Wood and metal industrial side table
January 21, 2013
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I’ve been looking for an industrial-type table for the basement forever – it’s the “vibe” I’m going for down there.
I had something in my head, I just couldn’t find it. I mean, I didn’t actively look online or anything, partly because I knew what I wanted wouldn’t be cheap.
I even looked up the number for a local welder to see if I could have something built to match what was in my head.
But then I was in TJ Maxx last week and I spied a table that fit all my wants…kind of. It’s hard to tell from the pic, but it was in sorry shape:
You can kind of see in the pic that the front right wheel was about an inch off the ground, so the whole table wobbled like crazy.
And the top…well, it was just a mess. It was really thin and warped and had cracks in it:
If it had been thicker and not warped I could have dealt with the cracks, but really, it had had much better days.
Even with all the issues I was kind of shocked to see the $39 price tag on it – I just expected it to be more. It’s a good sized table, a nice height, long. The price had been knocked down big time because of all the issues. But I came up with a plan to make it look awesome, so I grabbed it up (and then carried it around the whole store, looking really awkward.)
To start the redo I took the table top off:
And brought it with me to Lowe’s to pick out new wood that fit the same dimensions. I ended up with about $15 (I think?) of pine wood and cut it down to fit the same size tabletop. I came up with a simple design I liked:
(Excuse the gross rug in the garage.)
Once I got the design and sizes of the boards figured out, I started nailing. I actually cut down a piece of scrap particle board to use as a base – I made it slightly smaller for a reason that I’ll show you in a bit:
I nailed the center pieces on first, and then as much of the edge pieces as I could. Here is a better shot of the particle board from underneath:
I just cut it down with my jigsaw -- the edges aren’t pretty, but they don’t have to be. If no one will see it, I don’t worry about it. ;)
Then I used some thinner, lattice wood to frame out the bottom:
It gave me more support for the edge pieces and my main goal was to thicken up the table top. I put the lattice flush with the top boards to make the whole thing thicker and more substantial.
That’s the reason I made the particle board “base” smaller – if I had made it bigger the rough edges would have shown on the sides. I wanted it to look finished and that allowed me to do that.
Hope that makes sense!! Usually I don’t do things the “right” way, I just do them the “what’s easiest and works way.” It’s worked out well for me. ;)
I sanded down the sharp corners and edges, then did one coat of my Minwax dark walnut stain that I use everywhere. (I showed you how to apply it here.)
Oh my goodness, it is SO not perfect. The boards don’t all match up, there are gaps and you can see the cut edges of the wood on the side:
While I was putting it together, I realized I should have mitered the four thicker outside pieces of the tabletop, but later I found I really liked that look -- I love the rough edge at the end. So it worked out for the best! (And it was way easier than mitering!)
I just screwed it back on to the base after a coat of poly dried:
It is the EXACT look, size and height that I was going for right there:
UGH, I LOVE when a project works out!!
Oh, I forgot to mention I fixed the wonky wheel by taking it out on the deck(with the top off) and hanging the shorter side off a step while I pushed down on it. It was just bent and I bent it back, so now all the wheels are level:
They actually roll too. (Squeal!) I have a thing with wheels – kind of obsessed with them.
I accessorized it with cool lamp (from a consignment store) I’ve had forever and never found the right place for, one of my amber vases from the antique store and a brass bowl I picked up at Target a couple months ago:
Oh, and one of my favorite parts is that it’s open underneath so I can keep our blankets tucked away. That basket is from HomeGoods and I LOVE.
Here’s a quick before and after – so many of the issues were hard to see in the photo, but now we have a level, non-rocking, sturdy industrial table that is perfect for this space:
The basketball hoop is totally chic too – please don’t be jealous. ;)
Sometimes it’s nice to build things from scratch, but don’t count out reworking store bought items too! I would have totally tried to get the table for even cheaper, considering all that was wrong with it, but sometimes they don't let you return if you do that. I wasn’t sure this redo was going to work out so I didn’t want to chance it.
Have you made something store-bought perfect for your needs? I’d love to hear!
It came out awesome!! I love the look of wood and iron together. Great rework!
ReplyDeleteGreat find! Love how it came out!
ReplyDeleteSO cool! I really love the industrial look right now, too. Especially mixed with traditional pieces...HOT! You did such a great job. I don't have a gift for designing plans/reworking things when it comes to building, wood, and power tools. One of the million reasons why I love ya...you have such great ideas!
ReplyDeleteNice combination! wood and iron! it looks awesome. Like the industrial look and feel very much..
ReplyDeleteOoh, I LOVE it!! The dark walnut stain is gorgeous. I'm going to use it on the top of my tv stand one of these days. Your handiness rocks, Sarah!! =) Have a great week!
ReplyDelete~ Catie
Love this look! It turned out great.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Very nice job. :)
ReplyDeleteWow! I love how your basement is coming together! Table is faboo and I can't believe how perfect that lamp pairs with it too!
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I always ask for additional % off at HomeGoods, TJMaxx and Marshall's when things are cracked, wonky etc. They can only say "no" but most times say "yes" and I've even returned some things as well.
ReplyDeleteI love what you did with that table. A steal of a deal !
ReplyDeleteHugs
Amazing redo!
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what I am looking for too! I am going to pin this idea for later!
ReplyDeleteSmiles,
The Joyful Thrifter
Wow, Sarah, looks great! The new tabletop makes it look so much more expensive than it was.
ReplyDeleteIt looks good! I like furniture with casters too... :)
ReplyDeletelove it... very restoration hardware :). that lamp is amazing too!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out great! I like the rough edges!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing project. I like your version better than the expensive one. Your's could double as a desk and my son would love it. (love the Nate Berkus brass bowl too and have it sitting on my shelf as well ;)
ReplyDeleteI love how this turned out...it's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! Isn't it the best feeling when it goes well!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find. I love when something a bit unexpected works out in the end.
ReplyDeleteGenius and now you have a cool and trendy table. Love it!
ReplyDeletethe table turned out just right! I like the rustic edges too, works nicely with the industrial legs.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is so much fun to read, projects are creative and totally possible for the average bear!
I saw that basket at Home Goods!! I was so in LOVE with it, but I didn't get it (I'd already spent my home decorating budget for the month). Oh man - seeing it here makes me want to run back and get it immediately! Ha. I love that table - it looks gorgeous! you did a fabulous job with it.
ReplyDeleteSO pretty! What a steal, too! When I read that you wanted to miter the corners I was like, "NOOOOO!" Ha! Love how it looks just how it is. More like a farmhouse table.
ReplyDeleteAloha,
Charlie
Looks great! I have a modern metal-slatted coffee table and I'm thinking my room needs some warming up. I'm considering covering it with a wood top that would sit down over the existing top. I wouldn't be able to screw into the existing table. I know I saw that someone did this to an outdoor table, and I'm thinking it was you. Off to research that now....
ReplyDeleteYou really are one clever girl! Love the new look for the table.
ReplyDeleteLove this table .. can I wish I were you :)
ReplyDeleteI love it and what a great price! It looks so great and with the basket it's perfect.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Actually i just found your blog... So far i am loving all your ideas and decorating style! Can't wait to see more!!
ReplyDeleteActually i just found your blog... So far i am loving all your ideas and decorating style! Can't wait to see more!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job...TJ Maxx is the bomb!
ReplyDeleteI had a really similar story I shared on " better after". Only in my story replace " table" with " chicken coop" and " TJ maxx" with " home goods". Love the table btw!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.betterafter.net/2012/09/hangin-with-mr-cooper.html?m=0
wow, great job! The chunkier top looks so much better than the original. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool re-do! I'm impressed with your power tools skill. They are still a bit scary to me...
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! I love the accessories, too.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you! Great eye! Sometimes it is hard for me to see something at the store and rethink it, but I'm learning! From the best! ;)
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful there!
Chrissy
Wow, that is beautiful! Excellent job, I love the way it looks in the room.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love what you did with this table! About the closest I've ever come is when I purchased a beautiful ceramic urn on clearance at Linens & Things years ago. It was supposed to be used as a bathroom trash can and was originally priced at $65! However, when I bought it on close out I got it for $5 and I've used it for a planter ever since - it's just too pretty!
ReplyDeleteYour new table looks great. I actually like it so much more than the $430 table. You must have amazing super human strength to bend those legs back into shape ;)
ReplyDeleteLooks SO good!
ReplyDeleteKayla
www.lovelucygirl.com
Love that you didn't mitre the corners, even if it was an accident. The rough edge just makes it look so much more rustic and original - and plus it was easier!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love how it turned out. It looks even better than it did in it's original state (flaws aside). I always pass up flawed furniture items at TJMaxx/Marshalls when I come across them, you've inspired me to take a second look... but I'm cheap, I'm only going to pay sticker price if they discount it for damage :)
ReplyDeletehttp://metamorphouse.blogspot.com/2013/01/crafty-containing.html
I love it! It turned out so fantastic - really awesome before and after!
ReplyDeleteTotally fabulous! You've got vision and skills!
ReplyDeleteWhat a super fix. It looks great and the beefy top looks much better. So smart to get this one and tweak it. I'm sure it was worth not having to build the base. I like how it's open too, make it more versatile (:
ReplyDelete