Table Top Redux

Inspired by last week’s dresser-to-entertainment center project, we decided to spruce up our coffee table and end tables to match.

I wish I had more “before” photos of the coffee table (lack of planning on my part), but here’s a picture of our hideous end table. I originally thought about doing one solid piece for the tops, but decided to try my hand at making farm-house style table tops. Which ended up being a good call. The table turned out great, and it was so easy. As long as you have the right tools, anyone could make these table tops.

I started by removing the old tops. The end tables put up quite a fight (with all the glue), but with an oscillating saw and a crowbar, we got it done.

Then I cut the boards to size, using the old tops as a template. I used 3/4 in poplar for these tables. I really like poplar. It’s cheaper than oak, and you get these beautiful hues of green, gold, and tan in the wood. You have to match the boards up to get a consistent pattern. I joined everything together with a Kreg pocket hole jig. After that, a little stain and paste wax and the top is done.

We painted the bottoms of the tables, and put them back in the living room. It seems like every week we get more and more confident on tackling more challenging builds. As our experience grows, we find better ways in dealing with the issues that come up. I guess that’s a good metaphor for everything in life. Oh well, I hope you enjoyed this weeks project, see you next week.