Reclaimed wood + wrought iron = a new table!

When I started to put up the Christmas tree, I had to rearrange the furniture in the living room. Once I did that, I needed an end table. Failing to find a free one at my mother's house, I started thinking about what I could do. Then it hit me...

I had this iron outdoor table on the porch! So I told my husband I thought it would be a great idea to make a wood top for that and bring it inside. Now, we have tons of junk reclaimed wood around here to choose from. My father had brought home a wooden crate that had been used to ship something somewhere. 

So Luis cut two pieces, then made some biscuits (the wood kind) and used his jointer to join them. Then, he used his router on some more junk wood to create the trim. 

We attached the top to the iron with washers and screws, which can be removed if I ever want to use just the iron again. 

I am not a furniture painter. I much prefer stripping off old paint then staining and finishing. After sanding the bare wood, I stained with a water-based Minwax Vermont Maple. Then, after sanding again, I rubbed an oil -based Minwax Dark Walnut. I sanded that just to give it some character then finished with several coats of Minwax Polycrylic. 

Now, I have always heard that you cannot mix oil and water so to speak. However, the instructions on both the oil and the water-based products, said it was ok. Obviously, they have to be dry. Just follow the instructions on whatever stain or protective coat you use, and you'll be fine. I used polyurethane because I wanted a durable water-based finish that will stand up to kids leaving cups, etc. 

What I love is how the finish really coordinates with the walnut sideboard and other furniture I have in this room.

I also love that it's rustic, but fits right in with my antique furniture. But the best part is that it was basically free and we made it with what we had! 

This project sent me in search of more iron I could use for tables, and I found something at the Salvation Army thrift store for $15 that is my next project...just a peak.

Now I'm off to look for some more wood before it gets thrown away! 

I'll be linking up for the first time to Kim's Boring to Better party at Savvy Southern Style, so go be there and say hi! 

And, I'll also be linking up to Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday over at French Country Cottage, so go by there too!

Thanks for stopping by!! 

Anita