DIY Faux Driftwood Outdoor Dining Table Makeover (UK Friendly Guide)

If you’re dreaming of creating a coastal-inspired garden retreat, a faux driftwood outdoor dining table makeover is the perfect weekend project to give your outdoor space a sophisticated, beachy vibe without the hefty price tag of real driftwood furniture. Whether you’re upcycling an old garden table or styling a new piece, this DIY is achievable with basic supplies, a bit of creativity, and some elbow grease.

Here’s a full UK-based guide to help you create your own DIY faux driftwood outdoor dining table, from prepping your materials to sealing your final masterpiece.

Why Choose a Faux Driftwood Finish?

Driftwood, with its sun-bleached, weathered texture, evokes a relaxed, seaside feel that fits beautifully in garden and patio settings. However, actual driftwood furniture can be expensive and heavy—not to mention tricky to source in the UK. Faux driftwood techniques, on the other hand, let you:

• Use readily available furniture or reclaimed pieces.
• Customise the colour tone and finish.
• Achieve the same rustic aesthetic at a fraction of the cost.

What You’ll Need (UK Shopping List)

Before diving in, gather the following tools and materials. These can be easily sourced from UK suppliers like B&Q, Wickes, Screwfix, or even Amazon.co.uk:

Materials:

• An outdoor wooden table (old or new)
• White chalk paint (e.g. Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish)
• Grey wood stain or watered-down grey acrylic paint
• Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
• Wire brush
• Wood filler (if repairing an old piece)
• Clear exterior wood sealer or varnish (e.g. Ronseal or Cuprinol)
• Soft bristle paintbrushes
• Lint-free cloths or rags
• Protective gloves

Optional Add-ons:

• Outdoor bench or chairs to match the faux driftwood look
• Decorative accents (e.g. rope coasters, rattan lanterns)

Step-by-Step Guide: DIY Faux Driftwood Table Makeover

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Table

Start by thoroughly cleaning your table. Use a damp cloth with mild detergent to remove dirt, algae, or cobwebs. Let it dry completely.

Top Tip: If the table has any peeling paint or rough patches, sand them down first. For very old tables, consider applying wood filler to cracks or dents and sanding smooth.

Step 2: Sand the Surface

Using medium-grit sandpaper (around 120 grit), lightly sand the entire surface of the table. This helps the paint adhere better and gives the wood a slightly distressed texture.

For extra rustic charm, use a wire brush to mimic natural grain patterns and weathered wear.

Step 3: Apply a Base Coat

Apply a coat of white chalk paint as your base. Don’t worry about full coverage—the goal is to mimic a faded, beach-worn look. Let some of the natural wood or previous finish peek through for texture.

Allow this coat to dry thoroughly (refer to the paint tin for exact drying times—usually 1–2 hours).

Step 4: Create the Driftwood Effect

Now comes the artistic part. Use grey wood stain or a watered-down grey acrylic paint to wash over the white base coat. Use a soft brush to apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain.

Then, using a dry rag or lint-free cloth, wipe back some of the stain, letting it settle into crevices. This layering effect creates the depth and variation you see in real driftwood.

You can repeat this process with additional coats in different tones (light taupe or soft brown) for a more nuanced driftwood finish.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Once you’re happy with the colour, consider distressing certain areas with fine-grit sandpaper. Lightly sand along edges and corners where natural wear would occur.

Optional: dry-brush a tiny bit of white paint across the surface for added texture.

Step 6: Seal for Outdoor Durability

Since the table will live outdoors, it’s crucial to seal it. Use a clear outdoor wood sealer or polyurethane varnish suitable for UK weather conditions. Apply 2–3 thin coats, allowing each coat to dry fully before applying the next.

Important: Make sure your sealer is UV- and water-resistant for maximum protection.

Styling Your Driftwood-Inspired Outdoor Dining Area

Now that your table boasts its fresh new look, it’s time to complete the scene. Here’s how to style it for that perfect British summer gathering:

• Pair with rustic benches or mismatched wooden chairs in similar tones.
• Add natural elements like linen runners, ceramic dishes, and terracotta pots.
• Include soft lighting with battery-powered lanterns, string lights, or candles.
• Incorporate greenery: potted herbs or trailing ivy help enhance the coastal theme.

Budget Breakdown (UK Pricing Guide)

Here’s a rough estimate of costs for this DIY project using UK-sourced products:

Item	Approximate Cost (GBP)
Chalk Paint (750ml)	£10–£15
Wood Stain/Acrylic Wash	£8–£12
Sealer/Varnish (1L)	£12–£20
Sandpaper & Wire Brush	£5
Paint Brushes & Cloths	£5
Optional Décor	Varies (£20–£50)

Total Estimated Budget: £40–£60 (excluding table and décor)

Eco-Friendly Tip

Consider sourcing your table from Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or local charity furniture shops like British Heart Foundation. Not only does this save money, but it also keeps usable furniture out of landfill.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping sanding – Even a quick sand ensures better paint adhesion.
2. Overdoing the colour layers – Less is more when aiming for natural driftwood tones.
3. Using indoor-only paint or sealer – Always opt for weatherproof, exterior-grade finishes.
4. Not testing colours first – Do a small test patch before committing to the entire surface.

Final Thoughts

A DIY faux driftwood outdoor dining table makeover is a beautiful way to elevate your garden setting without the cost or sourcing issues of genuine driftwood. With basic materials and a bit of creative flair, you can breathe new life into tired furniture and craft a stunning coastal-inspired outdoor space.

Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, enjoying your morning coffee al fresco, or simply creating a stylish patio retreat, your revamped table will be the centrepiece of it all—handcrafted by you, for you.