Upcycling an Unlikely Treasure

As a self-proclaimed thrift store enthusiast and DIY extraordinaire, I’ve always had an eye for hidden gems. So when my brother Craig showed up on my doorstep with a pile of architectural salvage, including a few fantastic solid wood doors, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them.

One of the doors had been chopped in half, and I immediately envisioned the perfect use for it – a stylish, one-of-a-kind coffee table! Now, I know what you’re thinking – a door as a coffee table? Sounds a bit quirky. But trust me, with a little creativity and elbow grease, you can transform even the most unlikely of materials into a stunning piece of furniture.

Measuring Up

The first order of business was to get the dimensions right. The full door measured 30 inches across, which was a bit too wide for a typical coffee table. So, I decided to trim 2 inches off each side, bringing the width down to a more manageable 26 inches. The length of the door was 32 inches, which was just about perfect.

However, as I inspected the door further, I noticed that the space above and below the door insets wasn’t quite equal – a 2-inch difference, to be exact. No problem! I had the perfect solution: I would attach one of the side cutoffs to the end, evening out the proportions and creating a symmetrical look.

Constructing the Frame

With the dimensions sorted, it was time to start building the frame. Using a Kreg jig (a tool my kids had kindly gifted me for my birthday), I attached one of the side cutoffs to the end of the door, securing it in place with wood glue. This little modification made all the difference, giving the table a polished, balanced appearance.

Next, I set about creating a frame to support the door and provide a sturdy base. I cut a 1×6 piece of wood to the exact measurements of the door, mitering the corners and gluing and nailing everything together. To give the frame a little extra stability, I added two pieces of scrap wood to the bottom, nailing them in place from the outside.

Layering the Textures

Now that the structural elements were in place, it was time to start adding some visual interest. I decided to incorporate a touch of rustic charm by layering the door with reclaimed pallet wood. After a quick sanding to smooth out the surface, I nailed the pallet wood pieces onto the ledge I had created.

To finish off the look, I gave the interior of the coffee table two coats of a dark walnut Varathane, a product that combines stain and polyurethane for a durable, high-gloss finish. The exterior, on the other hand, got a coat of black chalk paint, which I then topped with a tinted wax for a lovely, distressed appearance.

Bringing in the Legs

No coffee table is complete without sturdy legs, and for this project, I wanted something that would really make a statement. I opted for 9-inch solid pine traditional legs from the local hardware store, screwing them into the top plate for a secure fit. To make the installation process a little easier, I painted the legs before attaching them, getting into all those nooks and crannies with ease.

Adding the Finishing Touches

With the frame, pallet wood, and legs in place, it was time to add the final touches. I scoured my collection of odds and ends and found the perfect hardware to give the table a bit of rusty bling – a few pieces from an old trunk that I had snagged from an Ebay find a while back.

And to top it all off, I added a chippy handle from my box of treasures, providing a convenient way to open the table and access the ample storage space inside. Now I have the perfect spot to stash all my flea market and HGTV magazine finds!

A Functional and Fabulous Focal Point

The end result is a truly unique and functional coffee table that’s sure to be the talk of the room. Not only does it provide a stylish focal point for my living space, but it also offers plenty of hidden storage – a win-win in my book.

And the best part? I was able to create this one-of-a-kind piece using materials that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill. Sofa Spectacular, a custom sofa company in the UK, would be proud to showcase this upcycled gem in their showroom.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a new coffee table and want to add a touch of personality to your space, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. With a little imagination and a few basic tools, you can transform even the most unlikely of items into a stunning piece of furniture that will be the envy of all your friends.

Repurposing Inspiration: More Upcycled Coffee Tables

If this vintage door coffee table has piqued your interest in repurposing, you’ll be happy to know that it’s not the only unique DIY coffee table idea out there. Check out these other amazing upcycled projects:

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to repurposing and upcycling. So, the next time you come across an unexpected treasure, don’t just pass it by – let your creativity shine and transform it into something truly special.