Introduction: Simple Side Table From a Fence Post
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About: I am a Marine Engineer in the RNZN (45 years done in various navies) and am looking forward to retirement!!! so I can do more messing about with tools
It's lockdown time again in NZ, only for 1 week this time but there was no time to buy in supplies for some projects, so I will just use what I have lying around.
I need a small side table to balance my refreshing libation on whilst relaxing on my chaise by the pool 😂
I need a small side table to balance my refreshing libation on whilst relaxing on my chaise by the pool 😂
Step 1: Materials
A fencepost, or 4 offcuts from fenceposts
Glue
Dog nails /rail staples
Ceramic tile
Tile grout
Tools
Compound mitre saw
Bench sander
Hammer
Glue
Dog nails /rail staples
Ceramic tile
Tile grout
Tools
Compound mitre saw
Bench sander
Hammer
Step 2: Cut the Fence Post Up and Shape Legs
Cut the fence post into 4 equal lengths using the compound sliding mitre saw and then tapered each leg (I used 4 offcuts of fenceposts from building a lean to)
I also sanded the inner surfaces of each leg as they would be difficult to get to later
I also sanded the inner surfaces of each leg as they would be difficult to get to later
Step 3: Glue the Legs Together and Sand Down
I used a waterproof wood glue and glued the 4 legs together and clamped them.
When dry I sanded the whole lot on the bench sander
When dry I sanded the whole lot on the bench sander
Step 4: Add the Staples/dog Nails
Whilst these are for decoration they also provide a lot of strength to the structure.
I have had these knocking around the shed for a while so cleaned them up, painted then and then predrilled the holes before hammering them in.
They are offset from each other to prevent the spikes hitting each other or splitting the wood
I have had these knocking around the shed for a while so cleaned them up, painted then and then predrilled the holes before hammering them in.
They are offset from each other to prevent the spikes hitting each other or splitting the wood
Step 5: Make Sure Its Nice and Stable
The table had a little bit of a "rock" on it.
One leg was about 2mm shorter than the others
There are 2 ways to rectify this
1) try and cut or sand 2mm off the other 3 legs, this almost never works
2) put on your big boy pants and use a piece of wood to help you mark all 4 legs while the table is in a stable position then carefully cut off a decent bit off all 4 legs with a tenon saw
One leg was about 2mm shorter than the others
There are 2 ways to rectify this
1) try and cut or sand 2mm off the other 3 legs, this almost never works
2) put on your big boy pants and use a piece of wood to help you mark all 4 legs while the table is in a stable position then carefully cut off a decent bit off all 4 legs with a tenon saw
Step 6: Tile the Top
I covered the top in a thick layer of glue and added a tile left over from my chaise project
Step 7: Grout
I put some parcel tape around the tile, then grouted with black grout (again left from my chaise)
Step 8: Varnish
Gave it a coat of marine varnish that I found in a cupboard
Step 9: And in Its Place
