dining table into console table
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I got this table about a year ago. It needed a lot of work. After sitting in my garage for a year, it needed even MORE work.
You can’t really see the table, but it’s front and center, wearing a sheet for protection (hahah) and holding the chair and random spray paint.
Look at those poor little legs/feet.
Ugly, huh?
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago. I removed the side that was in desperate need of repair.
I then separated the table into two halves.
I got to work on repairing the legs. I pried them off.
I cleaned up some of the old glue and then used more wood glue to secure the huge dowels.
Then I rigged up this fancy clamp system, using bungees and clamps.
I used the bungees to keep the clamps from slipping.
Meanwhile, I sanded the finish off of the table top and leaf. This is the top side. The one on the left already has a coat of dark walnut on it.
This is the underneath side.
I used wood putty to fill in the cracks where the glue had dried. Because some of the wood was chipped off, there were gaps after I glued the pieces together.
I used some primer and some cheapo white spray paint.
I then glazed it with dark walnut stain. I have tons of stain that was given to me by my sister. I do not have any real glaze. Maybe someday I’ll get some of that Ralph Lauren smokey stuff everyone else is using. Till then, it’s stain. (it is leaning up against Mammaw’s dresser)
After many days of staining and many coats of poly, it’s time to reassemble the table.
After figuring out the funny hinge lock thingies (that hold the leaf up), I started working on a cleat.
I used two pieces of scrap lumber left over from my fireplace makeover.
I glued and clamped the cleat. I then screwed the smaller piece to the table.
You can’t see the cleat, but it is up against the house.
I wish the leaf didn’t “hang” down so low. I wish I could cut it off some, but I do not have the expertise to do that. I would have to make that cute little routed edge, and then chisel out for the 3 hinges. Not worth it!
So, this is a half table that attaches to the wall. It could be used in a hallway or in a dining room. I still have the other half. I am going to do the same thing, but go a totally different direction in the paint treatment. At least that is the plan. I never really know what I’m going to do with something till it “speaks” to me.
gail
If you don’t have an old dining table to upcycle, build your own console table
gail- this turned out beautifully! i love the look that you gave the base of the table. looks awesome!
gail- this turned out beautifully! i love the look that you gave the base of the table. looks awesome!
Wow! Gail, that table looks great, love the white legs, with the dark top… so nice.
…and you didn’t know what you were going to do with Mawmaw’s dresser. See, you’re finding little uses for it already! (smile)
Great Job! Love visiting your blog to see what you come up with next. have you ever made a small table out of a dresser drawer? i jest took apart a piece that has 6 old drawers that are in good condition and they are completely square I thought maybe i could some how make some small primitive looking tables out of them… any ideas? Blessings, Leah
Amazing project. Great job.
Great job Gail! I love how you showed the steps to fixing it. I’m still eyeing that cool chair on the table! Great lines!
I’m so amazed by people that can turn something that’s not in the best of shape into a beautiful treasure. This is fabulou. You must be so happy — I know I would be!
Can I just spend a day inside your brain? I wanna learn how to think like you!! It looks totally amazing.
Thanks for letting me know about my profile. I made some changes, so hopefully I should be more accessible now.
All the best!
Andy
Nice. I love those old Duncan Phyfe style tables. I have a dining room table that was given to me as my desk. Lots of room to spread out! LOL
Ker-thump-ker-thump-ker-thump. My heart almost skipped a beat. That is perfect. The best is getting two projects out of one. I have a very similar table that was my Grandparents. I don’t have the heart to saw it in half but I will be looking for one when thrifting. Congrats on the beauty!
Hi Gail! Great job on the table (as always). Don’t mean to be a “buttinski”, but if you’re looking for inspiration for the other half here goes (what?? you’re not??? that’s why I’m a “buttinski”). On a drop table I once made a desk by taking it from how your finished one is now but adding a window frame at the back, against the wall. Add chalkboard, whiteboard, whatever you want. On the front edge of table, put a spindle on each corner — same height as window. Then place a 1x atop these for a shelf. As is — cute display. Open leaf — work time at desk.
Midge
P.s. I TOTALLY stole the idea from one I saw at a craft show.
WOW! Such a wonderful step by step run down of this great work!
Well done – repurposing furniture scares me – but you’ve shown me that it’s entirely possible 🙂