Asked on Jan 12, 2018
Has anyone ever created a bar from an antique dining table?
by
Kelley Zino
I am going to attempt to take a walnut table and the 2 leaves and cut it down to attach to a steel frame ( that once held 3 100 gallon fish tanks ) to make the bar top and sides; as well as, surround the bottom steel railing in wood. Any advice on the best shellac or coating to make it "Screen Porch" damp proof? I'm also going to attempt to turn a crib into the bench seat for the bar. Thanks for any helpful hints?
Here is a bar I made by wrapping an old dresser. It may/may not be applicable to your project (https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/dressers/home-bar-but-possibly-a-reception-desk-or-service-counter-13894157). My metal top is damp proof but this bar was intended for interior use. That said I am pretty confident that Spar Urethane would be quite durable for a screened porch. It is often used for picnic tables that set out in the weather, so should last quite awhile in a enclosed/covered area. May sure it is rated as UV resistant ant because sunlight is hard on exterior finishes as well as the moisture issue you are concerned about. I prefer thinning my urethane with mineral spirits and rubbing on multiple thin coats rather than brushing on fewer/heavier coats. Best wishes. John
Home Bar, but Possibly a Reception Desk or Service Counter.
Here are some more options for you!
https://homesteady.com/info-12327577-convert-table-home-bar.html
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/convert-table-home-bar-67504.html
I use a foam brush for my polyurethane and put on multiple thin coats. Just make sure to top coat all the wood, not just the visible parts. I used marine poly for the plywood that we put under all of our big aquariums to protect carpet and hardwood floors underneath the aquariums and stands. We painted or stained them to match the stands (three are DIY), then polyurethaned them. One of the underboards is now seven years old and still looks great. Have fun with your project!