DIY furniture is my jam. Well, let me rephrase that. A good DIY project with refinished furniture is my jam. I’ll be honest I’m not much of a complex builder but I do love to makeover furniture. That being said, I’ve created my fair share of DIY table top ideas.
If that’s what you are looking for you’ve come to the right place! From an old tables to new tables to a side table (or end table) to a dining room table or living room, table tops are normally the first to wear down and the first to need a new face lift.
In this post I’ll share a handful of DIY table top ideas from my past projects. The best part is that I’m also sharing more good ideas from other awesome bloggers too.
Let me share a handful tips and tricks and materials needed to refinish or build those creative DIY tabletop ideas.
Planning Your DIY Table Top
Any project takes some strategic planning first. It all starts with the right materials.
Selecting the Right Materials
The choice of materials impacts the table top’s durability, appearance, and maintenance requirements. Common materials include:
- Wood: Offers warmth and traditional appeal. Hardwoods like oak and maple provide durability.
- Plywood: Cost-effective and suitable for large tops with a laminated finish.
- Metal: Stainless steel or aluminum deliver a modern look and are highly durable.
- Glass: Creates an elegant, open feel but requires careful handling and maintenance.
- Composite or Laminate: Good for those seeking low maintenance and a variety of patterns.
- Concrete: Concrete table top material is becoming a popular choice for a durable finish.
Painting and Staining Tools:
- Paintbrushes or rollers
- Wood stain
- Protective sealant (varnish or polyurethane)
Custom Table Top Designs
Let me share a handful of table top design ideas. Each style creates a unique design for a whole new look. I hope you find a great idea to inspire your next piece of furniture.
Rustic Farmhouse Style
A Rustic Farmhouse table top can be achieved using reclaimed wood planks. They are typically finished with a clear sealant to showcase the natural grain and imperfections, lending an authentic, lived-in feel. Use a light sanding technique to maintain the texture.
You can see where I gave an old dining room table a makeover with chalk paint and dark stain here!
I also created my own DIY table top for an outdoor table with deck boards. These wooden boards were each to attach and cut a circle out of.
This wooden table top was so simple to make! Check out the post for all the details.
Finishing and Protective Coatings
A well-chosen finish can both enhance the beauty of a tabletop and protect it from wear, spills, and scratches. The right application technique ensures durability and an appealing look, while regular maintenance keeps the finish looking its best over time.
Choosing the Right Finish
When selecting a finish for a table top, you have to consider the type of wood, usage, and desired aesthetic. For high-traffic table finishes, polyurethane provides a hard, durable surface. Lacquer offers a smoother finish with moderate durability. Those seeking a natural look may opt for oil finishes or wax like tung or linseed, which penetrate deeply but require more maintenance. A simple comparison can guide the choice:
| Finish Type | Durability | Appearance | Maintenance Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane | High | Gloss/Satin/Matte | Low |
| Lacquer | Medium | High gloss | Moderate |
| Oil (Tung, Linseed) | Low | Natural | High |
Painting and Staining
Color can dramatically change a table’s appearance. Options include:
- Painting: A high-gloss or matte finish in bold or neutral colors.
- Staining: To enhance the natural grain of wood or to darken/lighten the wood tones.
You can see how I used Unicorn Spit stain to create a set of beautiful stepping stones that I covered in a thick glossy lacquer. You could easily use this technique on a table top. Wouldn’t it be beautiful on a live edge table? I love all the different colors.
I’ve also got a full list of awesome colorful wood stains here if you are interested in more options.
Edge Details and Profiles
The edge of the table impacts both aesthetics and functionality. Common profiles include:
- Beveled: A slanting edge that adds elegance.
- Rounded: Smooth, curved edges for a soft look and safety. A round table is always a classic design choice!
- Ogee: An S-shaped curve that works well for traditional designs.
Don’t forget about a live edge table top! Live edge tops are not only beautiful but add a bit of dimension to a regular table.
DIY Table Top Ideas
Creative DIY Table Top Ideas
Check out a handful of easy and creative DIY table top ideas. If you are looking to restore or even create a new DIY table top, check out some of these ideas first.
In this simple tutorial you will learn how to apply faux marble self adhesive contact paper to a countertop to make it look like real marble!
Check out this fun idea for how to make a concrete side table that can also be used as a stool.
Looking for a way to repurpose that old concrete planter? Check out this easy tutorial on how to make a DIY outdoor table with a concrete planter and a DIY wooden table top to sit on it.
With just a few wood working skills and some creativity, you can create this beautiful geometric wood table top design for any flat surface.
Looking for a way to repurpose some old wallpaper? Check out this easy tutorial on how to use wallpaper to decoupage a dining room table top.
This fun tutorial shows how to take a few napkins to decoupage a thrifted table top and turn it from trash to treasure!
Check out this easy tutorial on how to use Quikrete to make a cute outdoor concrete side table. This concrete table top is durable and lovely.
See how Wendy took a bunch of scrap wood and created this beautiful table top for her back patio.
Learn how to make a simple wooden table top with a Kreg Jig with this easy to follow tutorial!
