TIMELESS TABLETOP ~ Now That You Are Home...

Yes, spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Northern Virginia. The chance to be new and fresh again. Time to move outside and enjoy the outdoor space. For me, spring is also a time to assess what winter has done to the property. My beautiful patio furniture has not weathered so well these past few winters. The table was needing a little love. So, I thought what if I create a temporary table top that could be removed at the end of the season? Or changed on a whim? A wood tablecloth. And of course, a classic painted design. Perfect.

This is what you will need-

Wood Boards (11- 48" x 1/2" x 6" and 2-48" x 1/2" x 2")

¾” Wood Screws

2” Circular Drill Bit

Power Drill

Jig Saw

String

Gorilla Glue

Measuring Tape

Sand Paper

Exterior Paint

Primer
Sealer
Paint Brush

2” Screw

String

3” Number Stencils

Pencil

Small Craft Paint Brush

Safety Goggles

Start by lining up 9 of your wood boards.

Cut the two remaining 6” x 48” down to 42”.

Cut the two 2” down to 30".

Glue the support boards onto the face boards across the width, as shown.

Drill pilot holes, two holes to connect to each face board, as shown.

Screw in the screws, securing the table top.

Fine the center of the middle board. Drill a hole in the center mark.

Flip the table top over. Screw a 2” screw into the center hole.

Attach the string to the screw.

Measure 24” on the string and place a mark.

Tie the pencil at the 24” mark. Measure to make sure the tip of the pencil is 24” from the center.

Mark a circular line all the way around the boards to create a circle. Measure your circle just to be sure. Measure twice, cut once. Wise words.

Clamp the boards to a work table to cut. I extended about 1/8th of the top over the edge of the work table. I cut in small increments, stopped, rotated the top, adjusted the clamps and continued to cut along the pencil line. Cut slowly.

With your special 2” circular drill bit, cut your center umbrella opening.

Sand and sand and sand.

Paint the top and bottom with one coat of primer and two coats of exterior paint. Let dry overnight between each coat.

I thought these French numbers would be perfect...Link here.

I traced each number on 3” scraps of paper.

Then I place 12, 3, 6 and 9 on the board. I filled in the remaining numbers by eye, placing them in the spaces. Not precision, just close enough.

Once I was happy with the placement, I removed one number at a time, and with the stencil, traced that number onto the board with the pencil.

With your paint brush, carefully thicken the line.

Fill in each number by hand painting each number. Let dry.

I used a wreath to accent the umbrella hole, using the same tracing/painting technique. To purchase...Link here.

Once the painting has dried, I painted two coats of a sealer on the top to protect it from the elements. However, three coats is what you will need to properly seal your painting. I found it went on a little streaky and a bit blotchy. I will put a third and perhaps a Fourth coat of sealer. It looked a little vintage, and that maybe a good look for your table.