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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » DIY Entry Table

    DIY Entry Table

    Published by Gail | Published May 23, 2017 | Updated July 26, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Making a DIY Entry Table out of an old door and table legs is a great weekend project. Entry way tables are very functional and pretty for your home decor. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #entrytable #door #table via @repurposedlife

    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 off the trim and the shelves, but all in all, 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?

    Main components are a door and legs

    old door and table legs

    But as I got started on 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 1x4’s to use as the top skirt and the lower shelf brace. The skirt was used as is, but ripped the lower board to a more narrow size so that it would 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 1x4 is ¾” thick and would normally use 1 ¼” pocket hole screws to join the pieces together. When I’m joining ¾” to something larger, I choose to use a longer pocket hole screw—in this case 1 ½”.

    raise skirt to give inset

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

    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 being 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 make sure you take the thickness of your table legs into account.

    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 ¾” stock, the screws recommended by Kreg would be 1 ¼”—but because the door is so thick I chose to go with a longer 2” pocket hole screw. I but all of my pocket hole screws in large quantities because I use so many of them.

    If you would like more information, see my post How To Use A Kreg Jig.

    Cut lumber for 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 1x6 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 1x6’s and notched out a 1x4.

    For a finishing touch add header to top of door entry table

    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 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 table top.

    remove hardware

    Not shown, as I was scraping a little of the loose paint off, it really sort of just peeled off. You know like when you put on too many coats of nail polish, and you can literally 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 it’s naked glory. Before adding the shelves, the entry table is a little top 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 it has already found a new home.

    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 for definition and sealing

    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 not sure if they sell it as a sealer, but it definitely 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 original hardware

    spray paint doorknob door plate black

    I used the same black spray paint on the door knob 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. Stop by Friday for details on the easy oval frame chalkboard makeover.

    See More Hall Tree Project Ideas Here

    gail

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    About Gail Wilson

    Hi, there! I’m Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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    1. Cyndi

      July 04, 2022 at 11:37 am

      This is just beautiful! You have created a Magic Hall Table! I love every part of it.
      Now, to go look at your others! Clap, Clap. Clap, Cyndi

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 05, 2022 at 5:36 pm

        Cyndi,

        You made my day with your sweet comment. As I was perusing the junk store yesterday, I saw more doors and more orphan legs. Just begging for a new purpose. But because I already have more doors and legs than I need, I passed them by.
        I hope you find more favorite projects on my site. There are plenty to go around!
        gail

    2. Pamela Smith

      July 03, 2022 at 11:00 pm

      I made this same type of door several years ago. I first used it outside as a snack/serving table, but now it's in my entryway too! I love how you can make it to your own style. Mine is chippy white and I love it!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 05, 2022 at 5:37 pm

        Yay Pamela! Great minds think alike. I've made so many of these using different pieces, including nightstands, sewing tables and more. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. It is much appreciated!

        gail

    3. phyllis panza

      July 03, 2022 at 11:28 am

      Gail. love this idea; always wanted to do this but no where to put it. the only thing i would have done diff. would be to remove knob and fill in holes and add a mirror so you can see yourself before going out. its beautiful. another good job.

      Ga

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 05, 2022 at 5:39 pm

        Thanks dear friend! I too, have NO place to put it. My house is designed so strange, my front door enters into my kitchen. How crazy is that?!

        take care,
        gail

    4. Shelly b.

      February 14, 2022 at 12:25 pm

      Fabulous idea! It turned out gorgeous!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        February 14, 2022 at 6:11 pm

        Thank you so much Shelly! I appreciate your oh so kind comment!

        gail

    5. Linda

      February 13, 2022 at 10:40 am

      Hi Gail,

      Great project, as are all of your projects!!

      I need to add table legs to an old hutch that had fallen apart. How do you attach the table top to the legs and skirt?

      Thanks,
      Linda

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        February 14, 2022 at 6:23 pm

        Thank you Linda!
        I'm a little confused about your dilemma. The hutch had legs originally? legs, or feet? I'd be happy to help if you want to send some pics to my email.

        https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/diy-console-table-made-from-a-table-leaf-and-odd-table-legs/
        https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/diy-entry-table/
        In both of those cases, I used Kreg Jig pocket holes to attach the skirt to the legs. Hope that helps.

        gail

    6. Pam

      June 30, 2017 at 8:51 pm

      Yes! I love this color. Thanks for all the details about using the Kreg screws. It's supremely helpful.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        June 30, 2017 at 9:57 pm

        I'm so happy this project using the Kreg screws (and the details) were helpful for you. I want you to make great projects with little frustration!

        happy diy'ing!
        gail

    7. Beth

      May 23, 2017 at 9:01 am

      I have two old doors and this is going to be a project for one of them. Thanks

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        May 23, 2017 at 1:14 pm

        I still have many, many old doors for more projects--and at least two sets of odd table legs. I'm not sure what I'll do, I need to mix it up a little and try something new. 🙂

        gail

    8. GirlfromWva

      May 23, 2017 at 8:01 am

      So beautiful. Love the blue!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        May 23, 2017 at 1:15 pm

        Thanks Nova! Do you like it better before or after the glaze? I like it better after. I used the glaze again yesterday on a couple of small projects. I really love it!
        gail

    9. Eliz~

      May 23, 2017 at 6:31 am

      I need a bigger house for these beautiful entryway projects! Love it!

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

    More about me →

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