Introduction: Dining Table Made From a Reclaimed Door
This table was design to fit in a small space – my 500 square feet loft. I was looking for a light looking table that can accommodate up to 6 persons. As I often do, I used recycled materials to build this dining set. The table is made from an old bungalow door and the chairs were found in a yard sale.
Step 1: Choose and Prepare
1 - Search for a massive wooden door. Make sure that at least 1 side of the door is in good general condition. I used an old flat door.
2 - Strip and sand. Take off all the layers of paint accumulated over the years. I was pretty lucky with this door – the veneer was still in good condition on the ''interior'' side of the door.
3 - Choose and mesure your table dimensions.
4 - Cut each side of the door with a circular saw to obtain clean edges.
5 - In the middle section of the door, trace a rectangle area. This area need to cover the handle holes. With a router, remove a thin layer of wood – 1/32" or 1/16" thick. The thickness refers to the metal sheet you'll use. You'll need to remove this layer on the top and each side of the door where the metal sheet will be. I planed to cover the holes of the handle and lock with a metal sheet. You could choose a different strategy or material.
Step 2: Cut and Fold
1 - Buy a metal sheet, 1/32" or 1/16" thick.
2 - Fold a 90° angle on 1 side and use a sander to adjust the fitting on the door. The metal sheet should be perfectly even with the wood surface.
3 - Mark the other side of the metal sheet and fold another 90° angle. Use a sheet metal folder to obtain better result.
4 - Check the fitting again on the table. The piece should be stiff on the door. Mine doesn't need any glue to stay in place.
5 - Cut the excess metal on each side.
6 - You can sand the edges of the door to mimic the rounded edge of the metal sheet.
Step 3: Install Legs
1 - Buy legs. I bought mine at Ikea for under 5$ each. The black enamel finish was perfect for my project. You could decide to build your own at this step.
2 - Install those legs and that's it !
Step 4: Oil and Paint
1 - For the metal sheet I used a black epoxy paint (spray can), 2 or 3 layers.
2 - For the wood I used tung oil. The colors of the veneer shine in a whole new way with this magic product !
Step 5: Add Chairs
I bought old school chairs in a yard sale to complete my dining set.
I repeated the same process and used the same finishing products to obtain a uniform look.
Participated in the
Woodworking Challenge
8 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
awesome
9 years ago
Very cool
11 years ago on Step 5
What a find on those school chairs!
11 years ago on Introduction
Very nice work. Clean, simple and a great use of recycled materials.
Looks great in your dining room with the contrast of different wood on the chairs.
11 years ago on Introduction
Theres a place near my home town called Joe Ley that has hundreds of solid reclaimed doors, would be neat to pick one up and try this if I ever wind up back in the area!!
11 years ago on Introduction
If you don't have metal you could use tile instead for hiding lock holes etc.
11 years ago on Introduction
Really nice, I love the contrast of the steel band and wood.
11 years ago on Introduction
That looks really nice and professional! It'd make a lovely study table :)