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
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
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
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
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
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.
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”.
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.
This 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
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.
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
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
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
Because I love, love, love 2 toned furniture pieces I chose to stain the shelf boards in a dark walnut.
Test design before painting
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.
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
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.
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"
Add glazing as a topcoat for definition and sealing
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 . . .
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Cyndi
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
Gail Wilson
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
Pamela Smith
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!
Gail Wilson
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
phyllis panza
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
Gail Wilson
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
Shelly b.
Fabulous idea! It turned out gorgeous!
Gail Wilson
Thank you so much Shelly! I appreciate your oh so kind comment!
gail
Linda
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
Gail Wilson
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
Pam
Yes! I love this color. Thanks for all the details about using the Kreg screws. It's supremely helpful.
Gail Wilson
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
Beth
I have two old doors and this is going to be a project for one of them. Thanks
Gail Wilson
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. š
gail
GirlfromWva
So beautiful. Love the blue!
Gail Wilson
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
Eliz~
I need a bigger house for these beautiful entryway projects! Love it!