room at the table – the story of our refinished table

What I yearned for was more than just a table.

Tyson and I have lived without a dining table for the past year or so. Our original hand-me-down table was awkward for our space and didn't match our style at all. We assumed we would be moving soon, so we got rid of it. I didn't realize, though, the value of a dining table until we no longer had one.

After a few months without, I started pining for a table. Not only for family meals (it's hard to balance 2 plates on a couch while trying to feed yourself and a baby), but also for our friends and extended family. I browsed the internet and resale shops for a used one. I even considered taking a day trip down to DFW and hitting up IKEA. I'm so glad I held out, though. We found this one on Craigslist and it fit our small budget. It needed some major TLC, but I saw potential. It was perfect.

After we brought it home, I could not wait to get started. I browsed Pinterest, settled on the look I wanted, we picked up the materials, and I went to work. While I sat outside on our driveway sanding and painting, I thought about my big dreams for this table. I didn't just dream about the finished product, but the experiences we would have sitting around it.

A place for community.

For me, a table represents community; a place to gather, and share food and conversation. While refinishing our new-to-us table, I dreamt about family dinners, morning coffee, and game-nights with friends. A place where all who come feel welcome.

I love how our table turned out. When I stepped back to take in the finished product, I immediately knew that this table was going to be a part of our home for a long, long time. It came with 2 extra leaves for expansion so it offers room for growth. There will always be room at this table. 

Project Details:

• The table top was sanded with our power sander until it was completely bare wood. I hand-sanded the legs just enough to rough them up.
• I used oil-based primer on the legs and black latex paint (2 coats). I sealed it with 1 coat of polyurethane.
• I stained the top and sealed it with 5 coats of polyurethane.
• We haven't done anything to the chairs, but ultimately plan on refinishing them.

(For once, I started and finished a project completely by myself. I usually enlist Tyson's help, which means he ends up doing it. ;) But not this time! If you have any other specific questions, leave a comment and I will answer in the comments.)