I got this old table at a yard sale for $10. Since it was taken apart, I really didn’t know how bad the pedestals were. You can see the legs are a little wonky…. attached but off kilter.
When I got it out to paint it, I realized why it was so cheap. I didn’t have a clue what the problem was until I turned them upside down and investigated.
Not shown in the picture is a big metal plate that connects from the pedestal to all three legs. A couple of the metal brackets just needed the screws tightened. The legs slide up and out.
This little guy needed some tlc. These screw holes were stripped. I removed the screws….
…I filled the holes with wood glue….
…then stuck in a toothpick.
Now, both pedestals are all fixed up.
This is how she looks all painted, waxed and buffed.
I lightly distressed this table. I’ve been looking for some chairs to go with it, but haven’t found any yet. If I can’t sell it as is, I may take it apart and use the pedestals to make two separate tables.
I painted this sweet table using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in my HomeRight sprayer. So easy! You can read the details in my post—ASCP in a HomeRight Finish Max.
Have you used the “toothpick trick” before? It sure does work great!
gail
related content: repair a vintage headboard
Wooden BBQ skewers also work great!
That is a beautiful table. I hope you don’t have to turn it into two tables.
Oh my goodness it’s lovely. Well done. Looks so easy to do.
Yes, I have also used the toothpick/golf tee/ skewer trick. Table looks great.
Gail, that table turned out fabulously!
I HAVE used the toothpick trick…and the match stick trick, (break off the match end)…bamboo skewer, wooden dowel (MOST RECENT)… I hope this table sells.
But if it doesn’t then we’ll get to see you pull another trick out of your hat…and make two tables!
catching up on reading this evening. I’m sure you’ll see more comments from me!
Pat
What a fun table! I have heard of the toothpick trick, but haven’t used it yet! You just gave me the idea to use it on one of my kitchen cabinets though, I keep having to tighten the screw, I supposed six kids pulling it down as they open it several times a day might have something to do with it!
Wow, what a find… plus a fabulous fix!! looking good!
My favorite project of yours is the desk repurposed into a tall dresser – love, love, love it! What a creative idea!
Great how to–so often a necessary fix on these tables!
The table looks amazing! No, I haven’t tried the toothpick trick, but I will add it to my arsenal 😉
That’s a steal for $10. Interested what you find when you take things apart, isn’t it? Not really a difficult fix, but the owner probably never even looked to see why it was wobbly!
Gorgeous table! I never thought to use toothpicks to fill holes – I’ll have to keep that in mind!
Yes I have, but I’ve used wooden golf tees too depending on the size you need to fill. I’ve also used them to fill holes that I don’t want to use anymore instead of wood filler.