Cost less than $5

Nothing was bought for this table. I allocated $5 as cost for the screws and sandpaper. 2 x 6 legs & 2 x 4 rails used wood recycled from material removed during alterations to our 1930's barn. Supports were extracted from the woodpile. Nails were removed where possible, or cut off and punched below the surface where they were not removable. Because the wood was very old and splintery an enormous amount of time was spent sanding.

 

The top is an Ikea counter thrown out from a kitchen remodel and rescued from the roadside, still in its cardboard box. Score!

 

I am very pleased with the design and plan to make another using better lumber. The table is very sturdy and will be used as a sewing/crafts table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less than $5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The paint is Glidden Rusty Red latex leftover from a friend's barn and so old it had separated beyond remixing. What was left acted like a cross between a glaze and chalk paint. It had to be rubbed down with rags after each coat to remove specks of pigment and loose powdery color. Four coats each applied 24 hours apart and coverage was as good as it was ever going to get. Final coat was Minwax wax.

To duplicate it:
1. Randomly paint white or light paint. Let dry. Sand.
2. Dilute 1 cup of red paint with one cup of water and rub it in/wipe it off immediately. You shouldn't need more than one coat if you want the white to show through depending on how much "old paint' you want to show.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner