How To Build a Dining Table With Reclaimed Materials

Blog Cabin is all about transforming an older home into a 21st century respin of its former self. As we often have to remove materials during the rebuild, those materials get upcycled into interior elements such as this rustic chevron pattern dining room table. With a little planning and a weekend day, you can build a similar table for much less than buying new.

Because we had to reframe the pitch and structure of the existing roofs, there was plenty of original roof planks available for this project. You could also use salvaged flooring or similar.

Join (2) sheets of 3/4" plywood together using construction adhesive and 1 1/4" wood screws 12" on center. Then trim the double panel to 2'9" x 7'9" with a circular or table saw.

In this case we wanted a chevron pattern to tie into other design elements. Using a chalk line, establish several reference lines, such as center and the start of the angled pattern.

Cull your material pile for the straightest pieces. Because reclaimed materials often get exposed to the weather at some point, avoid warped pieces. Sight down the edge and look for a curve in either direction.

Once you have your pattern established, cut all the pieces on a miter saw. The last few at each end will need to be trimmed later.

Lay down several consistent beads of construction adhesive across the top. Don't do so much that it will dry before nailing on the planks.

Getting the first board right is the hardest, so spend a little extra time ensuring it is aligned. Then shoot it to the plywood substrate using 1 1/2" 18ga finish nails 4" on center. Nailing at an angle through the tongue will keep down the number of nail holes in the top.

Continue installing the boards until all the plywood is covered and your pattern is complete. Then trim any overhanging material with a circular saw and rip fence.

Miter cut (2) reclaimed 2x4's to 8' and 3' respectively and attach with 2" 18ga finish nails and construction adhesive. Another option is to add faux wood plugs or copper nails around the perimeter for an additional touch of style.

Lightly sand off any sharp edges. You can also sand the top to a desired patina. Be careful with reclaimed materials of unknown origin, because asbestos or lead could be present. For example, it would not be uncommon for old wood flooring to have been covered with asbestos tiles at some point. Tests are cheap, so don't take any chances.

Finish the top with a semi-gloss polyurethane and be sure completely fill any small holes.

While the top is drying, build a frame using 2x4's. Cut (2) to 7'9" and 2'9" respectively. Join the corners using (3) opposing pockets screws.

Next stain and install the table legs. If the legs came with hardware, use it. If not, screw (2) 1/4" lag bolts through a recessed hole in the 2x4 frame and into the top of the leg.

Finish the table by using 1/4" lag bolts through the 2x4 and into the bottom of the double plywood top.