Disclaimer: Sorry I don't have pictures for each step. I was not planning on making a DIY blog about this. However for my up coming blogs I will be sure to include step by step pictures that hopefully be helpful!
I originally started off this project wanting to stain the top of the table and then paint the legs. It was completely covered with white paint and when it was originally done it just did not look good! I started standing the top and sanded through the venier! (Picture Below) What! I thought this whole time the table was real wood! Guess not. After this realization I was like "Oh my goodness, I can't fix veiner. I need a whole new top!". This is when the idea of upgrading this table into a farmhouse table popped in mind! So without further ado...here is how I MADE and SOLD a farmhouse table.
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| Ruined Top |
Materials:
- Chalk Paint
- Clear Protective Paint
- Wood Planks
- Wood Glue
- Screws
- Stain
- Wood Stain Conditioner
- Dowels
- Gloves
- Plastic Tarp
- Electric Sander
- Sander Paper
- Painter Sprayer Link
Process:
Step 1 Assessing the situation.
In my case, I decided to remove the original table top which screwed right off. However if you want to save some time and a little bit of trouble you can keep your original top on and apply the wood boards directly to it. I wanted a grey stain wood, with a neutral paint for the legs.
Step 2 Getting the Materials.
Measure your table top width and length. Go to Home Depot or Lowes (or where ever you can get board planks) and get them cut to length. If you want several planks on your top get a smaller width, if you want less vise versa. Pick out a stain for your wood planks. Gather any other materials you feel you need.
Step 3 Preparing the Wood.
Sand the wood. I would recommend using an electric sander, it saves tons of time and has get results. Before staining the wood planks use a wood stain conditioner, it prevents blotchiness. After the wood conditioner has settled stain your wood to prefered color, this may take a few layers of stain. I used two coats of stain. I applied the stain using an old wash cloth. I also only stained the top and sides of the wood planks to save time.
Step 4 Painting the legs.
Painting the legs was quite easy using the sprayer, I did have to thin the chalk paint with water so it didn't clog. I sprayed two layers of chalk paint on the legs. I also painted the chairs I had as well using two layers of paint. Since table legs and chairs are not a large flat surface it's easy to miss a spot so make sure you double check that you covered the entirety of the legs.
Step 5 Assembling the Table.
Since I did not keep my original table top on I had to perform a few extra steps. I drilled holes towards the top, middle, and bottom of the sides of each plank making sure they matched up plank to plank. I then filled each hole with wood glue and then proceeded to add the dowels and connect the boards together (use clamps to hold the boards together while glue is drying). After waiting 24 for the wood glue to harden I screwed the wood planks to the legs and frame. Be extremely careful when drilling or screwing wood planks, because the wood may split. If you are just applying the wood planks to your already existing tabletop it is a lot faster. Apply wood glue to tabletop, apply wood planks to the existing tabletop, screw through the bottom of the already existing table top through to the wood planks (do this to each plank and each end of plank).
Step 6 Applying Clear Coat.
I wasn't aiming for the vintage/rustic look that has been quite popular lately, so I went for a semi gloss protective clear coat (however, if you do want that look, wax for chalk paint will help you achieve that). The clear coat helps seal the paint and adds extra protection as well. Chalk paint is also naturally matte so if you want a shiny finish this helps accomplish that look. I applied a clear coat to the entirety of the table (wood plank top included).
Step 7 Enjoy your Farmhouse Table.
After everything is done drying and complete you can now enjoy your farmhouse table!
This whole project costed $216.51 (this price includes materials I bought for reupholstering my chairs as well). I decided to put the table up for sale on a local facebook yard sale page and sold it the same day!
Finished Project:
Please feel free to leave comments or questions.
If you make a farmhouse table of your own, I would love to see the results!
