We recently stumbled across these table leg kits to make industrial-style furniture. Each kit includes eight floor flanges and four pipes threaded to fit the flanges. We thought this was a fun idea, and gave it a try. Here's how:
Step 1
Because we wanted to make an industrial piece, we headed to Ballard Reuse, a local salvage (or, treasure!) store. We weren't exactly sure what we wanted to make, so spent some time browsing around. There were doors, windows, tiles, and so many beautiful old things. We settled on a shutter that was only $4.
Step 2
Then it was time to head to Dunn Lumber to gather our supplies. We knew the shutter wasn't very sturdy, so we wanted to get some extra wood to provide reinforcement. We also needed to gather some additional supplies to totally turn this shutter into a coffee table.
Step 3
If there's visible dirt on your item, wash it down using Krud Kutter, and wait for it to dry before doing anything else. (If it's only slightly dirty, lightly wipe it down with Krud Kutter and let it dry.)
Step 4
Next, it was time to sand. This took some time—and patience—since we needed to sand between all the slats.
Step 5
We also took some time to wipe off the floor flanges and threaded pipes, as items like these tend to attract dirt.
Step 6
It was then time to attach our lumber to the to frame. We laid our 1x1s along the length of the shutter, and the 2x4s along the width of the shutter. Then we predrilled our holes, and secured the supports in place with screws.
Step 7
Before painting, we did a quick check to make sure the flanges fit in place. There was only room for three screws per leg at one end of the shutter, but in this case that was still enough to create a sturdy table surface.
Step 8
We wanted to paint the side—not the top—of the shutter. So we flipped it face down on a tarp and applied two coats of paint, letting it dry for about 10 minutes between each coat. You can tape off the top for a clean edge, but we opted for a more natural look, meaning the paint bled a little. We liked how it aged the look of the piece.
Step 9
After letting the paint fully dry for an hour or so, it was time to attach the flanges. Again, predrill your holes, then secure each flange in place.
Step 10
Then, attach the pipes.
Step 10
Finally, secure the floor flanges.
Step 11
We used a water-based polyurethane paint to avoid tinting the wood an amber color like you'd get with an oil-based polyurethane. Normally we would recommend a traditional brush-on polyurethane because it tends to dry smoother, but with all the individual parts of the shutter, using a spray-application paint will save you so much time. Here are detailed instructions on how to use the polyurethane, suggested wait times, and how many coats you should apply.
Now, enjoy your table!
