Our Table

So... I thought I would do a little blog on the construction of our table. Like I said, it's definitely not polished or perfect, but that wasn't what we were going for. We would probably tweak some things if we were doing it over or making one that would be a "forever" table. Instead, we just wanted something that would be sturdy and functional. Essentially, it cost us nothing. We picked up the pallets out of the trash. From the pallets, we used the slats for the top and the 2 x 4s for the frame.  The screws and polyurethane were left by the past residents of the home, and all that is left is our labor!  

Anyway... here was the process.

First, we had to break down the pallets. We did this in California but I didn't get any pictures. We also decided on size at this point. I think our table is about 52 long by 32 wide by 29 high. NOTE: On the table and benches, the frames are not these actual dimensions. My dimensions are closer to the end product.   

Then, we had to decide which slats we wanted to use and how they fit best together (because the boards were far from straight). I decided I wanted the existing, weathered nail holes down the center of the boards to line up so that's why they are staggered like that. 

Next, Brandon cut the longer boards to the correct length. 

Then, we moved on to the frame. Brandon did a good job of working on getting it really level and square.

He lathered the edges in wood glue and screwed the sides together. (See anything strange about this pic... he unintentionally built it around a chain that hangs from the ceiling. Fortunately, we could loosen and unhook it).

The legs were one of the next things we tackled. For the legs, Brandon used screws and lag bolts. 

He spent a good bit of time making sure they would be square, straight, and sturdy.

Then, the sanding began. We really debated about this part of the process. We loved the weathered look of the wood and knew that some of that would be lost with sanding, but I also really didn't want to worry about slivered and snags, plus it would be kind of impossible to wipe down with the rough wood. So we decided we needed to sand, atleast a little bit. We didn't spend a lot of time on this. There are definitely still some rough edges and the slats don't match up flush. Essentially, we just smoothed the edges and knocked it down enough so that it would be so rough. Brandon did the first part with the orbital sander and then I finished the boards off by hand.  

While Brandon sanded, I took up a little side project. The thought came to me.. how can you have a rustic looking table with shiny, brass screws? So... I decided to get creative. My solution... sand paper and a sharpie. I sanded off the brassy portion of the head, colored the top, let it dry, and then buffed it up. The end result actually turned out just right. 

Next, we screwed the boards to the frame. Brandon pre-drilled the holes and I drove the screws in. 4 per board. We left about a 3 inch over hang on the sides and a 1 inch over hang on the ends. 

Here is the product at this point in the process.

(Don't you love the property of Coca-Cola board)

 So, after it was all assembled, I began the application of the 2 coats of polyurethane. Once again, we debated about this part because of how it would change the boards, but for cleanliness and functionality, we decided it was best. The stuff that was at the house was for interior furniture. It gives it protection/a barrier from water, etc. This way, I could easily wipe the table after a meal. It was clear, but unfortunately, has a little bit of a glossy finish. Not sure what other options there are out there. Kind of got to work with what you have when the store is 90 miles away. But, overall, I am glad we did it.

After that step was finished, Brandon began working on the benches. We were kind of at the mercy of the wood we had left over when it came to size. We figured out what would work for the bare minimums and went with that. I think they turned out to by about 12 inches wide by 32 inches long by 17 inches high. They seem to be a decent and comfortable size. 

With the benches, believe it or not, I got to use the compound miter saw to cut the slats while Brandon constructed the frame, which was pretty fun! So, once again, cut, sand, screw, and poly x 2 was the drill. 

And here... is our finished product! (Actually, I think I took this pic before I put the poly on the benches... oops...). Anyway, we have been enjoying the fruits of our labor. It's nice to have a permanent table and several spots to sit when the neighbor kids come over for snacks and besides that,  it was fun to build something together! We have two chairs (not made from pallets) that we put on the ends, but once again, not in this picture. Sorry. Anyway, you get the idea!