Floor planks create unique texture and style in a dining table.
A dining table made from old, used floor planks adds a piece of "green" furniture in your home with a rustic appeal. Floor planks come in a variety of widths, and a basic pattern on the dining table can make these random sizes look quaint rather than unattractive. Once you have your planks collected together, you can make your dining table in less than a day.
Instructions
1. Select four floor planks that are 4 to 6 inches wide. Measure and cut each of the four planks to a length of 3 feet. This will leave you with four planks that are 4 to 6 inches wide by 3 feet long. Arrange the four boards into a square 3 feet by 3 feet in size and 4 to 6 inches tall. Drill two evenly spaced screws into each corner to secure the square shape.
2. Lay a series of over 5-foot-long boards side-by-side until the total width of the boards measures 40 inches across. Measure and cut each of these boards to 5 feet long.
3. Lay the boards out again side-by-side, but this time set them over the square frame built in Step 1. Note how two of the square frame boards are parallel to the tabletop planks and the other two boards are perpendicular to the top planks. Drive nine screws every 4 inches through the top planks and into each of the perpendicular square frame boards below to hold them in place and complete the tabletop.
4. Flip the tabletop unit upside down so it rests on the series of planks. Stand the 3-by-3-inch posts upright. Set each post into a different inside corner of the square framing, pushing them directly against both boards that form the corner. This should leave the posts at the corners with 30 inches of space between them on the sides. Drive two screws through the frame and into each post to secure each post in place.
5. Turn the table right side up. Sand over the table with fine grain sandpaper along the top, side edges, framing and post edges. Leave the table as is, or seal the planks with a clear coat, water-resistant sealant to protect the life of the wood from food spills and make cleanup easier.
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