Banquet Table Makeover
Give that ugly, old banquet table a new lease on life by adding a new table top.
Begin by measuring your table. My table measured 5' x 30"; however, I purchased 3 pieces of pine that measured 1" x 12" x 6' for the top, so I would have an overhang of 6" on each end and 3" on each side. I also purchased 3 pieces of 1" x 3" x 8" for the edges.
Using a miter saw, cut the 3" edge pieces of the table.
Apply wood glue to the edges of the 12" boards. Making sure the ends of the boards are align, clamp them together and allow glue to dry for two hours.
Using a tape measure, mark where the pilot holes need to be drilled on the 3" edge boards. I marked 4" from each end, then every 10". Using those marks, drill pilot holes and countersink holes for the screws you will be using to attached the 3" edge boards to the 12" top boards.
Attach the 3" edge boards to the 12" top boards using screws, countersinking the screws.
Fill the screw holes with wood filler.
After the wood filler has dried, sand the table using medium grade sandpaper.
Using a damp cloth, wipe the entire table to remove any dust.
Chose your finish - either paint or stain. I used Red Oak stain.
Using a dry cloth, remove any excess stain. Allow the stain to dry at least 1 hour. Finish with a clear coat of sealer. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
Your new table is ready to use!
To permanently affix the new table top to the original banquet table, apply Liquid Nails to the original top and place the new top onto the original. For added support, screw the top in place.
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This looks really great. I'm thinking of replacing the table in the kitchen so thanks for the ideaThis looks really great.
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That banquet table makeover is a really smart way to breathe new life into an old piece without replacing it. By building a new top—using wider pine boards with edge trim, gluing, sanding, staining, and sealing—you get a fresh look that also improves durability. The overhang gives it a more substantial, custom feel, and adding a clear protective finish helps guard against scratches or spills. It’s a project that takes some time and effort, but for the cost of materials you get a high‑impact result that custom furniture makers might charge much more for.
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I really love this idea. How much did this project cost to do for the wood? I would have been scared to do this on your floor and the beautiful dining room with the mess and dust. I love this!
I love the look of the table but do not like the legs. Any ideas how to change the legs and make it look more permanently?