Reclaimed Wood Table
I am SO happy with how this table turned out!!
Before I get into why I made it, let me share a picture…
Can you believe it all that FREE RECLAIMED wood? Just how I like it; free, reclaimed, full of character, it just doesn’t get any better!
This project all started several months back…
My husband needed a desk, and since life was so crazy I decided to find one at the Restore instead of building one. I scored a cute little number with a hutch for $20. So we moved my little one into a different room and converted his old room into an office. (or rather, we just took out the bed and dresser and put in a desk, someday I hope to make it actually look nice)
Anyway….long story short, my husband wants the desk to face out (so his back is to the wall) and the hutch needed it’s own table…
That is why I built this one.
I measured the bottom of the hutch then went out to find something (in my stash er, hoard of free wood) I could use for a table top. This piece was perfect, it measured just bigger on the sides and a few inches wider, just what I wanted.
For the legs I used reclaimed bench wood. If you follow me you have seen this wood before when I turned an end table into a desk!
I measured the height of the desk and used that to figure how tall I wanted the legs. Then I cut the support pieces, or apron. I decided at the last minute to add a lower shelf so I cut two more side pieces, you can see them laying down in my dry fit picture above.
When I dry fit, I like to do a rough trace of each piece so I know where it will go when I actually attach it. I measured about an inch on all sides for the table top to hang over a bit.
Now time to build, my favorite part!! I started by drilling pocket holes in all pieces that needed them. Then I made the two sides.
I clamped them together to attach the long pieces, and used glue of course. Make sure to check for square at this point, but don’t worry if it’s not totally perfect…you are using reclaimed wood after all.
Once I had the base all built I put some wood down to see what worked for a bottom shelf. Every single piece of wood was a different type, and I think that adds character, plus it is what I had. All pieces were from the free section on Craig’s List, including the top piece. I liked how these three boards worked with only a small gap between. I also really liked that they were all different widths too. I measured and cut them.
My next step was to stain the table top and bottom shelf slats. I choose Minwax natural stain but first I added wood conditioner. At this point I was loving the stripes on that board in the back! The stain brings out such beauty in wood. Oh, and you can see my Vintage Step Stool on the table too, I am always doing more than one project at a time. Aaaaand if you are wondering why my garage is lined with mirrors? It is because I teach clogging in there…
Once the wood was ready I glued and nailed my bottom shelf board on (with a nail gun). I also need to mention that at the last minute I decided to do one coat of the same natural stain on the legs too, it really darkened the wood =).
I squirted on some glue, which I quite enjoyed doing, it is fun to make squiggly lines!
And I turned it over, matched it up to my previously drawn lines (almost perfectly) and screwed the top and base together with pocket hole screws. The wood is pretty old and you can see in the middle pocket hole screw it split, but thank goodness only in that one spot! It is very sturdy.
That is it! I finished it off with three coats of poly, sanding with 400 grit sandpaper after each coat. It is so perdy! [a disclaimer (confession): I don’t really have a good camera, so I use my iphone for pictures (gasp!!) I won’t tell if you don’t…so lets be honest, things always look better in person right? Maybe someday, you will get a better “look” at my projects through a nice camera…someday…]
Anyway…. I know it is for my husband…but I had to pretend it was mine for a little…
…and I was liking it very much!
This knot hole is making me swoon…
I love the imperfections in the wood.
Ok, so now to my REAL problem, and for this I need, want, am HOPING, you give me some awesome advice…
How should I redo the desk and hutch to match???? (sorry blurry picture…)
Paint? Colors? Stain? Both? I could eventually just build a desk…but summer time and six kids…probably not happening…yet! I mean I am lucky to even complete a project, my kids are more important, and time is not on my side.
So spill the beans, I’m all ears!!
*Click Here to see how the desk and hutch turned out!*
And, thanks, in advance! You are the best!
Mindi
I will be linking to these parties.
How cute! how sweet that you found free wood!
I am in love with your desk! free wood is the best! If the hutch and desk are wood, maybe sand and stain darker like the desk you built, or leave it "natural" look like the desk top. that's my 2cents
Would the natural stain you used on the table darken the desk just a bit? That would probably take care of it. I'm visiting from The Shabby Creek Cottage.
Turned out beautifully–nice job!
Super Job. Love the outcome!
Wow, I love it! It's so beautiful!
What a beautifully crafted table! You did an amazing job. I think however you use the table, with or without the hutch top, it will be amazing.
Beautiful work!
I love your table!!! So perdy! I've been meaning to make a table myself… Just you know… Summer, kids, etc. Won't be attempting it for at least another couple months. 🙂
Also, I pinned it! Thanks for sharing with us. 🙂
Have you linked up with the Friday Flash Blog Linky Party yet? Link up your ONE best post of the week and check out other people's awesome entries. You may just get highlighted next week!
Jennifer @ The Jenny Evolution
http://thejennyevolution.com/category/linky-parties/friday-flash-blog/
My goodness sweet friend you have completely outdone yourself this time! It is GORGEOUS! I am totally speechless and I love the knots as well! I can't get over that you can build things as awesome as you do! And I had no idea that there was a free section on Craigs list?!? Where have I been! HA! Bravo on a job well done…you should be so proud of your accomplishment!!!
Gorgeous!!! I love how it turned out:)
Katie
http://www.funhomethings.com
As usual, AWESOME job, Mindi! I'm jealous of those big clamps you have, I need that power 🙂
I don't know why, but I'm thinking about bead board on the back of the hutch and desk, and bringing some of the pretty dark stain to those pieces too.
Love it! Pinned and found you on Or So She Says Link Party. Nice to meet you and love your blog.
Kollette Chambers
http://www.weeklyessential.blogspot.com
Mindi, your table turned out fabulous! You really know your stuff. 😉
WOW! Amazing table! Love its rustic-ness! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
make a new (OLD) hutch! it would look so much better than this one. GREAT table, I love your work and your tutorials. super job Mindi!
pinning!
gail
Still love this table so much! Just wanted to say thanks for linking up to Give Me the Goods Monday! Love having you party with us! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
I love this table! I'm stopping by to let you know that you have been featured at the circle of faith link party!
http://www.kaylascreationsblog.com/2013/06/circle-of-faith-link-pary-10.html I hope you are having a great weekend!,
-Kayla 🙂
I can save a lot of buck using that. phoenixpaintinganddrywall.com
I guess I would say, do the desk black like the table, but leave the drawers natural. Paint the back of the hutch black. Good job.
La Verne@hopeandsalvage.com
I think you should keep your.table by the door w/all your pretties on it and just use the hutch as a low shelf/bookcase with something hubby-appropriate hanging on the wall over it. They already match so you wouldn't really HAVE to do anything with it (aside from the blah.) Look at all the time you would have to spend with the little ones.
WOW! Amazing table!
Plywood Company in India, Plywood Manufacturer in India
Great job!! It's stunning!
Incredible! The table looks sturdy and using the recycled wood gives it so much character. Thanks for sharing this post!