As every good mother would do, there I am driving my kids to their practice when what do I see sitting lonely on the curb with snow spitting all over it? {{gasp}} Instantly I do a U-turn and pull in the drive to rescue it. However, there’s one problem. A large, old, shaggy senior dog is barking softly at me. This drop-leaf dining table is coming home with me, and I have a plan.
Honestly, I know this dog and it’s harmless, but I didn’t want to upset him. So, I parked in such a way that he wouldn’t see me and grab the table and I’m gone in less than two minutes. He’s happy, I’m happy, and my kids are like…I need to get to practice! haha. We’re always early, so it’s not a problem. But…can you blame me? You can see what I with these drop-leaf tables HERE.
If you’ve followed me for long, you know that FREE doesn’t mean no work. It typically means oodles of work. However, when I get home, I’m happy to see that the hardware is all present and functional, and it’s sturdy. The top does have wear with dents, dings, and cup rings. First, it’s time to break out my sander!
Then, after spending two hours sanding, I’m left with a clean finish and hopefully a surface I can work with. I’ll fine tune my work later. You see, the top is a ply material, but not like you use for random builds, but made of better-quality materials.
DISASSEMBLY
Then, in order to make sure all is refinished in the edges and such, so I flip it upside down and take it apart. Not only do I tighten up all the screws, but I also sand down the edges as well. Next, now that my prep work is complete, I’m able to move onto finishing. In order to do that I use a weathered reactive stain. This kind of stain is a natural stain that allows it to age using the tannins in the wood.
After the stain cures, I flip the leaves over and use a milk paint called Parchment to dress it up from underneath. I paint the leaves and also the skirt and legs.
Oh, and in case you didn’t know…I have a cat. ahem. Shall I leave them? Time will tell. I love Lily, but she’s such a diva.
Last, as soon as the two layers of paint cures, I reattach the leaves and add a three layers of a matte poly topcoat with a micro foam roller.
THE REVEAL
As you can imagine, the bit of elbow grease I poured into this curbside drop-leaf dining table really pays off with obvious effects. Would you guess it’s the same table?
First, the weathered wood stain really turned this into another era because that orange was awful…right? Second, the white underneath removes the ominous feeling it had. Now it looks less heavy.
Likewise, the best part of these kinds of tables is that it can be used as an entry console, as a library table behind your sofa, or in your small space dining ready to pop out to entertain.
How would you use it in your home? For me, I’d love to have it in an entry so I could whip it out when friends and family come over.
With that, I’m excited to offer this in my online store along with many other custom, antique, and vintage finds. Stop by to see!
SHARE
In addition to leaving some comment love below, let’s encourage and inspire others to pull up their DIY sleeves. Pin and share to make it even more fun.
Likewise, don’t miss another post and be sure to sign up for my newsletter to see what becomes of these thrift store frames. Come see these frames now OVER HERE.
Also, more table makeovers like this drop-leaf dining table:
So pretty!!! And so useful!!! The gorgeous legs really stand out now and what an awesome table top!!!! ? I love your idea as an entry table, or maybe a sofa table? Could make a great second table for holiday guests!! Oh yea, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!?????
You are so fun, Rebecca! 😀 Yes, I totally see it useful in so many ways. Thank you for the birthday wishes! It’s coming up too fast.
Frist off, Larissa, I love the table. Drop leaves are so versatile! I love how you combine stain and paint. I just hate to cover up gorgeous wood grain when it can be salvaged. What has caught my eye today (and have probably missed them numerous times before) are the sconces in the photo. I’m guessing that you made them and I’m wondering what the base is… it appears to be a tool of some sort?
Thank you for sharing your faith in your posts. It always encourages me!
Because HE lives I will face tomorrow,
Jan
Amen…He LIVES! You can see what I made them out of (antique clamps) in this past post: http://prodigalpieces.com/2016/04/diy-farmhouse-lighting/
Thanks for the love!
Another wonderful find and redo.!
Happiness and blessings.
Back at ya! 😀 Thank you, Stephanie.
I don’t like to use the word love (especially when talking about inanimate objects) because it’s so overused and it means so much more to me than a catch all term for something you just really like. However I really enjoy a good drop leaf table. They are one of my favorite styles. My mom redid one for my Grandpas little house in town and I sat at it frequently while she fixed up the house for our family reunion. That was many moons ago. I think I was 4 or 5 at the time.
Birthday blessings!!
I totally agree, but a very passionate person so I use it often as well as other words. I get it though. 😉 I just love that memory you shared. Such a blessing! Thank you, Niki.
Looks great, Larissa! BTW, I’m sure you’ve mentioned it before, but what is the brand and name of that reactive stain? I wouldn’t know what to buy if I shop for this (which I probably will!) Thanks!
Thanks, Amy! It’s by RustOleum and I buy from a local hardware store, not the big box stores. I’m all about supporting small businesses that put back into our community. 🙂
What a difference, Larissa, now it has so much farmhouse charm!
Thank you, Marie. I know you would have done the same stop if given the chance. haha!
Great job! The very first piece I ever redid was an old drop leaf table very similar to this! So, did you leave the cat prints on the underside of the table? I would have left them!
That’s funtastic! I painted over since I was selling it and many folks don’t like pet things in their home. It was fun, though!