Three-Tiered Table | Plant Stand

I call this latest project a three-tiered table, but it may have been used as a plant stand. It’s hard to say how old it is, but I’m guessing 1940’s.

Three-Tiered Table Before

So, when I googled the three-tiered table, it described three shelves: a top, middle, and bottom. I suppose the step-up table makes more sense.

As you can see, this table was free roadside roadkill. I was lucky to be the first to spot it next to a beloved neighbor’s garbage can.

This project is my monthly FFU project.

Repairing a Step-up Table (Plant Stand)

The sad little table had a few issues. Wood glue was used to repair the trim piece. Did you notice it’s broken little foot? I’ve dealt with this kind of damage before on a Small Claw Foot Table. I removed the “shoes” and painted the broken foot. It wasn’t terrible. That was the plan for this little gal.

Cleaning up Antique Furniture

There was a lot of build-up around the top shelf edge. I used Krud Kutter’s full strength for cleaning and a little water to rinse it. After the rag was damp with Krud Kutter, I used it to wipe down the rest of the three-tiered table.

Time to Paint the Three-tiered Table

Because I didn’t have much of the paint I wanted to use, I painted the first coat white. Remember: the first coat is the “ugly coat.”

Painting a Three-tiered Table Yellow

I fondly remember my neighbor; I knew her for over 40 years. We all miss her terribly, so I wanted the table to be a “happy” color. The Naples sample from All-In-One Paint was half empty, so I started with the white base coat.

You will love the Garden Chair I used the first half of the sample paint on.

The first coat of Naples didn’t cover everything, so I did a second coat.

The broken claw foot is visible on the three-tiered table on the left. On the right is how the regular claw foot looks without its “shoe.”

As I said, the plan was to remove the three brass claw feet and send the three-tiered plant stand on its way.

But then I researched and found some options to repair the claw foot. The first option was putty. I tried that, but it didn’t work very well. I’ll show you pictures later.

How to Repair a Broken Claw Foot

• Measure from the top of the leg to determine where to add the new foot. I used painter’s tape.
• Transfer the painter’s tape to another leg, placing it at the same distance from the top as before.
• Spray the area with cooking spray.
• Flow hot glue over the entire area to make your mold. I put down a layer of wax paper to keep the hot glue from sticking to the brown craft paper.

• I removed the hot glue mold while it was still slightly warm and used scissors to trim it a bit.
• Mix Bondo and fill the mold with it. I removed the Bondo while still warm and manipulated it as I did the test fit. CAUTION: Bondo gets very hot while it’s curing.
• Test fit the new clawfoot replacement. Allow the Bondo to harden completely. Attach the new foot with wood glue.
• Sand and shape the new foot to look like the original.

Hot Glue Mold Versus Putty Mold

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the hot glue and putty mold. The putty mold was too fragile to hold the Bondo mixture.

Don’t Forget to Use Cooking Spray

I forgot to use the cooking spray, and this was the result. I would definitely use this “hot glue mold” method again.

Cleaning Brass Toe Caps

If you need extra brass toe caps, you can find them on Amazon. I mentioned earlier how I dealt with a broken clawfoot table. I took the toe caps off and saved them, so I had three brass toe caps to spare. The toe cap on the left is after I cleaned it. I chose not to spray paint mine, but that is definitely an option if your brass toe caps are too dirty.

I used The Works Shower Cleaner to remove years of grime from the toe caps. Always wear gloves when scrubbing with such a harsh cleaner.

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Yellow Three-tiered Table

While uploading this image, I realized this table belonged to Mrs. Mason. Mr. Mason built my house, and he and his family lived there for many years. My point is that it’s more than likely that this table was in this very house all those years ago.

Doesn’t she look spiffy with her new shoes?

There’s another layer to this story. I decided to remove the toe caps and take it to my booth, knowing someone would buy it “as is” since it no longer had a broken foot.

I sent pictures of the table to Mrs. Mason’s daughter, who forwarded them to her niece. Shortly after, the niece messaged me and asked if she could buy her grandmother’s table. I went to my booth, brought the three-tiered table home, and placed the toe caps back on her little feet.

I hope you were inspired by this project. What did I learn? I learned that I can fix those little claw feet.

Now, let’s see what the makeovers from my FFU friends!

• Black Painted French Provincial Nightstand
• Three-tiered Plant Stand (you are here, thank you)
• Painting Rustic Furniture
• How to Paint French Provincial Furniture
• Yardsale Ikea Bookcase Makeover

I wonder which is your favorite?