How to Make a Custom Tabletop

Try your hand at making a custom table top. This is a fun project that lets you really showcase your creativity. And when you're done, the finished product makes an eye-catching conversation piece or a special gift. Turn the project into a hobby by experimenting with several different methods for customizing table tops. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Decoupage the table top. Decoupaging is decorating an object by brushing on layers of glue and pieces of paper. You can use any kind of paper or paperlike material: post-it notes, plain or colored index cards, wrapping paper, leaves, foil, lace, construction paper, poster board, card stock, pages from sports or fashion magazines, or even concert tickets. Turn trash to treasure by reusing old candy wrappers or newspaper. Use a table you already have, or buy a new one, or find one for a great price at a garage sale; then decoupage and let dry.

2

Use bottle caps on the table top. Collect a good supply of bottle caps. You can use random ones, or use only caps with certain colors. You can cover the table top entirely, or lay them out in a pattern, shape or outline. Once the caps are glued on, make a finished table top by brushing on a layer of varnish or by laying a piece of glass cut to size atop the caps. Make a matching set for your living room or for a friend's man cave by using this technique on a coffee table and end tables.

3

Turn an old window into a table top. To start, find an old, multipaned window. Sand the frame to remove the paint if necessary, then clean and decorate the glass. You can etch designs into it; frost it; paint pictures on it; or glue on various items, like beads, tiles, braided rope, metal bits, dried leaves or photos. If you like, leave all or some of the panels undecorated. Finally, attach table legs. Find several styles of easily installed table legs at home improvement stores.