Upcycle Your Dining Room Table Leaf

Cathryn Holt
by Cathryn Holt
8 Materials
$20
2 Hours
Easy

When I purchased the dining room table nearly 20 years ago I could only afford the 4 chairs that came with it. The table has 2 leaves and can seat ten people. To this day I have only used one of the leaves. So what about the other leaf that has been in the closet all this time? Are you a leaf hoarder like me?

Inspect the leaf to see if it is suitable for this project.

Use a drill or screwdriver to remove the wooden brackets, hardware and screws underneath the leaf. Use a small hammer to gently tap the 2 wooden brackets that anchor the trim to the leaf. I only left the screws that secured the trim to the top of the leaf. 

Again, do not remove the screws that secure the trim to the leaf. This is what it looks like when you have removed all of the hardware.

Remove the male bolts from one side of the leaf. You can use wire cutters or pliers to pull the bolts out of the leaf.

The male bolt has been removed from this side of the leaf. You will need one of the bolts to assist you with tapping the metal ring further into the holes on the other side of the leaf.

To avoid having a sharp metal ring sticking out on the other side I used the male bolt taken from the opposite side of the leaf to hammer the metal ring into the wood away from the edge. That way I could add wood filler to the hole and completely cover up the metal ring inside the hole.

Just a few gentle taps will do.

This is how it should look. No sharp metal edges.

Fill all of the holes with wood filler. Let it dry. Sand all of the holes on the sides and underneath the leaf.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to spray paint the leaf or chalk paint it so I lightly sanded the top as well.  If I had decided to just chalk paint in the beginning I would not have sanded it. I added a picture so you could see how it looked. Again, sanding is optional. 

The next step was easy. Paint it! I wanted to get rid of some old spray paint so I used it as a primer.   That step is optional. 

I used some old chalk paint and I finished with White Pearl Metallic Paint from Rustoleum.  It is the same finish that I used on my dining room chairs. I love this paint.

Stage it!  Use the riser on the table, kitchen island and buffet.  Oh, before I forget! I placed 4 felt surface protectors underneath the sides.  

WOW! Look at all of that space underneath the riser. I have 4 salad plates, napkins, flatware and 4 dinner plates. And it all looks so classy and clean.  I could have easily added 6 to 8 plates underneath. This is the perfect time to get this project done.  I can only imagine the fun some of you will have with this project.

Thanks for stopping by. Here is the the video tutorial.

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Cathryn Holt
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 5 questions
  • Yes, we need a support group....leaf hoarders! 😂 I intend to repurpose mine as well, yours is brilliant and beautiful. Why did you remove the brackets? I would think such a heavy piece would need those additional supports on those tiny legs especially if you add heavy items on top...no?

  • Karen Hyde Karen Hyde on Oct 09, 2021

    I want to know about the cake! It's calling my name!

  • Traci Wiseman Traci Wiseman on Sep 01, 2023

    Just wanted to say that is GORGEOUS! Looks very high-end and classy. Great job and great taste😍

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