Hardwood Flooring as a Tabletop
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I told you about this table over a year ago, in my post Recent Finds June 18, 2012. This table landed on my doorstep. I love it when I don’t have to hunt for junk, so fun when it finds me.
I wonder why this has a number stenciled on the bottom of the top.
I removed the top.
I used my Homeright paint sprayer to give it a quick coat of black paint.
That was last year.
I contemplated putting a reclaimed fence top on it. It was rough, and when I sanded the wood, all of the patina was gone.
then.I.put.it.aside. for.a.year.
I recently dug it out of storage, and decided to use some spare hardwood flooring on it for a top. I was short one board using full length boards. I had to opt for adding two rows with one long and one short board. This picture is from a dry fit, to see if I like it.
I decided to go for it, I had nothing to lose. The table and the flooring were both just waiting for a purpose, and they both were freebies.
I had t rip the tongue off of one of the boards, and the groove off of another.
I worked on putting the boards together and gluing them.
After I glued all the boards I clamped them.
For added strength, I decided to use two supports underneath. I used two scrap pieces of wood.
I used my combination square to adjust the boards all the way around.
I screwed the supports to each board. I drilled pilot holes in the original brackets on the table, and attached the top to the brackets with screws.
Here is the new coffee table. I’m not loving it.
I do like the thickness of the table top, but being heavy, it makes the table a little wobbly. I believe I need to add another spindle about midway to the top.
You can see the little ripples in the flooring on each end.
Have you ever used flooring for a table top? This is not my first time, I used it on smaller side tables a LONG time ago.
Thoughts? Is this a project fail? Did I waste my time?
gail—
I think you should use some crown molding or picture frame around the edges so that it extends above the table top. Then it will give the top a sense of being sunken in. Just paint the molding black and I like the black/wood contrast!
I love the idea of coming up with new purposes for these two things! I also agree with framing it, but I wonder if your base color (it looks black) should be a lighter color? I normally love black furniture, but I think it may not go great with the flooring. I do not think you wasted your time! Great re-do! I actually have a table that has a similar base, but a round top with many missing tiles. This idea may be easier than replacing and painting all those tiles! So, thanks for the tip!
You asked if anyone had made a table with flooring. I just posted about making 10 workbenches with gym flooring. It’s here: http://illjustpaintit.com/how-to-make-a-workbench/.
Thanks again for showing your readers Hometalk. I’ve had some great responses to my posts!
Gail, I agree with the framing like every one else, but instead of finding another spindle (good luck), could you maybe add support under the table with a triangle brace, or maybe L shaped brace? Maybe the framing could drop down a bit to hide any brace?
What a great table Gail! You really rock the power tools!
You are such a pro with your power tools! Not too many women have a table saw and can use it as well as you do!
Great job on a great table!
Susan
I agree with the framing and less contrast betw top and base. I have some oak flooring, not as thick, and have been wondering if I could use it for a round table top?? I bought an Ikea Liatorp table and the top isn’t solid wood, has started chipping. I want to replace it with a round wood top. If I put the flooring together the way you did and then took it somewhere to cut round?
You do great work!
I love the looks of it. How about just painting black on the edges? That would give it a finished look without any weight. Good job!
I’m working on a curb find dresser right now where I deep six’d the top due to its being pressed board. The new top is old tongue and groove pine attic flooring from the early ’20’s. I made a frame of the same wood and it anchors the piece. I painted the dresser Antique Tin and I like its industrial feel. I may put screws and washers all around and may even stencil the top with some subway art. Maybe you can stencil the numbers you found underneath on top.
Best of luck-you do nice work.
La Verne
I love this makeover! I think I would’ve been stymied by that old top on it. Thank you for the great inspiration. Blessings to you, Patti@OldThingsNew
Definitely not a fail. I’m with everyone else saying to frame out the table top all the way around, it will hide the ripples of the flooring. I’m also thinking you might want to lightly sand the table top and stain it using a driftwood finish to gray it up more, so that it blends better with the black base.
As for the wobbliness – is that truly because the top is too heavy, or could it be some sort of unevenness with the legs? Would taking it off a hard surface and putting it on a soft surface, say carpeting or an area rug, solve that? I don’t like the idea of a spindle in the middle of the base because it would mar the turned wood finish on the on the horizontal spindle already in place. What about using two spindles, inset at an angle so they form an inverted “V” and are attached to the horizontal spindle near its smooth part near where it joins the legs? I think that would be sturdier and not mar the look of the horizontal spindle.
Can’t wait to see how you finish this up!
I like what you’ve done so far – a pieced top is a great idea. But to make it lighter in weight, why not use some pallet wood or even some old fence boards and do many fitted pieces? Then use a stain (after sanding of course!) You’d end up with many different lights and darks, which the lights would bring out the black of the bottom of the table.
At any rate, I’m 100% positive that whatever you end up doing, it’s going to be awesome!
Not a fail – but like everyone else said I thing it needs some trim. I don’t know that I would have made the boards bigger than the framework. Is there any way to take the frame and flip it over so you can inset the boards into the frame? I would also add a spindle like you suggested. Otherwise love the look of the flooring. Good job. 🙂