I admit, I have a pile of scrap wood stowed away here and there around my house. You can also throw a shabby old door into the mix as well. And while it's not always convenient to store cumbersome wood if you're hard-pressed for space, it sure can come in handy if you're cut from the DIY mold. This is exactly what happened when Kristi from Addicted 2 Decorating discovered a pile of old cedar fence boards.

For this project to go from an old fence to cart-style coffee table, you're going to need lumber, MDF, jute rope, casters and your weathered wood. Careful measuring, along with some simple straight cuts with a saw, followed by a little glue and a few screws, and you have the base to which you will adhere the weathered wood. After that, a quick sanding and staining job, then you're ready for the finishing touches. A couple coats of polycrylic clear coat, drill the holes on each end to which you'll secure your jute rope through and voila, you're done!
I realize this is a super-simplified way to explain this DIY project, but it really does seem that easy! If you aren't that handy with a saw or hand tools, Kristi says this is the perfect project for the beginner. Since it's supposed to look rugged and imperfect, it's a great way to practice your cutting and nailing. And if you're really skilled with your tools, it seems like adding a hinged lid wouldn't be too hard to do, and then you have a coffee table with room for storage. I myself, would love to make this as an outdoor table or even modified as an outdoor bench for extra seating. For the complete step-by-step on this project, visit Kristi's blog: Addicted 2 Decorating.
(Images: Addicted to Decorating)


Nomade Express Slee...
PERFECT; IT'S PERFECT !
This is awesome. Love that its a DIY although it looks like the quality of similar Restoration Hardware pieces... you nailed it...literally!
Great job!
Go to their blog and check out a picture of it in their living room; it looks even better. I don't want to sound like I'm criticizing, but it's too bad that the box doesn't hinge open for storage and they didn't at least find some new steel casters. Also, maybe a distressed stenciling would add a nice touch. But a nice job!
http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/041584-swivel_cast_iron_caster.html
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM1404043901P
Wow, thanks for the feature!
@deweydefeatstruman96, the casters definitely weren't my favorites, but I had to get the table finished in a hurry due to a deadline, and the selection around here was limited. I would have loved to find something that looked antique! Maybe on the next one I'll leave myself time to order something better online. :)
Woww!! Does it have storage?
That is just so impressive! Really great, it looks very well-executed :)
That's really great. We have an abundance of pallets around the neighborhood (homeless were making shacks out of them) and I was considering picking up some of the nicer, beefier ones to use in a project not unlike this.
This is a great project, thank you for featuring it. Congratulations on a job exceptionally well done!
@Addicted2Decor it was a nice job, and if you're happy with it, that's what counts. Besides, part of the point of DIY is growing and making your next project a little bit better. You could always swap out the casters if you find something else down the road...and reuse the ones on this on a utility cart or build a rolling base for a file cabinet. All in all, it's a nicely done project.
This is a great project and it turned out beautiful! I want one :)
Love it! I'm currently weathering new boards myself - such a satisfying stress reliever!
So fantastic!!!
Love it! Very 'Dark Nostalgia'. Would sell really well at Restoration Hardware!
That is great. I like that it can remain rustic or be decorated- brings out the creativity!
Gorgeous! I'd be interested to hear how well the wood glue holds up...