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DIY Entry Table

ByGail Wilson Published on Updated on
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This DIY entry table was a fun and easy project using an old (FREE) door and some $1 table legs. Of course, I had to add some new lumber components to finish the trim and the shelves, but it was a very inexpensive project.

How to make a DIY entry table out of an old door.

diy entry table repuposed door halltree MyRepurposedLife.com

Isn’t it perfect? Initially, I was going to make a console table that would rest on the wall using a cleat. Can you see that it would work were it not connected to the door?

The main components are a door and legs.

old door and table legs

But as I started the table design, I decided to add one of these free vintage doors I got a couple of months ago. The legs were 3.99 for four legs, but one of the legs was totally chewed up. So, I used two legs, and now have almost 2 more legs to use for another project. I could cut the fourth one off to match the height of the third one or cut them even shorter for a small console side table. I could even use them to make some sort of spindle project.

Trim table legs on miter saw.

trim table leg top

The top of the table legs were at an angle, so the first step was to trim them to make them flush.

Designing a DIY Entry Table

cut skirt and brace board to fit

I cut two 1x4s for the top skirt and the lower shelf brace. The skirt was used as is, but it ripped the lower board to a more narrow size to better fit the flat part of the legs.

Pocket hole screws secure table parts.

drill pocket holes

I used my Kreg Jig pocket hole system to drill pocket holes to attach the skirt and lower brace to the table legs. This is where I would love to tell you that you could use “L” brackets to achieve the same install, but there are times when the best way (and only way) is with pocket holes.

attach table skirt with pocket hole screws

A 1×4 is 3/4” thick and would normally use 1 1/4” pocket hole screws to join the pieces together. When I’m joining 3/4” to something larger, I choose to use a longer pocket hole screw—in this case 1 1/2”.

raise skirt to give inset

If you want to start building furniture or repurposing it, look at furniture pieces in your home to see how they are constructed. The skirt across the front will look much better if it is inset slightly. To achieve that, I used a scrap piece of stock to slightly raise the skirt off the work table.

attach lower brace with pocket hole screwsThis same was done with the lower shelf brace. I placed it as far down the leg as possible, but I was careful to stay on the flat part of the table leg.

Bar clamps aid in the building process.

dry fit diy table and door

After the front braces were done, I moved on to the side braces. I would love to tell you that I made this table the “standard” depth, but truth be told I found some boards in my scrap pile, and cut them in half. THEY determined how deep the table would be. If you make a project like this, you will want to consider the thickness of your table legs.

In this image, you can clearly see how the boards are not at the outer edge of the table legs. In my opinion this will make your projects look much more professional when you pay attention to small details like this. I’ve learned the hard way. Winking smile

2 inch pocket hole screws

Because I’m using 3/4” stock, the screws recommended by Kreg would be 1 1/4”—but because the door is so thick, I chose to go with a longer 2” pocket hole screw. I buy all of my pocket hole screws in large quantities because I use so many of them.

For more information, see my post How To Use A Kreg Jig.

Cut lumber for the DIY entry table.

cut planks for table top and lower shelf

This is when it gets fun! Making the planks for the shelves makes it all come together. I mostly used 1×6 boards. For the top shelf, I ripped one of them because using three of them full size left too much of an overhang in the front.

The lower shelf was made using  2 1x6s and notched out a 1×4.

Add Trim To The Top

gorilla wood glue top trim

To keep the entryway table from looking like a full-fledged door, I added a small 1x on the top and a piece of random trim I found in my stash. I used Gorilla Wood Glue and my nail gun to attach the pieces.

Stain boards

stain table shelves

Because I love, love, love 2 toned furniture pieces, I chose to stain the shelf boards in a dark walnut.

Test the design before painting.

diy door entryway table

I was so excited to try them on for size to see how they looked. I’ve made hall trees before, but I’m not sure I’ve made any quite like this. The closest one to this used a cabinet door for the tabletop.

remove hardware

Not shown, as I was scraping a little of the loose paint off, it really sort of just peeled off. You know, when you put on too many coats of nail polish, and you can peel off all the layers at once? I removed (and peeled the paint off) the hinges, knob, and door plate as well.

Time To Paint

prepare paint homeright finish max

Here’s the entryway table in all its naked glory. Before adding the shelves, the entry table was a little top-heavy heavy, so I placed one of my easy DIY sawhorses at the back of the door to make sure the wind didn’t catch it and blow it over. Of course, I used my favorite Homeright Finish Max to make this job quick, easy, and flawless. Here’s where I keep it honest. See the run from the original paint job in the center of the upper panel. I sanded it, but I didn’t sand it enough.

diy chalky paint primer entry table

It was very visible after the first two coats of diy chalky paint primer. ugh! When will I learn that paint does NOT cover up flaws? Originally I was going to paint this piece black. I’m running a little low on black paint, so I decided to prime it with this oops blue. NEWSFLASH! After I primed it, I fell in love with the color. As you know, I sell 99% of all of my furniture pieces, and I’m always trying to figure out what colors will move quickly. My last hall tree—the one I made with a nightstand– was painted green and has already found a new home.

Related Content: Navy Blue Furniture Projects

Project ideas and a video of “how to glaze painted furniture and more”

See Glazed Project Ideas & How to Glaze Painted Furniture

Add glazing as a topcoat.

before after smokey glaze

Although I loved the blue, I wanted to seal it and tone it down just a little. Since I wasn’t in the mood to wax this baby . . .

smoked glaze

I used this Smoked Glaze “chalked” decorative glaze from Rust-oleum. I’m unsure if they sell it as a sealer, but it seemed to protect the DIY chalky paint primer.

Watch my video of How To Glaze Painted Furniture

black spray painted hardware

I thought I would add the hinges and all the hardware back to the door. In the end, I decided to use everything but the hinges. I had taped off this side hardware when I painted the door blue. Now I used painter’s tape to spray paint the piece black.

Spray paint the original hardware.

spray paint doorknob door plate black

I used the same black spray paint on the doorknob and plate While I had my Homeright Spray Shelter set up for another project.

diy entry table from an old door and odd legs MyRepurposedLife.com

Here’s the “after”! Do you love it as much as I do? How about the blue? I know Mindi will love it! She paints everything Blue. Winking smile

diy entry table repuposed door halltree MyRepurposedLife.com

I truly wish I had a place to put this. Every time I make a hall tree, I think it’s my favorite—until I make the next one.

 

Do you have a favorite? You can see all of my Repurposed Door Projects by clicking that link. Get the details on the easy oval frame chalkboard makeover here.

See More Hall Tree Project Ideas Here

gail

Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.

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