How to Make a Repurposed Side Table

Transform an ordinary wood crate into an eye-catching side table.

Save some room in a landfill and create a trendy look for your living room or bedroom with a repurposed side table. With a little creativity and a bit of time, you can create a one-of-a-kind table that will create a statement. Simply select a sturdy wooden item; perhaps an old step stool or a wooden crate, and add a tabletop to create a side table that is kind to the earth and your pocket.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Sandpaper
• Cloth
• Paint
• Medium density fiberboard
• Hammer
• Nails

Instructions

1. Prep the item being transformed into a table. Hammer in any nails that are popping out. Sand the surface of the item, wipe it down with a clean cloth and add a new coat of paint. Alternatively, leave the item as-is to add to the charm of the piece.

2. Cut a piece of medium density fiberboard (MDF) to the size of the tabletop you want to create. Sand the edges and the surface of the MDF. Paint the top and sides a color that speaks to your style. Allow the MDF to dry completely.

3. Apply a sealant to the top of the painted MDF. Allow the sealant to dry completely.

4. Place the MDF on top of the repurposed item and center it. Hammer nails with decorative heads into the top of the board to attach it to the base. For example, if you're using a step stool for the base of the table, hammer two rows of three nails, across from one another, into the top of the stool.