From Hurricane Candle Holder to DIY Bistro Dining Set

Several weeks ago I purchased two metal cafe chairs for a song at an online auction. Unfortunately, they didn't come with a table. Recently I joined the Power Tool Challenge team and the challenge this month is a jigsaw. Having no clue what I would make for this challenge I came upon an old metal hurricane candle stand that we've had buried under our basement steps for years. I thought how fun would this be as a base to a small cafe table. So with a jigsaw in hand, I got busy turning the chairs and hurricane candle holder into DIY Bistro Dining Set.

From Hurricane Candle Holder DIY Bistro Dining Set

If you've never heard of the Power Tool Challenge Group it is a team of tool savvy female bloggers who come together each month to share a DIY project using a specific power tool. The goal of this group is to motivate, inspire, teach, and empower our female readers to pick up a power tool and create something.


First, let's take a look at my inspiration piece, the metal hurricane candle holder. Remember these?


Doesn't it make a terrific bistro table? If you don't have a metal hurricane holder for a table base, you could use a metal plant stand, an umbrella stand, or even a wine barrel.


Instead of a candle, I filled the hurricane holder with sand and seashells for a summer coastal vibe. But what I love about the top being portable is that the decor inside the glass hurricane can be changed for the seasons.


Here are the metal bistro chairs that I found at a local auction before.


The paint was a little chippy and the feet a little rusty so they needed to be refreshed with paint. The worn wooden seats were just waiting for a pop of color.


The laminate wood seats on the chairs would not do well exposed to the elements outdoors but this DIY bistro set could definitely be used on a covered porch or patio.


Wouldn't it be lovely in a sunroom or breakfast nook? I think it would be fun in a small retro kitchen too.

How To Make A Table Top Using a Jigsaw

This post contains affiliate links so you can see what products I used or recommend for this project. At no cost to you, we receive a small commission if you make a purchase.

Don't let all the steps in this tutorial intimidate you, they are simple steps but I wanted to be thorough in outlining the step-by-step process.

Step 1 - Create a tabletop template

In PicMonkey, create a template for the design using the spirograph overlay. With the erase tool, remove the detail inside the graphic.

Step 2 - Enlarge the graphic

In Block Poster, set the size of the scalloped graphic to 24" x 24" and saved it on your computer. The poster will print onto 6 sheets of bond paper. Tape them together and cut out the template.

Step 3 - Trace the table top pattern onto plywood

Next, tape the template onto the WRONG side of the plywood.

Helpful Tip:

By working on the wrong side you avoid chipping out (rough cut splitting of the wood) and will get a nice clean cut on the good side of the top.


Using a sharpie marker (unlike my pencil mark) trace the template onto the plywood.

Helpful Tip:

A jigsaw creates a lot of sawdust build up which makes a pencil line difficult to see. By using a dark sharpie marker, it makes the line more visible.

I was almost too embarrassed to take a picture of my jigsaw. It's a relic from decades gone by, but it works.

Step 4 - Helpful tips when using a jigsaw

1. Wear safety glasses.
2. ALWAYS unplug the jigsaw before changing or adjusting the blade.
3. Ensure the blade is not touching the wood when starting a cut.
4. Cut along the outside edge of your sharpie mark.
5. Keep the metal plate level with the plywood while cutting.
6. Wait until the blade stops before lifting it out of the wood. This helps avoid bending or breaking the blade.
7. Don't worry if your cuts are not perfect, you can always go back and remove any excess wood and clean it up like I did (pictured below).
8. To turn the jigsaw around corners and curves, pre-drill holes with a power drill in the corners and divots but make sure you stay outside of your sharpie mark. This allows you to pivot the blade while you are cutting.
9. There are great tutorials available online and if you are still feeling a little nervous, I've included a YouTube video for you HERE.  

Step 5 - Sand the rough edges

Using a mouse or palm sander smooth all the edges. You could sand by hand with a 150-grit sanding block followed by a 220-grit block for a smooth finish for the paint. But it'll be a lot quicker if you go the power sander route.

Step 6 - Guides to hold the top onto the base

Secure the table top onto the candle holder so it is portable and can be removed to change what is displayed inside the glass hurricane.

Place the metal candle holder base upside down onto the underside of the top. Mark a pencil line on each side of the three metal scrolls. Using 1 x 1 lumber, wood glue, and 1 1/4" nails, attach the blocks on each of the marks (as pictured below). This will prevent the tabletop from moving around.

Step 7 - Create a tabletop design to match the bistro chair seats

Unify the design on the bistro chair seats onto the table top. To do this, measure the top to locate the center and place a wooden seat onto the table. Poke an Awl through each hole and pressed firmly so the pattern transfers onto the plywood.

Put the Awl back into the top hole and simply pivot the seat onto the opposite side and repeat the process.

Use a drill bit the same size as the holes on the chair seats and drill where you created the design with the awl (as pictured below).

Turn Hurricane Candle Holder And Chairs Into Bistro Set

Step 1 - Unify the metal base and bistro chairs

Unify the hurricane candle holder metal base and bistro chairs by spray painting them the same color. I sprayed several light coats of Rust-oleum Ultra Cover Paint Primer Semi-Gloss White.

Step 2 - Add a pop of color to the bistro set

Spray the scalloped tabletop and bistro chair seats with several light coats of Aqua Rust-oleum Ultra Cover Paint & Primer Satin spray paint.

Step 3 - Protect the finish

Protect the metal hurricane base, tabletop, and bistro chairs with three light coats of Rust-oleum Semi-Gloss clear sealer.

Step 4 - Decorate the inside of the glass hurricane 

I love how the glass hurricane can be changed for the seasons and the possibilities are endless. You could decorate the inside with patriotic decor for Canada Day, Memorial Day, or July 4th. What about a succulent garden? Or an adorable miniature fairy garden? For Christmas and/or winter fill it with faux snow and create a holiday diorama.

What you'll need to make this...

Materials List

• 3/4" plywood (25" square) (Home Depot sells off cuts in smaller sizes)
• 1" x 1" lumber
• Jigsaw
• Jigsaw blade for wood
• Mouse Sander
• Power Drill
• Awl
• Hammer
• Wood glue
• 1 1/4" nails
• Blossom White Spray Paint
• Aqua Spray Paint
• Clear Coat Sealer

I hope my DIY bistro dining set inspired and motivated you to not only pick up a jigsaw and create something but also to look at metal hurricane candle holders in a whole new way.

If you have any questions about this makeover, please leave them in the comment section below or press the Contact Me button at the top of the blog to drop me an email. I love hearing from you!

If you loved the aqua color I painted this bistro set, you may like how I used it to refresh this Wrought Iron Plant Stand and these Vintage Metal Nesting Tables.




Now let's take a look at what my talented friends made with their jigsaws. Press the link below to see their projects. Please pin directly from their blog posts rather than the thumbnail photos in the links. Thank you 😊



I share my projects at these inspiring link parties.