Well, it took us 3+ weeks, but our 12 foot long DIYed living room console table is officially finished!
Before I get into any more pics of the final piece in place, let me back up a bit and recap some of the most recent constructions steps that got us there (since the last time you saw our console table it was stained but still topless). As you know, we had to turn to Plan B for the top since the pallets didn’t play nice (more on that here) so after lots of driving around town in search or something reclaimed that we could use (where sadly nothing was the right width or available in enough bulk) Plan B ended up being “buy new wood and make it look old.” Hence this pile in my basement:
After trying out a few different combinations of boards on the floor of Home Depot, I discovered that I could achieve a near-perfect width by placing four 1 x 4″ boards (in plain whitewood) sandwiched between two 1 x 2″ boards (in poplar). This arrangement, by total accident, ended up looking great since the poplar 1 x 2″s around the perimeter inadvertently added a nice border that would match the 1 x 2″ poplar framing that I used on the front of the bookshelves. Score.
Since we wanted to lay the boards on top in a staggered almost brick-like pattern, I cut all of my 1 x 4″ boards into two-foot lengths to start.
The next step was to distress each of the boards to make them look more aged and less straight-from-Home-Depot. This process, as well as staining them, is a whole story in itself so we’re going to do a follow-up post with an avalanche of details (it’ll have some video, which I have yet to edit – so that’s why you’re getting this reveal post first). But here’s a glimpse of the whole distressing process to tide you over (it involved a variety of things from hammering dents and dropping a bag of screws to making line imprints and roughing things up with pointy objects).
Once I had distressed all 27 pieces of wood (yep, over two dozen) Sherry worked her stain magic on them. Again, we’ll get into this more in a follow up post full of details (yup, there’s some staining video to edit too) but it basically involved doing a variation of applications using Minwax’s Dark Walnut and Ebony stains (some light, some dark, some mixed, etc). We ended up with a bunch of boards that looked aged and kinda beat up, like they were collected from a few different sources – instead of just purchased at the home improvement store a week ago looking all shiny and new.
Then it was time to attach them together to create one big solid tabletop – well, actually three tabletop pieces (two long ends and one small “puzzle” piece that would cover our hidden storage compartment in the middle, which can be lifted out). After doing some math, we decided to stagger the boards by four inches so that when it came to the open part in the middle there would be a small lip on each edge for the puzzle piece to rest on when it’s closed so it all looks flush (I promise this will make more sense once you see the final pics at the bottom of the post). The point is, my first few cuts looked something like this.
To attach the boards, I again used my beloved Kreg Jig to screw holes that would tightly join each piece to the one beside it.
After joining the end boards, I drilled the rest of the holes and continued screwing them together, one-by-one. It probably took me about 40 minutes to create each of the two long sides of the wood countertop (and then about twenty to build the smaller “puzzle piece” cover for the storage space in the middle).
Here’s what one side looked like when it was mostly complete (it was still missing the 1 x 2″ poplar border around the edge). You can see how I tried to vary the color on adjacent boards so the change in tone looked intentional and added lots of nice texture and character.
Once the second side was done I double checked everything by placing the tabletops on the console bases – making sure that my measurements were still accurate and I didn’t need to make any adjustments before attaching the poplar 1 x 2″s around the perimeter. Luckily, all was good. Big phew.
Let’s fast forward (past attaching side borders and screwing four staggered boards together to create the middle puzzle piece) and show you our final step before putting the whole darn thing together: touch-up staining and poly-ing. We realized that it would help to stain some of the cut ends and part of the middle storage piece so that no raw wood would be seen. Once dried, Sherry applied a coat of Safecoat Acrlacq polyurethane over everything that was stained to seal it all in and protect our beloved console baby (and our beloved real baby since Safecoat is non-toxic and water-based so it doesn’t off gas like regular oil-based poly does (read more about staining and sealing the consoles here).
Oh and before I forget, do you see the white fabric around the middle console piece in the pic above? That was just an extra sheet that we had which Sherry stapled neatly around the entire wooden frame to create a nice little fabric compartment so nothing that we attempt to store can slyly slip behind the sofa. Then those two baskets that you see stacked on the chair (that we also already owned) can be contained inside the fabric “box” for storing everything from board games and books to remotes and other stuff that you might want to put on a coffee table (since we have an ottoman instead). More pics of that in a minute.
After that last bit of staining and sealing (and a few days of drying) everything was finally ready to come back into the living room. We brought things in one-by-one (bases first, then the tops) and after we had everything lined up the way we wanted it, I drilled a few screws up through the bottom of the two bases on the ends to secure the wood tops in place. And with that, our nearly 12 foot console (with a hidden middle storage compartment and some sweet bookcase-sides for even more stash space) was officially complete.
Maybe we’re biased because it’s our creation, but we’re both convinced that it came out even better than we had imagined. In fact, we think the DIY distressed wood top looks way better in the space than the grey-ish pallets would have (we’re the first to admit that the room has enough gray going on already). Hallelujah for happy accidents.
It also made us really happy that we opted for a rustic warm wood look with lots of imperfections and character (since the room was beginning to skew a little more modern than we had intended). It definitely brings some much needed balance to the overall vibe (especially once we add a heftier TV stand and some table lamps to finish things off).
Oh, but I can’t forget to show you how the hidden storage compartment turned out in the middle. It’s my favorite feature, probably because it makes me feel like James Bond. Can you spot the removable puzzle piece there in the pic below?
Clearly it’s not 100% disguised, but when you’re looking at the console as a whole it doesn’t scream at you (just scroll a few up a few photos to see what I mean) since it’s flush and the ends are still staggered instead of being cut into a big obvious removable rectangle. Once we’ve actually got some stuff on the table (lamps, a lacquer box or two, some books, etc) we think it’ll call even less attention to itself. We were just proud to get such a snug fit without making it difficult to remove (miraculously it slides right out and drops easily back in).
Speaking of which, I did end up drilling a small oblong hole (about 4 John fingers / 5 Sherry fingers wide) to make lifting it out as simple as possible. Three cheers for the sanding bits on my Dremel (Sherry got me a Dremel Trio for Father’s Day last year) which helped me make the hole even and smooth. I was nervous to puncture my took-three-weeks-to-make-it creation, but it all worked out in the end.
When lifted out completely, we gain access to those two storage baskets that I mentioned a while back (we’ll eventually fill them with more games, maybe some DVDs, not-often-used remotes, and who knows what else). Oh and you can see below what I meant by staggering the boards to leave a lip for the puzzle piece to rest on for a nice flush look:
We don’t expect to use that storage on a daily basis, so for the most part it’ll maintain its secret identity as one solid piece except once or twice a week when we dig in there for a movie or a game or something.
Of course we still have to put the darn thing to use – aka add some table lamps to the top, store some items on the shelves on each side, and generally load that baby up with function and a little form (maybe a ceramic animal for the wife). But to give you a sense of what it might look like, here are our two bedside lamps playing stand-in for a minute. It reminds us why the 16.5″ width is perfect for us – it’s wide enough to fit a chunky table lamp without having to worry about knocking our heads into them (since we’re both guilty of over-exaggerated laughing spells during particularly funny moments of Modern Family).
And no reveal post is complete without – say it with me – a budget breakdown. So here it is:
- Wood (white wood & poplar from Home Depot) – $98
- Screws & Tools – $0 (already owned everything)
- White sheet – $0 (already owned)
- 2 storage baskets for middle compartment – $0 (already owned)
- Minwax Ebony Stain – $4
- Minwax Dark Walnut Stain – $0 (already owned)
- Safecoat Acrylacq Sealant – $0 (already owned)
- Cheap paintbrushes for staining – $2
- TOTAL: $104
Clearly wood was our biggest budget hog, but for a nearly 12 foot piece of furniture made from solid wood, we can’t really complain about the just over $100 price tag. Especially since this extremely similar piece from West Elm goes for $379 – and we would’ve needed to buy THREE of them, to the tune of $1,137. Yowsa.
So another big thanks to Ana White for inspiring the design and giving me the confidence to tackle it myself (with the help of my stain slingin’ wifey). Did anyone else out there complete any builds this week? Who’s still in the basement/garage/shed/workroom finishing something up? Speaking of finishing up, I have some videos to edit and a big post to write about our wood distressing technique, so here’s hoping I can get that up in a day or two. In the meantime I’ll leave you with this shot of our new “old” boards before we screwed them all together to make the console top. Is it weird that it gets me all hot and bothered? Whatever, my wife likes leopard heels and I like distressed lumber.
Psst- Wanna see all the past steps that went into building this beast of a console table? Here’s the first post, the second one, and the third one.
UPDATE: CHECK OUT THE ACCESSORIZED CONSOLE TABLE HERE.
Jenny says
It looks like your table build went better than ours. Great job. I really is awesome. Nothing like a huge piece of custom furniture better and cheaper than anything you could have bought. Kudos to you guys!
laura says
I absolutely LOVE it! Will you make me some built-ins like that!? haha. By the way, I had question for you guys….We have white trim in our house and I would like to build a bookcase/fireplace wall in the Living room. Right now I have this dark rustic wood armoire entertainment center and I love the dark wood in the room so I was wondering if we could do the built-in bookcase/fireplace wall in a dark wood? Would that look really bad since we have white trim?
YoungHouseLove says
I’d give it a try since you can always paint it if you don’t end up liking it. Maybe looking in mags for rooms with wood built-ins but white trim will help. I’m sure there are some gorgeous examples out there!
xo,
s
lana @ make a house a home says
my fave project yet!
Paulina J! says
Wow! You guys should be so proud of yourselves!!! This is amazing. Make sure to add it to Anna’s Brag Blog. I’m sure it will inspire others! I definitely need a Kreg Jig. It’s on my list!!!
Elizabeth says
Wow! Good work John and Sherry. It turned out awesomely!! We also have some modern-yet-weathered-looking wood furniture in our living room to keep it from looking too modern. And, LOVE that you also play Quiddler! My family loves that game.
Karrie says
Turned out excellent John! Way to go!
rachael says
Its beautiful! Carpenter John and Stainmaster Sherry! hmm…Maybe not a good title for you, Sherry!lol. This console is so much better than the one you linked to, plus I always think things that are hand made have more value and meaning than something mass produced. I’d be gushing about my hubbies wood working skills to everyone who comes over. You could be like, “Ya ya, thats Clara, shes cute…but look at this console John made!!!” Can’t wait to see it all decked out!
molly says
QUIDDLER!! squee!
Kymberly Lynch says
priceless! love it!
Sarah says
F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!! are you for hire? ;)
Tash says
That is one honkin’ piece of furniture. You have done yourselves proud. I can’t wait to see what Sherry (let’s face it, she’s the decorator in the family) does to the top. How many ceramic animals can it accommodate? LOL!!
LuLu says
I’m trying really hard to understand what this will look like when it’s all done but right now I just think it looks awkward. From the end view it just looks choppy with the carpet ending and the sectional and then the piece in behind it all. Hmmmm. I know I’m in the minority. I’m thinking once it gets all accessorized it might look different.
LuLu
Brittany says
Yay for the new table and for fellow Modern Family fans! I think Manny would be especially appreciative of the new table; I see him lounging in his robe/ascot on the couch with a book in hand and his espresso cup resting nicely on the table.
Paige says
I really love it. Excellent work, John! Can’t wait to see the distressing video…
Paige says
ohhh–lemme add something…Sherry, great stain work! I think staining is my least favorite DIY thing of all time…you did a superb job…looks professional.
Danielle says
WOW! It seriously looks amazing! Congrats on the great job and the impressive woodworking skills!
I conned my husband into making a little shelf/landing strip for our foyer, but it looks like there’s going to be another DIY job in his future. Thanks for sharing!
Catherine says
That is one gorgeous piece of furniture! Congratulations on such a successful endeavor!
Allison says
Ooo, the rustic charm of the top is just awesome. Really like what it adds to the large room!
rachael says
Ok, I have a question. I was wondering if you ever second guess design decisions when someone comments that they don’t like them? Do you sit there and ponder…”Hm, maybe that person is right? What have we done to our house!?”
YoungHouseLove says
Nah. We know we’d be insane to think that the entire internet would love every project that we post. That’s like everyone loving the same outfit or the same meal. Decorating is such a personal preference thing, so we always say to each his own! We couldn’t be more in love with our big ol’ console table. Seriously, whenever anyone has stopped by over the past two days we’ve dragged them immediately in to “meet” the console. He’s a bona fide member of the family, haha.
xo,
s
heather says
I sort of imagine Karl and the console, now established as a ‘he’, as something like this:
http://www.vwlepaulski.com/Pics4/stuck1.jpg
YoungHouseLove says
Uh oh, that url is telling me I’m “forbidden” – haha. I’d love to check it out though!
xo,
s
heather says
HAH! Two thumbs up & an original Mario jump to me for looking like I tried to post not so kosher material on YHL. What can I say, I’m a risky lady.
Okay, more so try this instead. Same photo.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338466/
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, this time it worked.
xo,
s
Stephanie @ A Life More Southern says
I am SO impressed – this looks amazing! Makes me want to go build something now!
Erika says
Love it!! I’ve been lurking awhile and reading your archives and while I’ve loved a few other projects (particularly your new guest room with all that bold color), I have to say this is your most impressive achievement I’ve seen.
Before seeing the big reveal photos, I was skeptical about distressed wood fitting in with such a modern, crisp room, but I have to say it looks way better than I’d hoped, especially in that very first shot where you can see that dark wicker basket next to your entertainment center. Can’t wait to see what else you do to this room!
Lindsey says
Great job! I absolutely LOVE IT!
Sarah says
oh and p.s. the plank against the wall and close to the hallway that looks split– is that a remnant from the pallets? or did you guys diy split wood? i’m just loving that board :)
YoungHouseLove says
John did that! It’s my favorite board ever. We each picked our favorites and that one’s mine. Is that weird? Totally.
xo,
s
Christin says
Wow. Congrats on finishing it! It is seriously impressive. I LOVE the look of distressed wood. Really, really, amazing work guys. Thanks for sharing!
erica blackburn says
I absolutely love how this piece turned out. The size is absolutely perfect, and really does make the room more cozy/less modern (but in a better way). Awesome work, John! And Sherry, too. The stain looks amazing!
Jazmin says
I love the console, so very much! my hubby is a doctor, but he sure is not a carpenter! and with student loans to pay off, we don’t have the money to buy things! I wish he could build! do you want to send John to build something, and my hubby will be your doc for FREE?! just sayin’
Also, I don’t want to say this… but im gonna… OK..i don’t like your rug! ugh! I FEEL AWFUL! but everything else I do!
ok, that’s all!
J
Sofie says
Ha ha, I didn’t like their rug at all when they got it, but now I love it!
holly says
i think it’s awesome. I am itching to learn how to build stuff now! so intimidating, but this makes me want to learn.
Allison says
Love the console and the “aged wood” – and the puzzle piece. Great job Petersiks! I think you should build a similiar media console now for the TV :)
Erika B says
WOW! This is my favorite project since the new house projects started. That is a gorgeous piece of furniture. Great job!!
Jenny says
OMG you guys, it looks fantastic! Awesome job John!
bhh says
Phil: Claire’s a perfectionist, which sometimes is a good thing, like when it comes to picking a husband.
Hmmm . . . reminds me of a couple where wife is a self-proclaimed type A and husband is a master carpenter . .
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, am I Claire? Is John Phil? Is it weird that I’m entertained by this idea? Hmm.
xo,
s
Clarissa says
Claire and Phil do get excited about their DIY projects…like their haunted house or no speeding in the neighborhood signs!
YoungHouseLove says
That no speeding episode had me on the edge of my seat. Haha.
xo,
s
Christen says
Unbelievable!! I especially love the puzzle piece center storage= genius!!!
Dana says
I love that hidden cubby in the middle. You can never have enough storage (I am learning this with being in a 3b/2b apt with 2 roommates!)
Ashley @ the handmade home says
oh my word. Aren’t you so stinkin clever with your removable tops!? LOVE.
Nina says
Have you decided on a name for your new piece of furniture? Or should I say pieces since it’s technically more than one? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Well I call it Beauty and John has been calling it The Beast. Haha.
xo,
s
erika m says
Well there you have it then…name him/it/her Beebee, for Beauty and the Beast and for your love of bees.
Debbie says
LOVE!!! you guys should build your TV stand, also!! have you contemplated that idea?
a million thanks for the inspiration and the detailed step-by-step instructions!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s definitely a possibility! We can’t wait to see what we find (and if we can’t find something to “shine up” from a thrift store or craigslist we could definitely go the make-it-from-scratch route). Should be fun…
xo,
s
Megan says
Awesome job – I am so excited for you! It looks great :)
Adriane @ GreenhornLiving says
OK, even for you guys (because I have very high expectations of you because you consistently produce awesomeness), this wowed me. Consider me mega impressed. I can’t believe you made that!
I just posted yesterday about a current furniture refinishing project that is kickin’ my butt. Thanks for adding some mucho-needed motivation!
Whitney says
This looks AH-MAY-ZING! It’s definitely one-of-a-kind and as much as I love West Elm, I have to admit, the piece you created is way cooler :) Great job once again, John & Sherry!!!
Jen says
I am SO impressed. Love it!
heather says
I have to admit it, when I first saw the ebony I sort of cocked my head to the side a little. Totally personal preference. I once saw the one and only woodshop God Norm stain something black and I near keeled over (I think it was Cherry though – staining blasphemy in my house). Needless to say, once I really looked at it next to Karl I realized how off it would look WITHOUT the ebony in it, and in that moment – decided that ebony stain does indeed have it’s place in the world. :)
Yay for handmade cheap (but only in cost) furniture!
Kate Armbruster says
FANTASTIC! It looks amazing – I totally love how the stain came out – nice job, Sherry!!
Briel K. says
Nicely done! All that hard work sure did pay off!
Patti says
Bravo YHLovers! I love it!
Carrie says
Wow! Looks fabulous!!! The distressed wood came out brilliantly =) We just did our VERY FIRST ever wood-working project – Making a cornice board ala “Mad Men”
http://ow.ly/4EgNu
I may go out and get one of those Kreg Jigs for the future…
Impressed with your reveal!
YoungHouseLove says
OOh I love that! Totally Mad Men inspired and polished!
xo,
s
Carrie says
Woohoo! Glad you can see the resemblance to the show =) And pretty simple to create too!
F.D. says
The rustic plus modern combo is to die for. Great job!
lisa says
Great job! Beautiful and functional!!
Just wondering why you did not put the middle top on hinges?
YoungHouseLove says
We didn’t want it to slam back into the wall (or slam back onto itself if it was hinged side-to-side) and we thought we had more access to everything in the compartment if it lifted out entirely. Hinges definitely could have worked though, we just opted to skip ’em.
xo,
s
LauraC says
Have to add my congratulations; looks ah-ma-zing! The distressed top is very authentic looking, and the storage center nothing short of genius! Wow! Great job you guys!
paintergal says
Oh my word! This is genius. I love, love the rustic look of it.
Have to admit when I saw the first picture, I scratched my head in wonder. How on earth do they plan to use the storage in the center of that l-o-n-g table? Of course, you had an equally ingenius answer.
You guys are so stinkin’ creative!
Katrina says
LOVE Modern Family. And Quiddler. Oh, and the console is pretty awesome too – great work!
tia says
way to go!