My idea to make it "custom" was to route out the top so I could insert a ceramic tile into it. It would be decorative, tie in to the style of the room and as this table often holds drink cups, it would be practical as well. I routed it first, then began staining it. I used MInwax brand oil-based stain. I tried brush & rag application & decided I liked the rag the best. (I bought plenty of plastic gloves!) |
step 1 Pick up a basic mission style table at Lowes |
Mission-style Table Make-over the problem: hideous table between our 2 recliners (seriuously...I think it was a $20 table that we paid $15 too much for...) the solution: turn a plain assemble-it-yourself table into a personalized piece that ties into the "missiony" style of our living room. |
step 1 Pick up a basic mission style table at Lowes |
step 2 Get some really GOOD help! |
My idea to make it "custom" was to route out the top so I could insert a ceramic tile into it. It would be decorative, tie in to the style of the room and as this table often holds drink cups, it would be practical as well. I routed it first, then began staining it. I used MInwax brand oil-based stain. I tried brush & rag application & decided I liked the rag the best. (I bought plenty of plastic gloves!) |
Sandra & I chose a 12" x 12" slate-like tile. I did 2-3 coats of staining. I did 3 coats of oil based polyeurothane on the whole thing & 4 on the top. I light sanded after all applications. (The tile was left alone.) I used Minwax paste wax on the table after it was done. Friend, Bob Pattison, was my source of furniture finishing advice, as I hadn't really done too much before this. |
I did not glue or fasten the tile in place---it's a snug fit. Should crumbs or dirt find it's wal into the little crack between the tile & top, I can pop the tyie out---clean up & reinsert it. I drilled a 2" hole underneath the tile to ease the process of removing the tile if needed. |
I am THRILLED with this! |
all about the benjamins... unassembled unfinished table ... $49.00 tile ... $ 1.99 side tables each ... $20 making your own one-of-a-kind matching tables ... priceless |
I was so happy with the first table, I bought matching "plant stands" and did the same procedure to them using a 6" tile. Now they're "end tables" flanking our couch. |
