The weather is starting to get so pretty here in Alabama & that means I do absolutely everything possible outside.
Last year I transformed our patio into an oasis, perfect for dinning & entertaining.
The only thing missing was the soft glow of candlelight.
And outdoor candles look extra glamorous in lanterns.
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338029/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Supplies:
- 1×6
- 2×2
- 1×4
- Finial
- Moss
Tutorial:
I chose to make my lanterns 12″ tall but you can manipulate the dimensions to whatever size you want!
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338032/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
First, cut (4) 2×2 board to 12” each. These will be the leg pieces
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338035/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Next, cut (2) 1×6 boards to 6” each.
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338038/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
These will be the bottom & top pieces
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338041/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Start by assembling the legs to the bottom base piece
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338044/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Now apply wood glue, then clamp
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338047/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Screw 1” screws in through the bottom base
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338050/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338053/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Add 1×6 topper to the top using wood glue & finishing nails
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338056/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338059/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Next, add 1×4 accent piece to the top center using wood glue & nails.
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338062/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Use scrap 1×2 pieces for small leg pieces. Attach using wood glue & nails.
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338065/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Screw the finial into the accent piece on the top.
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338068/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Finally, it’s time to paint the lantern! I went with flat white but feel free to get crazy with the paint colors or even stain.
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338071/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
As a finishing touch I added moss to the base using a hot glue gun.
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338074/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
That’s it, Easy DIY wooden lanterns!
They are perfect for our outdoor dinners & give off such a romantic glow.
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338029/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Plus they were super cheap to make!
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338080/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
These ones fit nicely on our DIY outdoor dinning table, but I think I might make some taller ones next!
![easy diy wooden lanterns](https://cdn-fastly.hometalk.com/media/2021/05/15/7338083/easy-diy-wooden-lanterns.jpg?size=720x845&nocrop=1)
Let me know what y’all think & where you are gonna put yours!
You can also find more DIY wooden lantern ideas here!