Don’t let a lack of tools or know-how keep you from making your own custom table!
This post is the second in a series exploring table bases for any budget and style. As excited as I am to dive into Table Base Land – and, yes, it’s a thing, if only in my own mind 😉 – we’re going to start at step one today. Let’s talk about table tops! I’ve got four ideas for you.
The table top for your new table might be closer than you think!
1. Use what you have!
You could get a fresh new look with a limited budget and only a screwdriver in your tool box by adding a new base to your existing tabletop.
Maybe you’re like me and your dining room table looks best when it’s covered with a tablecloth! I like the size of mine and the hidden butterfly leaf is awesome, but the wood finish is just thrashed and kind of orange. Ew.
My plan is to take a day and sand it down, re-stain it and put a tougher polyurethane on it. So I’m here in this first table top category – use what you have. Are you with me?
The level of DIY skill will depend on what changes, if any, you want to make to your table top, but using your own elbow grease will control your costs. The next option for a table top will cost more, but if there’s not enough DIY time available in your schedule it may have your name on it.
2. Buy some Reclaimed Swag!
I guess I’m here in this option, as well. You can pick out a table top from the Reclaimed Swag Store and BOOM! you’re ready to move on to step two and find the perfect base. And you’re guaranteed all the items sold in my store are OOZING with Reclaimed Swag.
If I sell enough of them, I’m going to take a few days off to refinish my dining room table. Talk about a WIN-WIN!
3. Make a new one!
If you have a little more variety in your toolbox, transform some new lumber into something built just the way you like it. I will say, whatever your skill level, I strongly recommend using some building plans, as opposed to just trying to copy something you’ve seen. There’s a time and a place for winging it, but you don’t want to end up getting frustrated making your table top. Or, worse yet, having to re-label your project kindling wood!
If you are new at woodworking, pocket hole joinery is a great technique to start with. Head over to the Kreg company’s site, Build Something. It’s a great resource for step-by-step project plans as well as how-to information for building DIY projects. Lazy Guy DIY has plans on Build Something for a
Patchwork Plank Dining Table that would be easy to customize with the colors you like.
4. Upcycle!
Find a happy medium and recycle an old door into a dining room table. If you would like to keep the character of an old finish, but don’t like the thought of eating (or spilling) on it, put it under glass! A local hardware store or glass company can put a polished or beveled edge on the size you need. This option can score big style points when your short on DIY time, or just not in the mood to get your hands dirty painting or refinishing.
Is your brain bursting with ideas!?
Whether you reuse, recycle or go with the Reclaimed Swag option, I’m here to help you solve the other half of the table equation – the base.
You may not be aware of the variety of sources for ready made table legs and table bases, but let me tell you… there are a lot! We’ll start with a type of base that most people aren’t aware of. I would give it and average score in the style department, but these types of table bases are reasonably priced, readily available and super DIY friendly.
Until then, let me know if you have any questions about table tops!
