Wooden Chevron Table Top using Shutter Slats

You know I cannot pass up a solid old TV cabinet, especially one built like a tank. This one came home from the ReStore and got a fresh coat of paint, but the real fun happened on top. I used louvered shutter slats to create a bold chevron pattern that instantly turned this “dated” cabinet into a custom-looking piece, and it is easier than it looks once you get your pattern figured out.

Repurposed T.V. Cabinet

Do you remember this repurposed T.V.? Stand (from the ReStore) that I showed you last week? If you remember– I painted with my new Homeright Finish Max Pro.

I’ve got some details to share with you today.

The cabinet’s bottom was too deep, so I added a shelf. You can see that I have already added cleats made out of scrap wood to the side and secured them with some Gorilla Wood Glue and my nail gun.

Visit the My Repurposed Life Amazon Store to shop my favorite items.

I added a thin piece of plywood, notched to fit, to make the shelf. Not shown: I added a small board for support in the middle (back).

Paint Sprayer Booth

A paint spray booth doesn’t have to be fancy; protect surrounding areas with plastic. Always remember to wear a mask when spraying in an enclosed area.

Then, I put it in the paint booth for a quick paint makeover with my HomeRight Finish Max Pro. All of this will make it ready for the Chevron tabletop.

Designing a Chevron Table Top

Did you wonder why I covered the top of the TV cabinet with paper while painting it? This is why. I had been working on the top of this cabinet for a couple of weeks, trying to get the pattern right. After finally getting it right, I traced all the repurposed shutter slats on one side to replicate the pattern quickly and easily.

I used the slats from two closet doors in my storage shed for a year.

Louvered Door Slats

I cut the slats into 5″ lengths and lightly sanded them to remove the shine. If you can’t access shutter slats, you could try this project with Paint Sticks.

In this picture, you can see how I traced them after finally getting the chevron tabletop pattern the way I wanted. I put them on and off so often, trying to get them to look right, that I didn’t want to do that again.

I removed the paper and painter’s tape, then applied the Gorilla Wood Glue pattern I traced to secure all the slats in place. To get them snug, I let the first two set up before I continued the pattern.

Gluing Slats on a Chevron Table Top

I found this method worked the easiest for me. I placed a row where they should go, checked them for placement, flipped them all over, squirted some glue on each one, carefully turned them over, and laid them in place.

Because I’m so challenged in math, I’m sure you can do this much easier.

Mark & Trim off Excess Slats

I used a metal yardstick to mark the cuts on the pieces, then hung them over the sides of the wooden chevron tabletop.

I saved all the cut-offs and used many of them to fill in the gaps.

NOTE: I cut my slats on a compound miter saw, using a full slat from the door shown above to make all the small cuts. NEVER place your fingers near the saw blade to hold short pieces of wood. The small pieces you see are the end cuts after I cut the slat.

Chevron Table Top Pattern

Voila! I love it!

Stain & Seal

These are my tools to stain the top after it was glued down. I used Minwax Wood Finish in Walnut, a cheap chip brush, a latex glove, and a small rag to wipe the stain off.

I used the cheap chip brush to get down into the cracks of the wooden chevron pattern, then wiped the stain off with the small rag, going with the grain of each slat.

NOTE: painter’s tape around the front and sides.

It was stained, and I was loving it even more! Don’t you think the stain brings out the chevron tabletop pattern?

Add a Bead Board Backing

I added a cheap piece of beadboard paneling for the back. Here’s where I’d like to note that the piece was too small and that I had to piece it together. Well, that is the truth. The piece was too small because someone cut it wrong <gail looks around to find the guilty party>

You know the old saying: “Measure twice, cut once”? I actually measured this THREE times. I don’t see how I cut it wrong—I’ll blame it on my poor math skills.   So, I cut another small piece to make up the difference.

I glued the two pieces together and used the painter’s tape to hold them until the Gorilla wood glue was set. Then, I removed the painter’s tape and laid down a piece of white Gorilla Tape.

Repurposed T.V. Cabinet with Chevron Pattern

Related Content: Navy Blue Furniture Projects

I love the walnut stain with the Naval (Behr) paint.

Let’s see how versatile this repurposed T.V. is. Stand with the chevron table top!

Repurposed T.V. Stand Pet Bed

This cabinet would make a great pet bed.

Note: the pieced beadboard is on the right; you can’t tell it’s pieced. I painted the back of the board blue and painted right over the white Gorilla tape.

The cabinet is highly versatile. How would you use it? Do you love the wooden chevron table top as much as I do?

gail

I’m spending some time at Sew Woodsy, helping Jon and Katie take some time off for their sweet baby Ryder. Check out my article Upcycle Furniture Roundup

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