When company’s coming over, we see things in a new light, right? You know how it is when something’s all worn out and you don’t even notice – mostly because it’s so useful? Then one day when some friends are on their way over and you step back and realize our end table has lost its Swag.
My sister had some side tables that were sturdy, the right height, they nested to save space when she needed it. The tops were made out of what I am calling Faux Red Alligator, but we all know it was just plastic over particle board. And it was a matter of time before they started to wear out. Being the genius that my sister is, she thought some wood tops to coordinate with her buffet would be a great replacement idea. A great idea for her sister, anyway!
If there’s a piece of furniture prone to lose it’s Swag, it’s an end table. The one that gets a lot of use – and sometimes abuse. The thing is, because these tables get so much use, their tops may wear out before their bases.
Yet, because they’re so small, making a table top for an end table is a great starter project. If not for you, then maybe you could get your sister to do it for you.
Check out my process and see how the little tables turned out. Hopefully it will inspire you to jump in where you are and get creative. If so, I’ve included three tips to make it more enjoyable. I’ve paid the dumb tax for you. Isn’t that nice of me?!
I’ve Paid The Dumb Tax
Here are the tools and supplies I used:
- Ruler and/or measuring tape
- Woodstrips for table top
- 1/2″ thick plywood to support wood strips
- Sandpaper
- Wood Glue
- Chop saw or circular saw
- Miter Saw or Miter Box for Hand Saw (optional)
- Clamps
- Choice of clear finish
Tip #1: Have a Plan
Also known as, “Measure twice, cut once.” If you’re not spoiled by a sister who makes detailed drawings for you, you’ll need to do it yourself. Here’s a picture to see what kind of details you need to measure.
My sister wanted her new tables to look like her original tables and sit on top of the metal frame. So, for example, one of the tops needed to end up 11 1/2″ wide to match the size of the metal frame exactly. Since we were going to put 1/2″ thick trim pieces around the edge, I needed strips of wood that totaled 10 1/2″ wide when laid side by side.
I think I need to throw in a bonus tip here…
BONUS Tip: Have Fun
This post is promising a more enjoyable project, but expecting everything to go according to your plan is setting yourself up for disappointment. So, if when you end up making a mistake, keep your sense of humor! Look at problem solving as brain exercise! It’s good for you! My husband is the master at this. Instead of “Measure twice, cut once”, he says:
I cut it twice and it’s STILL too short!
Steve “Swag” Swaggerty
Tip #2: Make it Bigger
I would recommend making a table top a little bigger than the existing frame or base, if possible. You know why? Because the words “perfect” and “exact” rarely co-exist with the words “fun” and “enjoyable“.
Even if you don’t mind the math, I would suggest having your table top hang down over the frame. This saves you the issue torture of making something perfectly square. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself mumbling, “WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF?!”
-Donna “Reclaimed Swag” Swaggerty
the words “perfect” and “exact” rarely co-exist with the words “fun” and “enjoyable“
Tip #3: Use plywood as a base
This is the what allows you to make a table without a lot of tools and know-how. Especially on smaller tables, you can get a great result without any fancy joinery or fasteners. If you use wood glue to attach flat pieces of unfinished wood to plywood, it should be plenty strong.
Don’t worry about pre-cutting all of your pieces. You can cut them off square after gluing them to the plywood.
As for the sides, I used a miter saw to cut the trim pieces at a 45 degree angle, but if you don’t have one, it would look great if the ends of the trim pieces were left square.
Have your end tables lost their Swag? Go look at them like you have people coming to visit.
Beautiful handmade tables! I wonder if they’re sturdy to be used for holding drinks while sitting on the couch. If so they are just what we need.
Thanks, Susan! I like how the legs go under the couch so the the table goes over your lap. I think I need some too! These tables were my sisters, but making some from scratch is on my “To Do ” list!