• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Start Here
  • Shop Favorites
  • About
    • Welcome To My Repurposed Life Home of Repurposed Furniture
    • More About Gail
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Information
  • Gallery
    • Repurposed Furniture
  • Repurposed Items
    • Building Supplies
    • Miscellaneous Household Items
    • Picture Frame/Chalk Board
  • DIY
    • Home Reno
    • outdoor living
    • Painting
    • Shop Talk
    • Tips for Around the House
    • Build It
      • Furniture
      • Home Decor
      • Storage
    • Crafts
      • Dollar Store
      • Easy
      • Holidays Seasonal
  • Furniture
    • Chair
    • Desk
    • Dresser/Chest
    • Headboard | Bed Parts | Cribs
    • Kids Furniture
    • Table
    • Kids Furniture
My Repurposed Life® Rescue Re-imagine Repeat
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Project Index
  • Furniture
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Repurposed Furniture » Entry Table Made from Reclaimed Lumber

    Entry Table Made from Reclaimed Lumber

    Published by Gail | Published August 1, 2014 | Updated June 28, 2021
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet

    Entry Table

    Hello! I am excited to share how I built an Entry Table. It was made as a house warming gift for my sister and brother-in-law, who needed something for their front entryway. I love making gifts for people, so this was a very fun project for me!

    Entry Table made with old deck and scrap wood
    Isn't it cute!?

    Old deck wood
    ...with a pile of old deck wood. I love repurposing old wood, and I knew from my old deck wood laundry crate that this type of wood is perfect to use. Since I didn't have a plan I will show you the basic process I used to build.
    figuring out measurements and cuts for entry table
    I started by cutting my top deck wood boards to the length I wanted, just under 3 feet. I also cut the deck railings, which I used for the legs, to the height I wanted. Then I placed the legs by the top boards with about ½ inch inset on each side, and began measuring and cutting the rest of the boards I needed. All of the wood I used in this project was old deck wood (the top, bottom shelf, and the legs) the rest was scrap wood I had collected free from craig's list.
    Above you can see I cut the back and front boards all the same length. I also cut the sides about ½ inch shorter than two top deck boards put together. With all the wood cut and sanded it is time to build!
    Using pocket holes to attach back piece to table legs
    I drilled pocket holes with my Kreg Jig  and used my right angle clamps to help attach the back piece to the legs. You can see I also drilled pocket holes on the board for attaching the table top later on.
    Need more details on using a Kreg Jig? See my article How to use a Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System
    Attaching front boards to table legs with pocket hole screws
    For the front I attached the two scrap boards to the legs, the opening is for the the drawer. Pocket holes make a strong hold, but I always love the added security of using Gorilla wood glue!
    Attaching bottom support boards for entry table
    Next, I added the bottom shelf supports with glue, a clamp to hold things in place, and pocket hole screws.
    Front and back of entry table built
    And that left me with this. The front and back of the table. Next up? The sides.
    Adding side boards to front table piece
    I simply added the top sides and the bottom side supports with glue and pocket hole screws. (I did build this on the table with clamps, but I moved it to take the pictures)  Now to attach the back...
    Screwing on back piece to sides and front of table base
    I put the front (with sides) on top of the back, clamped it down and screwed it together. Easy! I say easy because clamping makes all the difference when drilling pocket holes...trust me. It is looking like a table!
    Table top is not big enough
    I used pocket holes in the deck boards and screwed them together (can't for the life of me find the pictures, I know I took them...)  Anyway, I was so excited and plopped the top on the table to see how it fit aaaaand.....it didn't. What? Took me a few seconds to realize why. When I measured the side boards to the top two boards I forgot to include the legs in the measurement...heeeeello!
    Cutting deck board in half length wise with a jigsaw
    Since another deck board would make the top too big, I decided to just cut one in half. I don't have a table saw, so I used the next best thing, a jigsaw. My $5 Restore jig saw to be exact. 🙂  It did the job and I can totally embrace the imperfections. I could have used a circular saw, but I think it is easier to match up the line with a jig saw, since I had to cut half, then flip it, and cut the other half.
    With my new short boards cut, sanded, and pocket holes drilled I attached them to the table top and bottom shelf, making them both two and a half deck boards deep.
    marking where to notch bottom shelf of entry table
    Here you can see the top fits much better, and I am also marking where to cut my notches for the bottom shelf. It was easy to just set the table on the shelf and mark out the notches, just ask Sunny, she was a very good helper.
    Notching out spaces for the legs on bottom shelf
     With my jigsaw I cut out the notches on the lines I had marked, and it fit!
    Entry table all built and ready for finish
    On the bottom shelf I did mark and trim the sides and back to be flush with the legs, since they were a little longer. I used my circular saw to cut off the excess. This little table is now ready for a drawer.
    Measuring the opening for the drawer
    I actually measured for the drawer before I started building to make sure I had scrap wood the right size. The space above shows where to take the measurement, my drawer wood was smaller than the drawer opening. I used scrap 1x3's.
    Building drawer and drawer guide
    On the left is the drawer frame, I used scrap plywood to make a bottom (see top right). I am also showing my drawer glide attached to the side of the drawer on the right. I added one to each side of the drawer.
    Adding wood for drawer guides in entry table
    The drawer guides slide over these support boards I added above, I put one on each side. The middle one is extra support for the drawer bottom.
    Drawer face attached
    I slid in the drawer, measured the opening for the drawer face, minus ⅛ of an inch on all sides, and cut scrap plywood to fit. Then I glued and nailed it on. For a more details on how I did this you can check out my night stand makeover.
    Staining top, bottom shelf, and drawer front of entry table
    With everything built it was time for the finish. I used Rust-oleum's Kona (because that is what I had) and stained the top, bottom shelf, and drawer front. I had left over stain on my old sock rag and decided to rub it off on the edges of the table, just incase I decided to distress it.
    Contact paper stencil to make arrow pattern on drawer of entry table
    This table is pretty basic, so I wanted to add a little pizazz. I went with some arrows I cut with contact paper on my cricut. I also used painter's tape to complete the shape to the end of the drawer front and then did a quick coat of white. You can see I have also drilled the holes for the handles.
    Painting entry table base white
    I ended up going with white because I didn't know the best color for the room. When it was dry I attached the table top from the inside with the pocket holes I had drilled and screws. For the bottom shelf I glued and nailed it to the support boards. I nailed the sides from the top first, then flipped it over and nailed the front and back from the bottom.
    Close up of entry table arrow painted drawer
    Lucky me, I found some great pulls at Home Depot and attached them, and I was finished! I am loving the drawer front.
    Old deck wood Bottom shelf of entry table
    So, I did do three coats of poly on the stained wood, sanding with fine grit between coats 1 and 2. For a rustic, yet smooth, finish to the old deck wood.
    Entry Table made with old deck and scrap wood
    I love that it is taller than normal and makes a fun statement.
    Entry Table made with old deck and scrap wood
    Before I gave it to my Sister and Brother-in-law I tried it out in my entryway. And, I loved it...
    Entry Table made with old deck and scrap wood
    Are you starting to see why I collect other people's trashed wood? It has SO much potential with a little imagination and TLC. My reclaimed wood table was also made from trashed wood and it is one of my faves.
    Entry Table made with old deck and scrap wood, before and after
    Do you think you would attempt building a table like this? It might be worth a try!


    Thanks for reading!
    Mindi
    see more great projects from Mindi here
    Pin
    Share
    Tweet

    Related Content:

    • Repurposed Crib Dog Crate
      Repurposed Crib Dog Crate
    • DIY A-Frame Crate
      DIY A-Frame Crate
    • DIY Laundry Cart
      DIY Laundry Cart
    • Leather Belt Crate
      Leather Belt Crate
    • Spindle Crate
      Spindle Crate
    • DIY Storage Crates
      DIY Storage Crates

    About Mindi

    Mindi is a wife, mother, runner, dancer, and a lover of all things fun and DIY.

    A few years ago she discovered blogs and fell in love with the idea that she could do things she had always dreamed of doing. Like build furniture from pallets, and make cool projects for her home.... Mindi was inspired by other bloggers that empowered her to create.

    Mindi decided to give back and possibly reach someone out there that has a desire to create like herself. She believes we all have that desire in some form or another, and we all DO create in our own way, every day. Whether it be crafty or not, even creating happiness in others is a gift that many share.

    Mindi loves to learn and use that knowledge to make beautiful and useful things for her home.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      See comments Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Amy Geib

      August 07, 2014 at 12:28 pm

      This is a great table. Love the mix of natural elements with an updated design. Great job!

      Reply
    2. Vidya @ Whats Ur Home Story

      August 07, 2014 at 12:17 am

      Love the design in the front. Great job on the staining. Pinning.

      Reply
    3. DeDe@ Designed Decor

      August 06, 2014 at 7:19 pm

      I love it! I love the dark stain with the cream!

      Reply
    4. Leigh Anne

      August 06, 2014 at 5:02 pm

      This table is beautiful! I love it! Good Job!

      Reply
    5. Trina @ afewmineradjustments

      August 06, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      Love the stain and paint combo! This table rocks!

      Reply
    6. Tara

      August 06, 2014 at 2:47 pm

      This is stunning! Love the Chevron drawer!

      Reply
    7. Funky Junk Interiors

      August 06, 2014 at 12:39 pm

      Oh my gosh... I cannot believe this table was made from wood scraps! It's gorgeous! LOVE the chevron styled drawer, too cool!

      Reply
    8. Kadie

      August 06, 2014 at 11:36 am

      I love that you used reclaimed wood for this! What a great idea for a gift!

      Reply
    9. Breanna

      August 06, 2014 at 11:32 am

      This is amazing! I love it 🙂

      Reply
    10. Jodie @ Sypsie Designs

      August 06, 2014 at 11:02 am

      Absolutely love! This turned out stunning. I love the colors you chose and how you were able to use scrap wood- such an amazing present!

      Reply
    11. Kristi

      August 06, 2014 at 10:46 am

      SUCH a beautiful table! LOVE the pattern on the drawer front!

      Reply
    12. Sarah

      August 06, 2014 at 10:29 am

      I love this piece! Especially the detail on the front of the drawer. And the deep color of the top and shelf. And the white frame. And the handles. Okay, everything!

      Reply
    13. Dawn

      August 06, 2014 at 9:05 am

      What a fantastic piece and I love the chevron stain pattern. Pinning!

      Reply
    14. Feral Turtle

      August 06, 2014 at 8:11 am

      Oops....I meant Mindi!!

      Reply
    15. Feral Turtle

      August 06, 2014 at 8:10 am

      You have one lucky sister and brother in-law!! What a gorgeous table you created Gail! Pinning

      Reply
    16. Mary

      August 01, 2014 at 12:07 pm

      OH!! That is so good looking.

      Reply
    17. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      August 01, 2014 at 9:54 am

      Wow! That is one totally awesome table! That takes imagination and talent!

      Reply
    18. kim

      August 01, 2014 at 9:27 am

      Great tutorial. I love all your tools.

      Your helper is adorable. 🙂

      Reply
    19. Gwen McBrien

      August 01, 2014 at 8:24 am

      I'm not seeing any pics. Just Walt Disney ads

      Reply
    20. kirby carespodi

      August 01, 2014 at 7:30 am

      Love it!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    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 →

    Join Our Mailing List

    ​

      Click the topics you're interested in below:

      Subscribing above means you agree to our Privacy Policy​

      Footer

      ↑ back to top

      SEEN ON

      Might I Suggest

      • Start Here
      • Furniture Makeovers

      Newsletter

      • Sign Up! for emails and updates

      About

      • Gail's Favorites on Amazon
      • About

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

      Copyright © 2023 My Repurposed Life · Privacy Policy · Disclosure