Many people keep a folding table or two in storage in case they have a buffet or need to seat more dinner guests. Wouldn’t it be nice to dress that tabletop and make it blend in with your furniture?

That’s just what we’re going to do in this how-to video!

Folding tables come in handy for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays and other special occasions when you need to break one out for a feast. However, while they’re functional, they’re not very stylish. 


Steps and Materials You’ll Need For Your Tabletop

Here’s how you can transform a basic folding table into a beautiful farmhouse table with plenty of time to spare before your next gathering.

The materials you need to make a rustic tabletop are inexpensive if you have wood glue, paint, or stain at home — expect to spend about $50.

Materials You’ll Need

  • Folding Table
  • 3 pieces of pine, 1-by-10-inch, for the top
  • 3 pieces of pine, 1-by-3-inch, for the edges
  • Titebond II Premium Wood Glue (or Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue if used outdoors and exposed to rain)

Steps to Build a Rustic Tabletop

  1. Glue the tabletop pieces together with wood glue, and then clamp and set for 24 hours
  2. Measure and mark for the proper edge length, and then cut at a 45-degree angle
  3. Glue the edge pieces to the top pieces and space out each nail
  4. Sand the top and edge pieces before applying stain or paint. Let dry for 24 hours
  5. Finish your rustic table top with a clear coat of polyurethane (we used Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane) and let dry for 24 hours.
  6. Enjoy!

Further Reading

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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