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A rough $40 marketplace find turned into a beautiful piece of furniture! I purchased this dining table because the leg design was perfect, but the top was rough & needed a new lease on life - so I upcycled it!
Materials
Tools
Porta Timber 40mm x 8mm Square Edge in Tas Oak
Porta Timber 30mm x 8mm Square Edge in Tas Oak
Selleys - No more gaps (Timber Floors) in Hardwood
Cabots - Cabothane Clear - Non Drip in Satin
Porters Paints - Revive Furniture Paint in Irish Linen
Sandpaper - 80 Grit, 120 Grit & 240 Grit
Mitre Saw
Belt Sander (optional)
Orbital Sander
Measuring Tape
Plastic Scraper
Paint Brushes
Paint Tray
Cloth
Steps
Step 1
1/10Add external trim & frame
Adding a frame is important to cap off the edges of the wood. Adding it before assembling the table top ensures flush finish. As you can see we have used a template piece to ensure the correct height (8mm).
Use a nail gun or small nails to secure the trim to the surround of the table.
I wanted the picture frame look but you could just do the outer trim. If you like the picture frame, add the 45 deg mitred pieces the length & width of the table. Secure with wood glue.
Step 2
2/10Measure and cut pieces.. 
I decided on 120mm pieces because I liked the tight look and pattern.
TIP: with Herringbone the rule is multiples of the width (used 40mm pieces so measurements should be 80mm, 120mm, 160mm etc)
TIP: to work out how many pieces you need - work out the square cms of the table top (length x width, then divide amount by the square cm of each piece)
Yes, it’s a lot of pieces!
Step 3
3/10Lay out all pieces in a pattern
There are templates online if you’re unsure. Filler prices of 80mm x 40mm and 40mm x 40mm were needed for this pattern.
Step 4
4/10Glue all the pieces down
TIP: add glue, press down piece, lift piece up and then press down again.
NOTE: the glue will foam & expand, that is normal which is why you only need a few drops.
Step 5
5/10Weigh down and let sit overnight.
We had a heavy door on hand (lucky) but you just need to add a few heavy things on the pieces to make sure they don’t pop up. This is probably not essential but I wasn’t taking any chances.
Step 6
6/10Fill gaps with ‘No more gaps’
Scrape clean and wipe with wet cloth.
Step 7
7/10Sand entire table
 
I used a belt sander with 80 grit to table the top layer off, it was quick but not precise.
Step 8
8/10Refill no more gaps if needed and light sand
 
If there are any pin holes or gaps you missed it’s time to fill them, then sand with the orbital sander. Used 120 Grit then finished with 240 Grit.
Step 9
9/10Paint legs
TIP: light sand to remove shine, prep with any undercoat/primer then paint.
Step 10
10/10Coat with Cabots
TIP: light sand (240 Grit) between coats.
And you’re done!
Hello @TheSparrowHome
Thank you very much for sharing the steps and list of materials you used for your upcycled dining table.
What a beautiful transformation! The parquetry pattern you've put in is so nice and gives the table such a classic look. Using the timber moulding over the old benchtop is really clever as it saves you from having to balance out the finish of the table. With fresh new timber on the surface all you need is a good sanding of the surface and a fresh coat of sealer. I'm sure your upcycled dining table will provide many years of service to your family.
Again, many thanks for sharing.
Eric
