Transformed :: Scaffolding to Table

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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!

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• 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

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1. First, sand down your table base to reveal a smooth, clean raw wood.
2. Once the top is sanded fully, wipe off to remove sawdust.
3. Tape off where you want the stripes to lay, applying additional tape to protect the wood from the spray
4. Spray gold paint and remove tape once dry.
5. 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!
6. 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!)
7. Lay the dry top upside down, mark where you will attach the legs to the top.
8. Drill holes for the screws and screw them in firmly.
9. Flip over (add some felt pads to protect your floor) and voila! a brand new table.

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*photos by Claire Zinnecker for CamilleStyles.com