When I started to put up the Christmas tree, I had to rearrange the furniture in the living room. Once I did that, I needed an end table. Failing to find a free one at my mother’s house, I started thinking about what I could do. Then it hit me…
I had this iron outdoor table on the porch! So I told my husband I thought it would be a great idea to make a wood top for that and bring it inside. Now, we have tons of junk reclaimed wood around here to choose from. My father had brought home a wooden crate that had been used to ship something somewhere.
So Luis cut two pieces, then made some biscuits (the wood kind) and used his jointer to join them. Then, he used his router on some more junk wood to create the trim.
We attached the top to the iron with washers and screws, which can be removed if I ever want to use just the iron again.
I am not a furniture painter. I much prefer stripping off old paint then staining and finishing. After sanding the bare wood, I stained with a water-based Minwax Vermont Maple. Then, after sanding again, I rubbed an oil -based Minwax Dark Walnut. I sanded that just to give it some character then finished with several coats of Minwax Polycrylic.
Now, I have always heard that you cannot mix oil and water so to speak. However, the instructions on both the oil and the water-based products, said it was ok. Obviously, they have to be dry. Just follow the instructions on whatever stain or protective coat you use, and you’ll be fine. I used polyurethane because I wanted a durable water-based finish that will stand up to kids leaving cups, etc.
What I love is how the finish really coordinates with the walnut sideboard and other furniture I have in this room.
I also love that it’s rustic, but fits right in with my antique furniture. But the best part is that it was basically free and we made it with what we had!
This project sent me in search of more iron I could use for tables, and I found something at the Salvation Army thrift store for $15 that is my next project…just a peak.
Now I’m off to look for some more wood before it gets thrown away!
I’ll be linking up for the first time to Kim’s Boring to Better party at Savvy Southern Style, so go be there and say hi!
And, I’ll also be linking up to Courtney’s Feathered Nest Fridayover at French Country Cottage, so go by there too!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Anita
I LOOOVE your table and can't wait to see your next project!!!! Are you on Facebook????? XO, Pinky
Anita…I LOVE iron. My kitchen island is made from an old singer sewing machine base. Your table is gorgeous and I am just waiting to see that SA piece 🙂
Blessings!
Gail
Your table is wonderful Anita! It looks fabulous in your home!
That is just beautiful Anita and fits perfectly in that spot! Isn't it so fun to have something turn out so well knowing you used items you already had? Helps to have handy folks around you too! 🙂
Vanessa
Both you and your husband did a great job on that project. Your table looks really good. I cannot wait to see your newest project too!
Anita — what a great, creative way to get a talbe. Think its so funny that you said that "since you couldn't get anything free from you mom! Joni
I love it Anita and am so glad you are linking up. Woo hoo!
Anita, you are both so creative.I love the finished color….it's so rich and matches all the rest of your living room.Pretty!
It looks wonderful and free always makes it so much nicer 🙂
Have a great week!
What a cool idea! Very nice. I also love your sideboard. Thanks for sharing.
Anita,
That was a fantastic makeover. Love how it turned out. The walnut top is very nice. It looks great in your room.
Sherry
Very nice and that finish is beautiful! That is a nice size too!
Lacy
Great idea! Use change is inspired!
What an awesome transformation! Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration.
Enjoy your evening,
Gail
What a great project and the price was right too!
Great idea. Love that it matches my favorite sideboard.
The table looks really nice. I like anything with iron….Christine
Woo Hooness, Anita! This looks awesome! Aren't you the most clever one thinking of doing this? No one would ever guess you didn't buy your table this way! You did a great job on finishing the wooden top too! Love love love it! 🙂
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 🙂
Hi Anita,
Your table looks great. I am impressed with BOTH of your talents. It will be fun to see what you do with your new treasures.
Blessings
Sue
Anita…this table looks like something you bought at a furniture store! You did a tremendous job staining it and kudos to your husband for making it out of the wood. Just beautiful!
XO,
Jane
Great job!
Now THAT is using your noggin!!!! That is just gorgeous and how clever of you and Luis to think of that! Anita, you have a gift my friend! Beautiful!
I love your new table!
Anita and Luis, both of you did a great job.
!!Just beautiful!!
XO
Isora.
That's brilliant!!!! Well done!
Oh my goodness, Anita… you are so talented…
You see what "can be" and make it happen.
I love that about you.
It's a real teaching ~ a beautiful lesson ~
like a metaphor for life.
Enjoy the process of transformation
… it can be like a prayer ♥
xoxo
~Maria
This is one beautiful transformation! I just now read your Bio. What a full and blessed life you have lead and continue to do so. I am kind of in awe.
What an awesome idea Anita! It looks great. So nice to have your hubby so handy with wood working. Mine could be, but chooses not to be:) Have a great day…stay warm and dry.
Wow! perfect, I love it when that happens around my house.
I like it! I have a little iron table just like that on the deck, too. Of course, I don't have a husband around until the weekend to build it… Plus, he isn't all that crafty anyway… Plus, we don't have any wood lying around.
Guess I'll just admire yours and leave it at that.
Well, aren't you two the clever ones! This is a super idea, Anita. Can't wait for Part II.
I think this is the perfect table for that spot, and if you hadn't told us, we would have never guessed the top was made from scrap wood. GOOD JOB!
XO,
Sheila 🙂
Hi Anita!! Love this table you made and what a perfect piece for your room!! Great job~ thanks so much for coming by and sharing at Feathered Nest Friday this week! 🙂