How to Make End Tables

End tables made from recycled materials---such as old wooden windows---make for a beautiful statement in any room. Not only are these end tables easy to make, they cost much less than new end tables and you are using salvaged material for an eco-friendly design. Save the planet while saving money; making these end tables is a win-win situation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Find two old windows that are properly sized for your end tables. You can find old wooden windows waiting to be repurposed at your local architectural salvage yard or antique store. Garage sales are also great resources for discarded windows. The legs for your end tables may also be recycled from old tables or purchased new at your local home improvement supply store.

2

Sand the wooden parts of your windows with a medium-grade sandpaper. Wear gloves as you sand to protect your hands from paint and wood slivers. Most old windows have already been painted, making repainting the simplest option. If you prefer to stain the windows for your end tables, you need to sand them all the way down to the bare wood. Remove all of the sanding debris with a damp cloth. Anything you leave on the wood will be part of the table's finish.

3

Tape all of the glass sections with painter's tape around the perimeter, where the glass meets the wood. You could also use masking tape, but painter's tape removes easier. Make sure you do not tape any part of the wood that will be painted or stained.

4

Apply the primer and paint or stain according to the manufacturer's directions. Apply as many or as few coats as you like. Remove the tape and let the windows dry. You may choose to leave your windows shabby chic with the paint partially peeled away. In this case, lightly sand the surface with light-grade sandpaper to remove any roughness. Apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the end table from moisture and stains.

5

Finish the end table legs the same as the windows if they are salvaged. New legs will need to be primed before you paint them.

6

Attach the table legs to each corner of each window. You can screw the legs on with wood screws or you can use a strong adhesive like Liquid Nail.