DIY Wood Tabletop Upgrade
Has this ever happened to you? I have this table that I tried to upgrade before and it worked for a while, but really I just didn’t have a great top to work with. I liked the legs and size of the table but the table top was really BLAH. I have a collection of tablecloths because it wasn’t the type of thing that could EVER go without and I longed for one of those big, wood, farmhouse style tables that you could just put runner or centerpieces on without a tablecloth- well, I figured out have to have my cake and eat it to! Find out what I am talking about below!
It looks SO SO SO much better and it also looks like a whole new table! But it isn’t! Basically, I made something like a box top that fits right over my tabletop- way more affordable than a new table! I guess now I should show you the pretty gnarly before- huh?
EW, am I right?! That had to go and I am so thrilled with how this one came out and here is what you need!
- (3) 1x12x6 boards
- (2) 1x3x6 boards
- (4) 1x6x6 boards
- Nail gun or screws and a screw gun
- Sander
- Wood Stain (I used Minwax Polyshades because it was an all in one)
To get started, I first made the base. First measure the table top that you want to cover and add an inch and a half to each side. I just added an inch and it barely fit, if I was making this again, I would add an inch and a half just to give me a little more wiggle room. I nailed all those together with my nail gun and 2 inch nails.
Once that was solid I started working on the top and this is the pattern that worked for me because my table was almost 36 inches wide so the (3) 1x12s on their own would not have covered the width and I wanted there to be a little over hang as well so I added the two 1x3s to give me that extra width and really, I think it looks pretty cool to have the two smaller boards in there.
After I was happy with that, I ran many more nails down the two shorter sides to secure the boards to the base. Something I didn’t photograph for some reason were the supports I put on the back. I turned the whole thing over and cut three 2 foot pieces of the 1×2 and put them across the back and used 3/4 inch nails to secure them into the top to make everything more secure from the back.
Then it was time to sand! I will probably be going back to really round out those corners more because I have taken a few hits to the thighs so I would suggest that now during this step, especially if you have kids.
After it was sanded, it was time for the fun part! Staining! Here is what I used because it was all one step!
I have not stained anything before but oh my golly, I might be addicted now! This was the espresso shade it was the perfect dark color I was looking for!
I ended up giving it two coats just to be safe.
Once everything was dry, I brought it in the house and admired our handy work!
It was everything I wanted it to be, not hard at all to put together, completely more affordable than a new table and it is even a foot longer than it was before! A win/win/win situation! I even gave my chairs a new coat of white spray paint so that they could keep up with the new table!
Have you upgraded anything in your home? Let me know in the comments below!
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Wow I really really like this idea!! It seems like everyone had that tile top table at one point haha , my mom had it! Now I wish she still did so I could refinish it like this. Thanks for sharing
Danielle | AccordingtoD.com
I absolutely adore this! So cute!
This looks amazing!! You are so creative - looks fantastic. I would have never guessed that it was just a box type thing on top. Very cool, and much cheaper than buying a complete new table (and less of a headache when trying to get rid of the old one as well, I imagine!)!
I really love how your table turned out. I have a table and chairs set that needs new life. I pinned this for later. Hope the Mr. will help me re do ours. Thanks for sharing.
What a great idea! We have a table similar to this and I need a summer project!
Wow, what a great table make over!! I don’t think I could ever create such a nice table top myself, but thank you for sharing! I really love the stain your used!
Impressive! It looks great.
That a really nice idea, I did something similar to my parents outside table but not as dark as your. I painted it a lighter shade. xx
http://www.annanuttall.com
Wow - what a beautiful job! Thanks for sharing - what a lovely table!