DIY Chalkboard Tree Stump Table

This DIY Chalkboard Tree Stump Table is easy to make at home and PERFECT for outdoor entertaining!

When I saw this log on the side of the road I knew I had to have it. I thought that it would make a great side table for the front porch. Maybe I'll spray paint it white… I'm now sure yet. I'll have to figure out a way to get it level. I must say I underestimated how heavy it would be , I really had to use some muscle to get this home. I think it's going to be good #homedecor #spring #instagood

A post shared by Sweet Savant {chef Demetra} (@sweetsavant) on Mar 16, 2016 at 6:25am PDT

Whenever one of my neighbors cuts a tree down in their yard I rush over to grab the pieces for outdoor DIY decorating projects. I needed some end tables for my front porch so I loaded my neighbor’s old tree stumps into the back of my SUV and headed home. Put a drop cloth of some kind under the stumps when you transport them, things can get messy. Here’s what I did.

WARNING! These tree stumps are HEAVY. Definitely get help when lifting them

First choose stumps with at least one level side.

You may have to find a bit of hardware to level the bottom of the stump. Use a drill and use some large, sturdy screws for feet

Next, clean them up and seal the stumps.

I used a wire grill brush to clean off any debris and loose bark. This is a pretty rustic project meant to stay outside so I don’t sand or strip the bark off. If the stumps are damp let them sit under a covered area to dry out. Use a spray sealant and coat the outside of the stumps. Let dry thoroughly. This helps keep the paint from sinking into the stumps. You may also want to get an extra can to spray the finished stump if it’s going to be exposed to the elements. That should help your project last longer

Then paint your stumps

Get a couple of cans of flat white spray paint suitable for outdoor projects. I used two cans for the three stumps. Three coats of spray paint should do the trick

I used a can of black chalkboard paint for the top of one of the stumps. This makes a fantastic tic tac toe board for outdoor game day. This can stand up to the weather outside but you’ll eventually have to touch up the paint. Keeping this under a covered outdoor area will help your DIY Chalkboard Tree Stump Table last longer.

Finally, make your game pieces

Imagine having a few of these in your backyard at your next barbecue! Wouldn’t that be fun? The game pieces are simply river rocks (like the ones I use as decoration in my plant pots) spray painted with the same paints I used to pain the stumps. I used a black Sharpie and a silver Sharpie to write the “X’s” and “O’s” on the rocks.