When we moved into our new home, we didn't have a dining room table. I knew pretty much what my husband and I both wanted, but finding it was no easy task, and the price was not exactly in our budget.
After a bit of research, I decided that I could probably build what we want for a lot less than what we could buy one for.
So, where to begin was the question.
My brother in law, who owns the old barn on my husband's family farm, allowed us to use some of the old barn boards that had been left inside the barn.
Our local school district offers woodworking classes through the Adult Ed. Program each spring and fall. This is the same school district I work for, as well.
Since I don't own all the right tools needed to build the table, this was the perfect place.
I had no blueprints or plans, but knew in my mind what we basically wanted. How hard could building a table be?
It just needs 4 legs and a top, right?
Well.....
It stands without wobbling!
That's good, right?
I planed the boards down until they were smooth. They were pretty rough and covered in pigeon poo.
Although the top was easy enough to make, it still needed legs.
Remember, I was doing this on a budget, so free wood fit that perfectly. THANK YOU MICHAEL! I could have bought legs at our local building supply, but I really wanted to keep going with the barn theme.
While searching around the old barn, I noticed the old ladder leading up to the hay loft had rotted away and fallen down.
Hmmm? Is that opportunity I smell, or just old hay?
After some quick thinking, I grabbed the better parts of the old ladder, and got out before I became a pigeon stoop.
I took what was left of the rotted rungs off the ladder and cut the good parts of the rails down for legs.
I really loved the idea of this table, because this barn was part of the farm my husband grew up on. Knowing that it was made with the rails of a ladder that he climbed as a child was very special.
Once I had it built and got it home, I just needed to decide what color to stain it.
Sometimes decisions like this can take a while, so it sat unfinished from Thanksgiving until yesterday.
The result.....
...a table we both love!
I hope it will be passed on down to our children, and their children for many years to come.
Blessings,
Julie
that is so amazing,you did a beautiful job I love the color. And I love the story behind the table.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shiela! I was a little hesitant to actually put the color on, but I am so glad I did! I was a bit worried as to whether Joe would like it or not, but he loves it. PHEW!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julie
Love the table and Love your home!
ReplyDeleteAudrey
Thank you, Audrey!
DeleteBlessings,
Julie
Oh Julie that is absolutely beautiful.. I have been asking Terry if we have enough barn boards to do the same but sadly we don't.. It is gorgeous.. I am so proud of you... xo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Maybe you could build just a small game size for your sunroom?? It really wasn't that hard to do, and would look just as good small as it would dining room size. If this is something you decide to do, I would love to see pictures.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julie
That is a wonderful table. The table in my dining room is from my grandma's aunt, who became her mom when her mom passed away. It has special meaning to me and I see how yours would have the history, but also the awesomeness that you made it yourself. I DO LOVE powertools!! Four even legs is such an accomplishment. Perhaps you could hire yourself out to all those restaurants with the wobbly tables!! Keep up the good work. How much wood did it take?? Is there more of a lip on one end?
ReplyDeleteThank you! I LOVE power tools, too! There is 5 boards on top and I cut down 4 for the skirt. Then the 4 legs. I also have some supports under the top. I can see where it looks like there is more of a lip on one end, but it's just the angle at which I took the picture. I really wanted to make a sawbuck table, but the legs would have had to be a bit longer. I didn't have enough ladder rails to make it work. :(
DeleteI was so nervous going into making this, but now I wonder why. It was much easier then I thought.
Hugs,
Julie
Hello Julie, What a beautiful table. You will always have the memories of building it but also the memories of your family having dinner at night plus...... Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a beautiful table. Simply gorgeous! I like the perfect size, too! Sounds and looks like everything is coming alone. Nice to see your post!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am looking so forward to all the memories that will surround our table. All the new little babies that will come to join us in the future, the new daughter in laws, and many blessings. Life is good!
DeleteStill a bit more to do here. Mostly painting. I have also been working on our guest bedroom upstairs, but that's another post. Soon I hope.
I hope all is well with you. How is the weather? Are you chest high in snow, or just ankle deep? Oh so much snow here. I think we will be investing in a boat before winters end. I fear that when the snow all melts we may all float away!
Hugs,
Julie
Gorgeous!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angel. So is that sweet new little baby of yours!!
DeleteHugs,
Julie