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NY Good Questions: How To Change the Top of My Table?

1.2table.jpgHello AT,

I have a mid century modern table with the original orange(!) table top that doesn't work with my new decor.

Since one of the edges is coming apart anyways (looks like there was glue on the back side), now seems like a good time as any to change it to a white top.

I think it's a laminate, but am a little lacking in knowledge in this area...

 
 
(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.)

1.2table2.jpg

Do you have any recommendations on how to (what to buy, where, and how to do it) if I want to were to attempt it myself? I live in Manhattan.

Thanks! Kathy

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Comments (7)

Yes, that's laminate.

Any place that does custom laminate (there are a number of brands -- Formica, Wilsonart, etc.) countertops will be able to do this for you at minimal cost.

posted by Anna at D16 on January 2nd 2008 at 5:53am
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definitely so - any cabinet shop could do this for you...and if you wanted, you could even switch it up and do a wood veneer instead. Since you are spending the money, you may as well go the extra mile and do a walnut top or something...

posted by creativereact on January 2nd 2008 at 6:56am
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Show the photos of the table to the person making the new top, along with the measurements, and it'll be easy enough to replace. It's only laminate glued on plywood...
Flip the table over, and you'll see that the top is screwed on. Unscrew the top from the base, and replace top with new surface. Simple as that.
These MCM tables almost always had Formica tops....

posted by Justin (the first one) on January 2nd 2008 at 7:00am
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The newest This Old House mag has a step-by-step on putting on new laminate.

posted by Jon_B on January 2nd 2008 at 7:05am
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How about going another route and doing a mosiac on the table top? I did it once on a table and it came out great. You can use older peices of stained glass or tiles (which you can get at a craft store or hardware store for the tiles) and focus on the colors you have in the room.

posted by JMara1207 on January 2nd 2008 at 8:37am
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Personally, I would go to Ikea and get a table top out of the desk section (if you can find one that fits), or even a countertop out of the kitchen section. If you have to cut it, the kitchen counters come with the laminiate strip to finish the cut edge. This would be a cheap way to do it yourself and get the look you want. If you don't have a saw to cut it, home depot will do it for a few bucks or there are even tool rental places.

Another idea is to hit salvage yards like Urban Ore in Berkeley and look for a stone slab or tile pieces. Could be a unique solution. Good luck!

posted by darciekd on January 2nd 2008 at 9:16am
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Room and Board sells tabletops in several sizes and shapes and about a dozen materials/colors.

posted by RichardinLA on January 2nd 2008 at 12:23pm
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