DIY Network

Tree Stump Table Turn that stump into a stylin' table. From "Yard Crashers" episode DYCR-104

The apple tree had to go: Its roots had already cracked the concrete pool patio, and the homeowners didn't want to see the same damage occur in their resurfaced concrete patio. But why dig out the stump, when it can become a funky piece of furniture? The Yard Crashers also gave these homeowners a cool redwood shade structure to complete this outdoor oasis.

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Materials

24" pine rounds
smaller pine round (size of your choice)
large wood screws
exterior semi-gloss paint
primer paint (optional)
wood shims
paintbrush or roller
level
chainsaw
safety glasses
ear protection

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

• Cut the tree trunk. Wearing safety glasses and ear protection, use a chainsaw to cut down the tree, leaving the trunk approximately the desired height for the table. Make the cut as flat and level as possible (figure A).

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and ear protection and use extreme caution when working with a chainsaw.

• Choose a tabletop material. This project used two, 24-inch pine rounds for the larger part of the table. These are available at home improvement stores and some craft stores.

• Decide on the tabletop placement. The tabletops were placed slightly overlapping each other for this project.

• Paint the tabletops. Use an exterior, semi-gloss paint made for wood to paint the tabletops. Either prime the tops before painting, or use multiple coats of paint for good coverage. Let the paint dry completely before proceeding.

• Attach the rounds to the stump. Drill pilot holes and use large wood screws to attach the tabletops to the stump (figure B). Use shims or wood wedges as needed to level the tops; make sure to drive screws through the tops and the shims or wedges to keep them in place. Wear eye protection when working with a power drill or screwdriver.

• Create additional levels (optional). Use the chainsaw to cut horizontal notches in the sides of the trunk to hold smaller pine rounds to create additional levels (figure C). The cuts need to be deep and narrow to hold the rounds tightly into place. To secure, drive screws at an angle through the stump and rounds.
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Pool Patio Resurfacing
  	Redwood Shade Structure
  	Tree Stump Table