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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Put your feet up - there's plenty of room!

Happy New Year!  I had a wonderful holiday break from work.  Two entire weeks to do anything I wanted to do - I didn't do much, but I didn't do anything that I didn't want to do, either!

And, despite the fact that I'm struggling with tendinitis / tennis elbow, I did manage to work in the garage.  And just look at this monster - I'll tell you, the Docs don't seem to do anything small!


This table is based on a popular Pottery Barn model (see it here).  The PB model is much smaller and even though it's on sale right now, it still costs twice as much as this one.

The legs on this table were the most expensive part to purchase.  I ordered them on-line from Osborne Wood Products.  They have a great web site, and their service was exceptional.  I received email notifications from the time I ordered them until after I'd received them.  AND, they called to make sure that the finished product was received and was up to my standards! "Uh, yes, sure - What I know about quality materials would fit in a thimble, but, thank you very much for the call!"  When I finally opened the box, I was convinced that the quality is exceptional.  They're just pine, but oh boy, were they pretty!  You can see them here in their natural state.


So, the process was pretty straight forward.  
The table top is 48" x 48" (or as close as this measurement-impaired person could get it!) with a 1 1/2" overhang on each side.
Cut the aprons to size, join the legs to form the base, add the plywood bottom shelf.  So far, so good!

Then, I built the top.  I used pocket holes and glue to join the 2x6 material 
(I trimmed the sides of the 2x6's so some of the rounded edge was removed - made for a tighter fit.)
Then, because maybe one day a little doc might be climbing all over this table I added some additional support down the middle of the large expanse.  Later, I added support under where the "breadboard" ends met the boards joined for the top.  But, you can't see that support here.  

Again, so far, so good. (Really, just okay, but the Docs will be reading this and I'd rather not go into what I had to do to make this work - they may never notice!)


 So, it's together and ready to stain.  I followed the directions found on Ana-White and Shanty-2-Chic for the finish they were hoping for.  I used the same color stain and everything - but it was looking really dark. Uh-oh.



And, when I asked the docs, they agreed - it was much darker than the picture we were working from.
Could I get it down a "notch or two"??  Huh, mom, huh??  
I tried.  No luck.  So, I suggested that we try the same type of finish as the dining room table, and they both agreed.  They liked that finish, after all, so why not?  This would be a bit different because the base stain color was darker.  I just followed the same steps:  Conditioner, stain with Dark Walnut, stain with Weathered oak, paint (rag on, wipe off), stain with a mixture of Special Walnut and Weathered Oak, polyurethane

Dark Walnut applied and sanded

  

Weathered oak applied and sanded.

  

White washed and sanded


Stained with Special Walnut and Weathered oak combined, and sanded.


1st coat of polyurethane applied and sanded.


Ready for pick up!
Let's look at this again - just 'cause I'm so happy they like it!

I just love all the texture and divets in the wood and the variation in the stain.  They might need to be careful where they set their cups, but, it's really pretty straight and flat - I think it'll be okay.
Who knew you could turn out solid furniture with plain old 2x fir material
(and some really pretty legs!)??

1 comment:

  1. Sue,
    Your table turned out beautifully! I love it. I would love to share your project (and a link to your blog for our readers) on our blog and video center. We feature photos of our customers and links to their pages and blogs so our visitors can see how our products can be used (and other great diy ideas!) Please feel free to email me at marketing@osbornewood.com if you're interested.
    Thanks Sue!

    Lane N. Taylor
    Marketing Assistant
    Osborne Wood Products

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