While running some errands, I found these metal table legs attached to some less than perfect table tops by a dumpster.
Free Salon Tables by the Dumpster
I picked up 6 of them and went on about my errands. As I passed by the dumpster again, a man was bringing more out. He hoisted them in the air as if to offer them to me. I decided to get 2 more making a total of 8. They filled the back of my truck, so I left many more free metal leg tables behind.
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When I unloaded them, I wondered how in the world I was going to store all of these tables. I got busy with my drill and removed all the metal legs, realizing they were going to be fairly easy to store, and regretting I hadn’t gotten more.
I used zip ties to pair the legs in sets of 4 for easy storage. To keep track of all the screws, I placed them into a baggie for safe keeping. Can I just take a moment to tell you how much I love, love, love my truck? It’s so handy to be able to pick stuff up while I’m passing by instead of rushing home to borrow a truck.
Rodney, my favorite neighbor was replacing a floor in another neighbor’s apartment. He had to replace several floor joists. He had a drop off that he didn’t want, so I scooped it up and saved it from the burn pile. At the time I had no idea what I was going to do with it.
Giving the dumpster tables a new top
I pulled out the metal table legs and put a couple of pairs together, and voila! I have a new table.
Because the board was pretty rough, I brought out my orbital sander to clean up the rough patches. I used Minwax Jacobean Stain, applying it with a cheap chip brush. These brushes are my favorite. I am probably one of the rare ones that actually clean them, even when I use them for staining. The brushes improve with age. If you look at the handle you can clearly see I’ve used it for staining before.
Staining the new table tops
This is a dry fit to see how the metal legs work with the dark stain.
I used my Kreg Multi-Mark tool to measure the distance so all the legs match. I used 1 ā ” wood screws instead of the small sheet metal screws that were originally used on the metal table legs.
Testing small tops for the dumpster table legs
So I sent a picture to my daughter Jamie to ask if she liked the long table, and she said she thought it would look better if it were square. While picking up the large board from Rodney, there was a smaller board already ON the burn pile. I was able to square it up on my compound miter saw to a size of 11 ¼ by 11 ¼”. I thought the metal table legs were a great fit for the small wooden square board.
Then I sent another picture to Jamie, and the conversation turned to a round table.
Using pre-cut table rounds
I had this 18” round from Home Depot in my stash. I sanded it and stained it as well as the small square board. Have you been keeping up? I’ve used up four sets of the metal legs, and made 3 great side tables that work great as plant stands and more.
I love using Wipe-On Poly
Using latex gloves, and a soft cloth I applied Minwax Wipe-On Poly to all of the new wooden table tops.
Here is the fabulous trio of wooden tables with metal legs. During the text conversation, Jamie mentioned painting the metal legs.
Metallic Paint for Table Legs
So I decided this metallic paint would be great!
I love the way the legs turned out with the gold paint.
For now, I’ve left the other metal legs their original chrome color. I’d love to hear your thoughts on painting them, and what color you think would look good.
The small side tables are perfect for plant stands.
The tables are about 20” tall.
Do you have a favorite? Would you have picked up a few of these free metal leg tables or ALL of them? I still have 4 sets left, I’d love to hear your thoughts for using them.
gail
Hi, there! Iām Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. Iām obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful againāmyself included! I hope youāll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way⦠literally!
Bridget
I really like the way the gold looks with the dark stain. Very creative.
Gail Wilson
Thanks Bridget. I still need to get busy painting the other sets of legs on the other 2 tables before my craft show.
gail
Vickie
Lucky you to find these tables! Love what you have done with them. Will keep an eye out for some while thrifting. And I do like the metallic legs.
Mindi
Oh my gosh!!! BEST score ever!! I love all of them Gail, the tops look so pretty! Seriously so awesome, I am giddy for you, and I have to admit a little jealous, I love these legs! You go!
Gail Wilson
Oh so sad that I didn't grab ALL of them Mindi! ugh!
I know you would do awesome things if you had them.
Those tops? You can't beat free drop offs, right?
Wendi@H2OBungalow
These are great, what a score! I'm loving the legs painted gold. I think my favorite one is the double legs though. You are always coming up with the best ideas Gail. Pinned š
Gail Wilson
Thanks so much Wendi! These were fun and easy to make!
gail
Bonnie Hipps
What an imagination to come up with that beautiful transformation. Love the metallic and I agree I think black would be awesome....
Gail Wilson
Thank you Bonnie. These little tables were a fun and easy break from the larger projects I do sometimes.
gail
Deborah Metcalfe
I'd leave them chrome or paint them black. I usually prefer gold on most anything, but this time not so much. LOVE your blog & projects!!
Gail Wilson
I appreciate your honesty Deborah! Thanks for stopping by and checking out the projects.
gail
GirlfromWva
Love the gold. Any metallic paint would be good. Thinking copper or hammered steel.
Gail Wilson
I need to check out my spray paint stash to see what I have, I think it would be so much easier than painting by hand.
Thanks Nova!
gail
Kate
Wow! That gold paint really brings it up a notch. Black would be interesting too with the dark stain. Definitely paint all the legs.
Gail Wilson
Kate,
Black is a really good idea!
thanks!
gail
Terry M
What a find! Great job on the tables, I love them. I would probably paint the legs black if they were mine.
Gail Wilson
Black? That color wasn't even on my radar! Thanks so much for your input Terry!
gail