn’t have to be limited to stones and pebbles. With a little creativity, you can fill it with materials that reflect your style and make your outdoor furniture stand out. Whether you choose glass, wood, shells, or metal, these fillers give your gabion table a fresh and unique look.
Conclusion
Building an outdoor wood bench with a gabion table adds both function and style to your garden or patio. The combination of wood and gabion materials creates a sturdy and eye-catching setup. With a little effort and creativity, you’ll have a beautiful outdoor space to relax and enjoy for years to come.
We have more wooden structures for your outdoor space. Check out our DIY wood porch swing project next!
