turn_an_old_table_into_desk_top

Have you seen my command center in the kitchen? It’s a beauty to look at, don’t you think? Especially that gorgeous wood desk top.

kitchen_desk_top

Well, I have a secret! It’s actually an old kitchen table top that was given to me for FREE! Yup, zero dollars, no moolah, nothing! And this is what the table top looks like:

underside_desk

I actually flipped it upside down to refinish it. But, I’m jumping ahead of myself. Here are the details:

Materials:

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materials

Instructions:

Remove the table top by removing the screws from under the table apron.

remove_screws_from_table_skirt

I used the underside of the table because it was unfinished and this saved me the time and effort of stripping the polyurethane off and sanding down any remaining finish.

underside_desk

Set the table top onto the desk. Measure and mark where to make your cuts. (I allowed for an inch overhang on both the front and side.)

measure_table_top

Use ScotchBlue painter’s tape to mark your cut lines.

tape_off_table_top

Clamp a straight edge onto the table at the proper set back for your circular saw. (To insure I don’t cut on the wrong side, I like to write on the cut side of the tape.)

clamp_level_cut_side_off

Set the miter saw blade depth to about 1/8″ deeper than the table top. Cut off the excess table top. Repeat for the second cut.

cut_table_end_off

Check your tabletop fit. Fill the screw holes with Bondo stainable wood filler.

wood_putty_holes

Sand the underside of the table down using 150 grit sandpaper up to at least 220 or 300 grit sandpaper.

sand_up_to_220_grit

Stain the table top using your desired color. (I used Varathane Premium Wood Stain in Provincial Water-Based Stain.) After the stain has dried, add additional coats of stain as needed.

Just to prove that we all make mistakes (even Pretty Handy Girl), if you should accidentally work a water-based stain too much and get a less than desirable results. Wait for the stain to dry, then lightly sand the edges and re-stain your desk top.

uneven_staining_desk

Finish by applying 3 coats of Minwax Polycrylic protective finish. Sand lightly between coats.

polycrylic_and_sand_top

Place the desk top onto the desk. You can glue or screw the top down.

finished_kitchen_desk

I am in love with the warm wood top of my kitchen desk. Would you have known that it was an abused kitchen table?

top_stained_desk_top_view

Looking for more uses for your 3M DIY products? How about building your own wall-mounted hutch for your new desk?

full_desk_hutch_view_kitchen

For more DIY Projects, visit 3MDIY.com!

PHGFancySign

Disclosure:  This post is a collaboration with 3MDIY.com. To keep up-to-date on projects, products and sampling visit 3MDIY.com. Or follow them on 3M DIY Twitter Page, 3M DIY Facebook Page, or 3M DIY Pinterest Page

14 replies
  1. White Eyelashes
    White Eyelashes says:

    Using the UNDERSIDE of the tabletop was sheer genius, but who would expect anything less from you? It’s interesting to see that 3M has bought BONDO, one of my favorite “it’s not just for auto body repair” products and repackaged it as a wood filler. It IS wonderful for deeper gouges in wood if you use fiberglass drywall mesh to support it. My only gripe is that the filler to hardner ratio is very vague and I, for one, regularly use too much hardner only to have my epoxy “kick” too quickly. Thanks for the tutorial. Great results, as always. Hazard a guess on what type of wood that is? Maple? Oak? Solid hardwood=$$$$.

    Reply

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