It wouldn’t be a normal summer for me if I didn’t have a new build looming. Two years ago I pulled these wood pieces off the curb during city spring clean-up. The minute I saw them I knew I had to turn at least one into a reclaimed coffee table.
What are they though? My best guess based on the holes and and wear is that they are a headboard and footboard set from the Cargo company? Either way, they are now mine to have fun with. haha.
MORE “JUNK”
The same spring clean-up in another part of town, I came up on this sight.
Is that a mess? Yes. But…I look for reclaimed wood for many reasons. This, however, is a treasure trove.
My heart nearly broken when I realized it was yet another antique upright grand piano that had been busted up. I say another because this is a common practice. I have a piano face as my closet transom you can see in our bedroom remodel.
While I would have taken all of this, I had to pick and choose what I really wanted and could fit in my truck. The keyboard had to stay because it is wicked heavy, but I came home with this loot.
Most of what I salvaged was the ornate parts. I even was able to grab the piano face, but it was missing a part. That is at least until I found it in a box of vintage linens I also grab.
While I am heartbroken this 1800’s piano is in pieces, I at least try to save the parts with a story. I have saved an upright grand piano myself and use it in my home. It’s a treasure to us as I love to play and have taught my children to play too.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
So it may seem like I have deviated from my original intent, however, I am still talking about curbside junk (aka. #trashure). These two finds are going to be married into that reclaimed coffee table I initially mentioned. You can see some of my past builds HERE. For today’s purpose, I’m using the larger of the two bed pieces and these upright pieces off of the back of the piano structure.
They are solid maple and have a slight taper to them. Perfect for making legs. woot! First, I make necessary repairs to them and sand them down. Then, I cut them to length on my miter saw.
In addition, I also prep the table top for its new purpose. I fill the holes with dowel to prevent little fingers from getting curious and stuck. Notice I’m using dowel from those foam brushes you can buy for cheap. I don’t toss anything that can be reused. {{fist pump}}
Finally, after more cutting of 1 x 4’s for a skirt and adding a extra reinforcement, I have a dry fit table.
I use my Kreg Jig to make pocket joints into each leg and into the bottom of the table. Plus, I use these corner braces
PAINT & STAIN TIME
After more sanding and finish work I am ready for paint and stain. This special stain reacts with the tannins in the wood to age it naturally and quickly. I just love it! You can see how I’ve used in on many past projects in these posts.
Then, while the stain is doing its job, I apply a coat of a dark gray paint to the base using the same brush. My goal is not to coat it solid, but rather let the raised grain peek out here and there.
Last, when all is cured, I add my favorite kind of accent…typography. With my handy overhead projector, I cast my graphic on the top and have at it. This is much like the drop-leaf table I did not too many months ago.
Once all is cured, I add a few coats of a poly.
THE REVEAL
Here is my reclaimed coffee table in the finished form. I’m stoked to have it done and also have the story for the typography.
Mr. Rothstein was a man who was a farm hand and friend for my parents while I was a baby and tiny tot. My memory of him is a sweet bearded man wearing bib overalls, a straw hat, and a smile. He offered my parents such wisdom on farming and life in general. If you had a need, he saw fit to fill it. Eventually, my parents built my childhood home much farther south.
Shortly after, Mr. Rothstein would make his way down to see us bringing farm fresh produce, treats, and more smiles. As my young self, I kind of thought of him as a family member. Currently, as an adult, I believe that single man would have made a great dad, a farm owner of his own. This table is for you, Mr. Rothstein. Thank you for helping me to love the country life.
In addition, I hope you’ve enjoyed my latest build using my finds from Curb le Chic. If you’d like to make this reclaimed coffee table a part of your home story, you can find it available in my online store. We deliver to you…anywhere!
SHARE
Also, pin and share my reclaimed coffee table build to inspire others. Someone’s trash can become your treasure = #trashure.
Up next, I’m sharing the build I create with the smaller of the two “doors” I started with. See the after HERE in this post.
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In addition, more DIY builds like this reclaimed coffee table:
I enjoy seeing how you can take someone’s discarded items and turn them into beautiful works of art!
It’s so fun for me to take on a challenge and see what I can do with it. Thank you, Susan.
Hi Larissa! Although it was sad to see the piano in pieces, you created an awesome coffee table and collected some really good reclaimed parts from it!!
Hi there, Cheryl! 😀 It really does break my heart, but at least I found it and salvaged what I could. So much waste that could be made into #trashure. Thank you for the love.
Beautiful Larissa! Sad to see people destroy things instead of trying to repurpose or let someone else enjoy it! Nice memory of your neighbor. I want to paint my console in my living room.
Thanks! Yes, indeed. I miss the simpler times and especially country living.
Nice! Did you free-hand that typography? Love the piano parts!
Thanks! I used my projector to cast my image on, but then hand-painted it in. It’s so therapeutic.
What a great use of items that were headed for the dump. And, what a tribute to a special person in your life. These brushes would be so useful. I am in the midst of redoing a bookcase with doors from an old school. Love these “other peoples junk” pieces. Thanks for all the give aways!
I had such fun! And couldn’t wait to see them put to use. Thanks so much. Sounds like you will have fun!
One man’s junk is another woman’s treasure. You amaze me! Can’t wait to see how you use the ornate panel from the piano.
tee hee! Yes, #trashure! 😀 I am waiting for the right time to use in this home or in the next one. Time will tell.
My heart creaked too over the piano, such a waste! Love the salvage you did, though, and, the patio spruce up was lovely!
Thanks so much, Amanda. 😀
Many people see trash, you see treasure. You have a creative vision for “what can be”. We get to see your vision become a reality. Lucky us.
I call it #trashure. It sure makes what I do fun. I like to be different, so yes I’m the nut picking up a busted upright piano. haha. Thanks so much for the smile, Rita.
Wow! You amaze me with your creativity and thriftiness ? I really want to do some trashuring & diy-ing myself but I’m so nervous to try. My daughter & I want to paint an old desk for her use. Perhaps that will be my first project. Zibra brushes would sure help me feel like it might be a success ? Thanks for all the inspiration!
Yay! That makes it fun for me. Thank you, Sheri. You can do it! You just need to try. The desk sounds like a great place to start.
I know what you mean about the pain of seeing the demise of so many upright pianos…. it’s so sad!! But, you gave this piano new life and potential!! Great job!!! ?
Literally tears…the craftsmanship alone. Wow. Thanks so much for the love, Rebecca.
I bet that piano was stunning when it was together! Sad to see it torn apart, but good for you to be able to repurpose it! The coffee table is cute and a touching tribute to your family friend. I would paint the buffet in my dining room…
Yes! Imagine the sound too…breathtaking. I’m glad I found it before the trash truck did. Hopefully someone else grabbed what I left behind. Thank you for the kind words. If I could hug Mr. Rothstein right now…
I’m working on a table and chair set. I’d use the brushes on it.
Since finding your blog, I have a new appreciation, and eye for junk! I now see potential in the in nearly everything on the curb (could become a problem, nah!).
Thank you for always inspiring!
You just made my day, Cynthia! That truly is what I’m all about. Thank you so much for the love.
I always admire the ideas you come up with. And thank you for sharing! It’s fun to take “spare parts” and create something entirely different and useful! I have made a couple decor things from scraps, but you take it all to a new level! Thanks Larissa, and keep inspirng us!
God bless you!
It truly is kinda like a therapy…getting my noggin’ going and creative juices flowing. It’s the best! Hugs!
I love the table! What an imagination you have! Thank you for the giveaway!
You’re so fun, Becky! 😀 Thank you.
I love how that turned out, and it looks super solid & sturdy too! Very nice!!!
I see the pianos all the time on marketplace, for free……makes me a little sad that they can’t all be salvaged 🙁
Love the coffee table!
Me too. Playing is a so good for the brain and a healthy pastime.
it looks great! i went to look at an antique piano and ended up dismantling the one that had sat outside for 10 years! great pieces of oak and lots of pretty ornate pieces too! i love your story of Mr. R – it’s a nice tribute to him!
I’m so glad you salvaged it. Such an art and pride taken in them by the craftsmen and women.
I am always seeing these old pianos being given away! I wish I knew what to do with them and had the room, I would take them all home lol! Have a great day and love your work!!
Me too. There are many uses for them for sure.
That coffee table is fantastic, your vision on making things is great . you are very talented. I really enjoying getting your emails. I agree with you on the country life I am a dairy farmer and I would not trade the country life for anything. It’s so peaceful and quiet.
I would love to join you, Joann! 😀 One day God will see fit to give me my own land. I’m trying to be patient.
So appreciate your vision for transforming ugh into beautiful Larissa! Wow! The coffee table is beautiful; I love the chunky maple legs! And the tribute to a special farmer in your past. ❤️ Thank you for the brush giveaway. If I did win I would tackle a dining room set that needs an uplift…thanks again for faithfully inspiring!
Thank you, Mary. I truly had this in my head for 2 years and am excited to have it come to fruition. Mr. Dave was the BEST.
Love the table! I have to say I really enjoy seeing how you assemble your projects, in fact I bought a Kreg jig after seeing that you used it frequently, and I must say it is easier than I expected and I love the results. At first my kids thought I was crazy, but when they tried it out on a bench they were building, they loved the result. Thanks for all you do – you are such an inspiration!
Hooray!! That’s awesome that you got one. It truly is fun to use with endless projects ready and waiting. I’m doing a happy dance! 😀 Thank you, Judy.
Such a sweet memory! Great job on the table ,I love your typography.
He was such an inspiration to me even at such an early age. Mr. Rothstein even made me furniture when I was little. I wish I could give him a hug.
I do not like to see waste myself- so this is wonderful! And the results are beautiful!
Yes! Truly is something for me to be able to save what I can. I just need more of me…hahaha. 😉 Thank you, Rebekah.
it was neat to see how you made something so cool out out the junk. And neat idea too with the stencil. I look forward to your creative emails.
Thank you. Fun for me to build and also hand-paint the design I created. Hugs!
I like what you have done with pieces headed for trash. You are so creative! Hope you can put the beautiful decorative piano piece in your dream home!
Thank you, Toia. Yes! My goal is to save it and hopefully use it in a country home…one day.
Your talent never ceases to amaze me. Your table is GORGEOUS! The sentiment that went into it is so touching. People just don’t realize the lasting mark they leave on someone’s life. I can only hope that I leave a memorable mark on someone’s life like that. I have several people in my life that left that kind of mark on me and I am truly grateful for it.
If I won those awesome brushes I would have endless uses for them. First though would be to paint and stain the hutch that my Mother left me. She died 3 years ago July 3rd and it has taken me this long to even think of working on it. It was her pride and joy and memory of her mother as it is what she bought with the small inheritance she received. She wanted me specifically to have it because she said I was the only one that would love it like she did. Sorry to ramble, I’m just feeling sentimental (and teary-eyed now).
You sure make me smile, Kim. Thank you. I wish I could show Mr. Rothstein what I created to honor him and his memory. Hopefully he’s smiling right now. Sending you huge hugs. I too, am teary-eyed for the many people that touch my life. This table felt good to work on as your mother’s hutch will be for you. Trip down memory lane with many times to cherish awaits you. Enjoy.
What a great story behind both the curbside finds and the table dedication. Your reclaimed table is awesome, Larissa, and I’m sure won’t last long in your shop.
Don’t you wish you could go back in time and tell people how much they mean to you? Seems like we don’t think enough at times… Thank you for the love, Marie.
love it!
Thank you!
I am constantly amazed and inspired by your creativity! You consistently find pieces that most others would see as trash and create something spectacular. Thanks for doing what you do.
Your words make my day, Jennifer. Thank you for helping me to feel loved. I do enjoy sharing my adventures as well as the things I create. Hugs!
I am so sad about pianos being chopped up and thrown away, too! I have an older one (used). I do play and it is sometimes hard to imagine salvaging a really old one as it costs a boatload of money to move it (I guess i”m talking professional moving for a grand) replace the parts that have worn from age and disuse, and get it tuned. If it hasn’t been played, often it has major problems and needs a rebuild. But I wish there was a better way.
There are many uses for them outside of being played for sure. Desks, coffee bars, or reuse the parts. No chopping needed for sure. 😀
I was so happy to see that you had a new blog post. I love to see what you have created. I am so impressed with the coffee table that you created and the wording on it.. I always love reading how you make your items and what products you use. You are a genius when it comes to finding items and making them into wonderful, magical creations. It is wonderful to see the talent that God has blessed you with. We,, also, are blessed by your sharing what you do. You are a very talented woman.
Hi Becky! Thank you so much. It truly is fun for me to build, share, and then begin again. Wahoo!!
I’ve got an old nightstand that is crying out for a new paint job!
Hope you enjoyed the work I shared today. 🙂
I do enjoy seeing all your wonderful makeovers and turned trash into wonderful treasures.
At the moment not painting anything; just 2 Hot here in Texas for time being.
Thank U 4 this wonderful giveaway opportunity
Thank you. It’s fun for me. 🙂
So happy to see you salvaged what you could of that piano! The coffee table is beautiful! I love seeing all that natural wood.
I have so many projects that need painting or staining that I think I will start with a stool or maybe the library table my mil is giving me!
Thanks for this great giveaway!!!
I just couldn’t leave it there…so sad! :/ It sounds like you have fun on the way.
Love the way you reuse materials. Love the table.
Thank you. 🙂
Your vision never ceases to amaze me … I always love to see what you do with things that someone has considered to be TRASH!!!
hee hee! You’ve made me giggle, Michele! 😀 Thank you so much.
What a beautiful story and upcycle project! You constantly impress and inspire me!
Your words mean much, Doreen. Thank you!
Another inspiring project! I love the typography story. What a great personal touch. 🙂
Thank you. He was a treasure of a man.
While I have many brushes for my projects, I have yet to try a Zibra bush! I would love the opportunity to try them out for my next “re-do”. So many projects to be done!
The curbside find is the head and footboard from a bed by Cargo company. They used shipping crates in the beginning to make their furniture. Our boys had the bunk beds, then they were twin beds & then I sold them. I had painted them white & painted the big deck screws black. They were so cute. I was given a captain’s bed a few years ago that is about to go into storage, but I did paint it white also. So I recognize the furniture immediately. Beings back some good memories. You did a beautiful job on the coffee table & I can’t wait to see what you do with the other door.
Yes, I figured that out too. Solid stuff and curious why someone would throw them out. I posted the other project yesterday. 🙂 Thank you for the kind words.
Beautiful table! I love the way you can see beauty in someone’s discardded items. Can’t wait to see what you do with the front of the piano, the part that part that sheet music sits on. It’s such a wonderfully decorated piece. Looking forwatd to the redo.
Thank you! It was such a fun trip down memory lane. I actually sold the face to a local gal as I needed to make some huge changes around here and letting go of dreams. It has a happy new home.