Coffee Table Makeover

Look at this beautiful coffee table I got for $15! Notice the before & after...what a find!

Step 1: Checking Out the Table!

While walking through my local thrift store, I found a coffee table that needed a lot of TLC. I noticed it was "wobbly", but overall in good condition. I wasn't sure if it was real wood or particle board but decided to take a chance. The nice owner let me have it for $15, and they even loaded it in my car. When I got it home and took it out of my car, I quickly realized it was "HEAVY"! It was made of real wood, and it was wobbly because of a loose screw! I was very excited!

Step 2: Sanding the Top!

After discovering the table was made of real wood, I began to sand it to determine just how pretty it was. As you can see, it is made from quality wood. I only had to use wood filler for one little indention that looked like a cigarette burn. But after sanding, you can't even see it!

Step 3: Those Beautiful Legs!

When I began to sand the legs, I found a treasure! I found that the legs had been carved from one piece of wood! Whoever took this to the thrift store didn't know what a treasure they had! You can see the beauty of the wood in the before and after sanding photos.

Step 4: Final Product Is Beautiful!

After some Minwax Walnut stain and 8 coats of polyurethane, the final product is beautiful!

Comments

[ybaggi]

Ok, your table turned out beautiful for sure.

<rant on>

At the same time, how is this instructable supposed to show or teach me anything?
Looks more like a show off to me.. albeit a nice one.

<rant off>

ok, so for what I-m looking for.

I'd love to know what kinda wood to use for what and how to identify different kinds of wood types. How to treat the various kinds of wood to look a certain way etc.

thank you and cheers

[bjwatford]

Sorry...it is probably a little "braggy". I'm new at this and just learning. I'll do better next time! :)

[ybaggi]

No worries, thanks for your reply.
I think any justification for what you used in your project is good information IMO. even if it is "because that was what I had laying around"

cheers

[areysahdow]

Hello. Nice job! What do you polished (sand) table?

[bjwatford]

First, I used 150 grit sandpaper using a Corner Cat Sander. Then I used 220 grit sandpaper to smooth it out. After staining it, I used several coats of polyurethane to protect it and make it shine!

[bjwatford]

Thanks! I'm afraid that if I take back a picture of the finished product that she may charge me more for the furniture I buy! Thanks for the encouragement!

[tomatoskins]

It's wonderful to find a beautiful table under a beat up finish. Great job!

[bjwatford]

Thanks so much! I couldn't believe the treasure I found! I love those thrift store finds! Thanks for the encouragement!