How to Build a Coffee Table From Reclaimed Wood

by sabphil

62K5665

Intro: How to Build a Coffee Table From Reclaimed Wood

I really wanted a Restoration Hardware looking table but in my budget. So I built it myself!

STEP 1: Get the Wood

So I used Salvaged Wood from a Barn that was kindly given to me. I got lucky because this stuff can be pricey! So look around, ask around and you never know what a stranger might help you with! I did a light sanding as I didn't want to lose the natural greyness that the wood had and then I went to the gas station and used compressed air to blow out any debris

STEP 2: Get Legs for Your Table

I decided I wanted a more industrial look to my table but with a little twist so I bought plumbing pipes for my legs from Home Depot. Since my living room is quite neutral I went with a bright green spray paint for my legs. I also bought a 1" piece of pine for about 2$ to create a support beam for my table which I had the guys at Home Depot cut for me. I painted the pipes and was ready to assemble. For assembly all you need is the appropriate length of screws and an electric drill/screwdriver

STEP 3: Start Assembling the Table

I used a power drill/screwdriver. First I drilled very small holes in the pine and then screwed the pine to my barn wood. Then I screwed the Flanges on to that.

STEP 4: Varnish the Table

I called around until I found what I wanted since I wanted absolutely no shine on my table and I didn't want to lose that grey color so I went with MODERN MASTERS DEAD FLAT VARNISH. DEAD FLAT. Not flat. That's the secret. It didn't change the color one bit yet I can run my hand over it and not get any splinters. It has no shine. I bought it at a paint store. Its also on Amazon.

STEP 5: Enjoy Your New Table!

That's it! I screwed the legs in, flipped it over and voila!

6 Comments

stillonaroll 10 years ago

The pipe and flanges is an excellent idea. I'll use that for my next one :)

antagonizer 10 years ago

I love barn board furniture. Nice center piece.

triumphman 10 years ago

Nice weathered boards! Beats any commercial stuff available at Homey Depot or Loweees. Nice Job mate!

esl401k 10 years ago

I love the table top, but the legs look a bit modern for my current decorations. Do you have any recommendations or instructions for wooden legs?

sabphil 10 years ago

Hmmmm. Well you could scour craigslist maybe? Get existing legs from another coffee table perhaps? This was a one off project for me so I'm no expert by any means! I just thought outside the box and did what I could as cheaply as possible!