How to Make a Cheap Dining Room Table

Use an antique door to make an inexpensive dining room table.

An elegant dining room table can be created for very little expense with plaster pedestals found at garden centers and an old door purchased from a scrap yard. This table will comfortably seat 10 guests. It can be dressed down for a rustic look with stoneware dishes, cotton gingham napkins and casual place mats or gussied up with a white linen tablecloth, fine china and crystal. Look for some chairs for your table at estate sales, where the best deals are usually found on the final sale day.

Things You'll Need

• 2 plaster pedestals, 24 inches tall
• Old door
• Screwdriver
• Wood putty
• Sanding sponge, medium grit
• Tung oil
• Rags
• 1 yard heavy gray wool felt
• Epoxy glue
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Remove all hardware, including doorknobs and hinges, from the door with the screwdriver.

2. Measure the bottom flat surfaces of the plaster pedestals. Cut the felt to fit. Glue the felt to the bottom of the pedestals to protect your floor.

3. Measure the top flat surface of the pedestals. Cut the felt to fit. Glue the felt to the top of the pedestals to stabilize and cushion the wooden door.

4. Place the door on top of the pedestals, Make sure the pedestals are placed at even intervals.

5. Fill all empty screw holes in the door with the wood putty. Let the putty dry. Sand it smooth with the sanding sponge.

6. Lightly sand down the entire door. Apply the tung oil into the wood with a soft rag. Let the oil dry. Repeat the sanding and application process two more times.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a third plaster pedestal for an extra-long door.

References

• Stefanie Grosjean; Professional Carpenter; Oxford, Michigan