Happy first-day-of-November, everyone! Two weeks ago, I (Claire) asked for your suggestions on which table I should make to convert my formal dining room into a functioning combination workspace/eating area. I was leaning towards a sawhorse style table, but after reading all the enthusiastic responses to the metal base table (option #3), I decided to make one with found materials. After some poking around at a few metal salvage stores, I found some broken scaffolding that I’m quite pleased with! Using an previously found old bench seat — If you didn’t know, I’m somewhat of a reclaimed wood/window/door hoarder – I was able to create this table with very little money, while still adding my personal twist to it (gold stripes, of course!). Chanel and I now have a delightful desk that doubles as a table for meal times… I already can’t wait to add shelves to the room for storing all our DIY supplies! Want to make your own table? Follow the instructions below!
- wood top (this could be anything from an old door, window, fence, or bench, or follow my instructions here to DIY your own)
- scrap metal for legs (I talked a guy at the salvage store into selling me some old broken scaffolding, but you can also use old metal fencing, pipes, or wooden sawhorses!)
- sandpaper
- shellac
- paint brush
- painters tape
- gold spray paint
- skill saw
- portable band saw (this is only if you need to cut the metal down)
- welder (again, this isn’t necessary if you don’t want to alter your metal base)
- screws
- drill
- tape measure
- First, sand down your table base to reveal a smooth, clean raw wood.
- Once the top is sanded fully, wipe off to remove sawdust.
- Tape off where you want the stripes to lay, applying additional tape to protect the wood from the spray
- Spray gold paint and remove tape once dry.
- Apply 2 coats of shellac to the entire top, making sure one coat is finished drying before you apply the second coat. You now have your table top!
- Using the portable band saw if needed, cut down the metal base to the desired height. (some hardware stores might have one and be willing to help you!)
- Lay the dry top upside down, mark where you will attach the legs to the top.
- Drill holes for the screws and screw them in firmly.
- Flip over (add some felt pads to protect your floor) and voila! a brand new table.
*photos by Claire Zinnecker for CamilleStyles.com
Darn it, Claire! You are too cool. So impressed by your fabulous table.
xo,
Ashley
Oh gosh that is so sweet! Thanks, Ashley!
It’s beautiful, Claire. Job well done!
Thanks so much!
What a great idea for the legs. The table is wonderful.
Gail
Thank you! Took me a while to decide on what to use, but I’m glad you like the final result!
How clever Claire! Such a fantastic table!!
Thanks, Sharen!
Claire, that table is so cool!!!!! I love it.
Grandma
Thanks, Grandma! You need to come visit and see it!
Love the results. The legs are really cool. And it is large enough for a family dinner:-)
Thank you! It definitely is large enough for my “household”.
Claire, you are very creative and clever! And of clourse, I love the photos!
Thank you!
That creativity keeps flowing! Really like the this table against the fence too!
Thanks, Babette! It was definitely the perfect backdrop.
Practical, lovely and seems doable for even those of us who are not handy. Can’t wait to see your next project!
Thanks, Becky!
Brilliant and functional and beautifu! thanks for a great idea.
Thanks, Sara! So glad you think so!