DIY Makeover: Turning a Tiny End Stand Into a Beautiful ‘Huge’ New Piece

by Dennis Maidon | Nov 1, 2024 | Blog, Furniture | 0 comments

My neighbor decided that he wanted an end table a bit larger than the table I previously built for him. (See here) This time he wanted a table 18-inches tall and a 20" x 20" base. He also wanted the finish darker than before which was SYP stained with pecan stain.

Construction

I constructed the table with Southern Yellow Pine for the frame and 1/4-inch plywood for the side panels. The cabinet was stained with an antique walnut finish and sealed with polyurethane. After viewing the table, my neighbor requested a darker shade than walnut. Following some research on refinishing over polyurethane, I discovered MinWax PolyShades. I bought a can and applied two coats of the espresso shade, followed by five coats of MinWax Warm Semi-Gloss polyurethane, sanding between each layer to achieve a smooth, glossy surface.

Swivel leveling feet were used for the for the bottom of the legs. Brushed gold 3-inch cabinet cup pulls were used for the drawers. My neighbor also wanted a shelf on the bottom for magazines. I had an extra set of drawer slides so, I made the shelf into a drawer so that it could be pulled out to view the magazines and easily make a selection. My neighbor was very pleased with the end table when finished.

Conclusion

I was also satisfied with the outcome of my neighbor's end table. My wife and I transported it across the yard and placed it on his front porch. Afterwards, I phoned him to inform him that there was a package waiting on his porch. The expression on his face as he stepped outside was unforgettable. It was evident that he was delighted with the end result.

Now, I have to replace the old end table I built for myself several years ago. I'm thinking about building that one in walnut. That's on the agenda because of my neighbor's end table.

Written By Dennis Maidon

About the Artisan

Meet Dennis Maidon, the skilled craftsman behind Maidon Woodworking. With a passion for transforming wood into stunning pieces, Dennis combines traditional techniques with modern design to create items that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. His dedication to quality and attention to detail ensures that every product is a masterpiece.

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