Turn a Folding Table Into a Dining Table!

Sara
by Sara
12 Materials
$200
2 Hours
Medium
If you have a banquet-style folding table lying around you can take it and turn it into a nice-looking dining table. An inexpensive alternative to purchasing a plank-style industrial dining table.


I found this table online for over $3,000. To me, it kind-of just looks like a folding table, so I thought I'd try to create one out of a folding table we already had. It only ended up costing me $45!


This is what I started with. Basic folding table.


Start by turning the table upside down and spray painting the legs. First, remove feet (unless you want them the same color as the legs). I used Rustoleum Metallic Flat Soft Iron for the legs, then 2 different colors of gold craft paint for the feet.


These are the 2 that I used. 2 coats of the one on the left, then a light coat of the one on the right to brighten it up a bit. Just use a little paint brush to apply.


I started with three 1"x12"x8' boards and cut a foot off each one to make a 7-foot table. Cut, sand, and attach boards to each other using a Kreg Jig. (If you're not going to move the table around much, you might be able to attach just using Liquid Nails).


To give the edges more dimension, attach 1x2s around the entire perimeter of the bottom of the table, cutting 45-degree angles at each corner.


Clamp into place, drill holes using a countersinking bit, then add screws.


Place newly constructed top on the folding table. Attach with Liquid Nails.


My husband was worried that the Liquid Nails wouldn't hold, so he volunteered do drill holes and put screws through the folding table into the table top. Can't say if this is necessary or not, but doesn't hurt to make sure.


Before staining, wipe entire tabletop with wood conditioner (follow instructions on the can) Stain or paint the top. This table is a combination of stain and dry brushing.
Top with a few coats of finishing wax.


For more project details and pictures and for a tutorial on how to get the finish seen here, visit: http://www.finditfixitorbuildit.com/turn-a-folding-table-into-a-dining-table/


Please check this website before submitting any questions, thanks!
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 26 questions
  • I love the stain on the table, but would like to see it shown off to it's best advantage with some real bonafide legs, and not the folding framework.


    I agree with the metal chairs too, but hey, you did a great job, and how boring would it be if we all liked the same things?

  • 9no32053835 9no32053835 on Jul 14, 2021

    Can you still flatten the table by folding the legs in for it to still be portable?

  • Anna Anna on Jul 17, 2021

    3,000 $ for that table?? There must have been a mistake somewhere! I have 2 of these folding tables, one 6 foot, one 8 foot, if anyone is interested. I live in Tulsa. Amhcrochet@gmail.com. Anna

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  • Wandamurline Wandamurline on May 21, 2022

    Love the job...the only thing I would have changed is that I would have painted the legs white.

  • Paula Paula on Aug 11, 2023

    I'm thinking the picture does not give it any justice! Very nice job!

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