I’ll give ya the rest of our table update…but I have to warn ya…it’s not climactic. It’s a plateau from here people. Like a giant boring flatbed (err flat-table) of facts.
But I knew that I would forget stuff….so if I blog it, well, then presto, I can recall it way easier than trying hypnosis.
When we left off, we bought, cut, sanded and stained the wood and then constructed the base. It just needed the top. Well, there were some issues we ran into with the plan we got off Ana-White.com. It may have had something to do with the fact that we were making this an outdoor table (the original plan is for an indoor table) and we also were making it longer…thus dealing with wood that was more prone to have warping. So we had some tweaks to the original plan….let’s get into that first.
- Original plan length of entire table – 96″ Our plan length of entire table – 122″ (would fit two 55″ benches on either side and leave 4″ between the benches and each other and the legs)
- The 7 1×6 boards that go on the top add up to 38.5″ (7×5.5″) which is exactly how long the breadboard (the perpendicular wood at the head and foot of table) is cut. Well, our 1×6’s wouldn’t fit and the breadboard was too short. So we ripped an extra half inch off both 1×6’s that are on the outsides (closest to the edge of the table) so that we had a little wiggle room. That allowed for gaps between the table top planks which will allow water to drain faster!
- The unstained supports underneath (visable above) needed extras….vs. 10, we cut 16 total (only two got stained) and we attached two extras closest to the foot and the head of the table
So now the table is constructed! Bring on the guacamole!
I love how the benches fit perfectly. I think eventually we may build a center support leg system because already we noticed that the center is starting to warp a little. I always say “the more legs the merrier”.
But today’s post isn’t really to show you anything interesting or fun, remember?! So wipe that image of lots of legs outta your mind. I know you were – you MagicMikeObsessors you.
Today’s journey is a little chronicle about finally giving in to the woo’s of varnish. This is my first time. Be gentle.
As you can see, the table was stained a rich dark finish. But it really wasn’t protected from the elements (aka Will & the weather) and it didn’t really have any sheen…it looked, well, dry. And since this table weighs about ten thousand two hundred and thirty seven pounds, it’s not going anywhere…and needs a way to keep it clean, protect it from water and fading, and also give it a richer finish.
I’ve heard the best way to go was to try out varnish. Special thanks to Lowe’s Creative Ideas Magazine for supplying the Spar Varnish. It actually boasts excellent UV protection, weather resistence and comes in a variety of finishes. I went with the semi-gloss because I knew that a heavy shine would look a little odd with such a rustic piece of furniture.
I used a foam brush to apply it and surprisingly – it is WAY easier than poly. First – it is kinda milky. and thin. and when you wipe it on, it does look weird – like whitish and wet…but it dries super clear (so don’t freak out like me). Also, it doesn’t drip as much as a poly…so you can do very thin shmears. Jer said that it reminded him of just painting with water.
After it dries, it looks really good. Not a huge huge difference – but definitely more moisturized. No gator skin here, people!
We actually did three coats (they took about thirty minutes each)….and I love the finish. I would definitely try this stuff again for outdoor furniture protection. So that is my varnish romance. Yup…see how unmiserable I am in the Instagram update photo? It must be true love…
Just to give you guys some warning – this is how our deck currently looks…
And this is how I want our deck to look this month (see how good I am at setting goals for Jeremy)….
So there you have it folks – my love story with varnish – do you have one? ever given the stuff a chance?
Also – I had the forethought to write down the cut list for this giant table….would anyone want me to post it at the end of this here post? I am lazy so I thought I’d ask first 🙂 YOU ASKED FOR THE CUT LIST – HERE YOU GO….DON’T DIE SWEETIE PIE 🙂
p.s. I am completely addicted to Instagram….I’m officially hooked. I owe you one John & Sherry! And if you wanna follow me, I am “bowerpowerblog” and you get to see lots of photos of Will, me eating random stuff, and sneak peeks of projects 🙂
This table looks soooooooo good! I would love to see the cut list, and a budget breakdown if you could add one. I’m sure making a table this huge wasn’t “cheap” by any means, but for a table that fits a small country, I bet you saved thousands making it yourself.
Am signing on to Instagram to follow you right now. I wasn’t planning to, but how can anyone resist pics of you eating random stuff?! 😉
Yay, I’ve been waiting for an update, it looks great! We’re also in the midst of an Ana White dining table for our patio. So far we have the base done and after much debate we decided to go with a Cabot exterior stain, now we’re trying to decide on a final top coat. We were leaning towards Helmsman Spar Urethane, but I’ll have to check out the Spar Varnish. I’d love some feedback! With 2 little ones who eat like wild animals I need something that can be easily cleaned! Did you varnish the whole table? Do you have to sand in between coats? Is it easy to clean?
LOVE IT! KB – this looks so awesome! I actually just used this same plan from Ana White to redo the tabletop for our black pipe base dining room table and it looks AMAZING. I’m so so happy with it. I just finally got around to doing a few coats of poly, so I’ll have an updated post about that tomorrow hopefully. I love how easy her plans are to follow. This was the first time I’d ever used one of her plans and I’m scouring her plan list now for more fun projects to build.
I keep expecting the ever so elusive update of if you’re having a boy or girl…but no dice. Sadface. Beautiful table though. Awesome job!
That table is awesome!!!
Me too! I just have to make the appointment when both Jer and I can be there 🙂
xo – kb
Well, we did varnish the entire table. And we did lightly sand between coats on the rough spots (the varnish seems to make the rough spots rougher – which didn’t bother me because I like an extra smooth top) and so far it has been easy to clean but to be honest, we haven’t gotten it really dirty yet…we had a smooshed grape? but that came up easily. I think in the future, we might do a couple more coats (since it was so fast and easy) and then see if that makes any difference.
xo – kb
Can we at least get a baby-belly photo update to help pass the time?! I mean come on, it’s not like you have a kid to take care of, photos to edit, house to keep clean, blog to run or anything else of significance to do……
……….oh wait……..
😉
A girl can dream!
looks great! I am going to go follow you now on IG!
the table looks great!
you can just tell it will be in family get-together pictures for many years to come 🙂
i totally want a huge wood table for our ugly backyard now!
Katie, is that stain safe for the baby??? I”m 32.5 weeks pregnant and I get super paranoid when doing DIY projects around the house!
Maybe this a noob question, but what’s the difference between varnish and poly? I’ve got a couple of chairs that I spray painted (mmm oil rubbed bronze) and I need to seal them with something (because a recent party guest caused some ORB streaks to transfer onto my freshly painted dining room). I’m assuming poly is correct choice? And do you have to paint it on or can it be sprayed too?
I would love for you to post the cut list, I have a huge family also and really will need a large table, and I really love this one. Those benches look great with the table, I wish I could afford some tolix chairs to go with my future table but I’ll probable do benches too, and maybe some cute cushions to go with them 😉
Beatiful!!
I haven’t gotten on Instagram (yet). I just got onto Pintrest last month…okay so maybe I’m a little behind the times but I’m tryin. 😉
Speaking of Pintrest – can’t wait for the Challenge unveil tomorrow…YAY!!!
My neighbors need that table: nine kids with spouses, 27 grandkids, and now the greatgrandkids are starting to pile up. Can you put a link to Instagram on your blog (kinda like “see Will on Flickr,” which I don’t think had been updated since Will had a haircut)?
Awesome table! Love the soon-to-be red benches too 🙂
Love the way the table turned out! I would love to see the breakdown. I am really trying to talk my husband into building an outdoor table!
What color stain did you use? I have been hoping to build one… Havent gotten around it it yet. I love yours. and I love the finish! 🙂
Hey Katie! I love your table! We actually have almost the exact same table (of course the non-hulkified version) in our kitchen (we actually used the same design with a little of our own modifications). We have just been sealing it with wax, but I feel like that is just not cutting it for me – do you think this varnish would be appropriate for our indoor table? Do you ever have to reapply?
Love the table! it’s beautiful and will be so nice for gatherings at your house!
The table looks wonderful! I’m so glad you went with varnish instead of deciding to paint it or something. What is with everyone painting wood furniture these days, when wood is such a gorgeous texture to begin with?
Love the table. I actually want my husband to make a tabletop like that style to go over our existing dining room table. I’m thinking it should be one removable piece, that way if I change my mind down the road about it, I havent compromised my existing black table (atleast the top part of it). I want it to be stained kind of that weathered gray that I see everywhere. A budget breakdown would be great too. I find wood ends up costing a lot, but I’m sure it was much cheaper than going out and buying a table this size, so well worth it.
It’s definitely one of those ‘wear your respirator in a well ventilated area’ type projects. I, of course, don’t recommend any pregnant girl to do anything without talking to your doctor first…and if approved, take all precautions and if you smell the fumes then it’s time to stop.
xo – kb
It’s called Minwax’s Dark Walnut. It’s my favorite 🙂
xo – kb
The table looks great, Katie! I had a question about the spar varnish. It looks really matte. How does it compare to Minwax wipe-on poly? I’m looking for a top coat that doesn’t make dark colored paints too shiny.
I know you guys are working with Lowe’s on this one, but could you do a budget breakdown for the table (or let me know how much you spent in lumber?) We really want to build one of these tables for our kitchen and need to know what it costs so we can budget for one 🙂
Love, love, love this table! Jealous…
I’m having trouble noticing differences between the two patio shots – the benches are a reddish colour in the 2nd one? Don’t you like them grey? Is there anything else I am missing? The table looks fantastic and so much better with that slight sheen on it 🙂
I too am waiting on the baby update!
Looks awesome! This is SOOO something we would build if we had the room outside!
Actually poly might be the best for indoor use. Especially if it’s not gonna be exposed to the elements. You might want to consult the cans though 🙂
xo – kb
Its coming along well……and would like to see how u finish it up! Some lanterns would look good there…:) Speaking of Lanterns….can i ask…where u bought the lantern, one next to ur night stand in master bedroom? Thanks!
Sorry nxt to bed…on ur nightstand…that is!:)
Your deck is beautiful – you must be so happy with the way the whole thing is coming together. (I know this post was all about the table and varnish – but the deck is impossible to ignore.)
The table looks great, perfect place for big family dinners!
Can’t wait to find out if you are having a boy or girl by the way. I am praying for a healthy baby and healthy momma!
I got those at TJMaxx 🙂
xo – kb
It is satin…and not too shiny. definitely not as shiny as a semi-gloss poly. There is usually a finish comparison chart thing next to the polyuerathane’s in Lowe’s…it might be worth checking out.
xo – kb
Check out the support posts 🙂
xo – kb
I know – I keep on forgetting my Flickr password. I gotta work on it 🙂
And if I can figure out how to do the Instagram link – I’ll do that too – good idea!
xo – kb
Wow, your table looks awesome! You’ll have loadsa fun having bbqs there. I’m also liking the idea of going red with the benches, but would personally prefer a brighter tone. A light teal could work perfectly: Not too colourful, but a happy colour. Your patio / garden can handle it!
Btw: Why not move Will’s little setting onto the grass or somewhere less visible? Your patio just looks so stuffed with all the toys and the big furniture. So not your style. 😉 I’m sure you’ll turn it into the most wonderful place to be, Katie. You always do. 🙂
Hi Katie! The table looks great!! Can I ask you where you got Will’s picnic table and who makes it? Thanks!
Hi again! I searched your archives and found the answer!
Thanks for the varnish info! I hear about “varnish” all the time, when people are really just talking about clear coat…so it’s good to really start to understand the various applications for the different kinds of clear coat (including actual varnish)! The varnish really looks great on your amazing table!
I love it! It’s gorgeous Katie! I’m so jealous. I’ve been telling my husband I want one but he’s has so many other projects ahead of this one. So I have to wait. Enjoy!
Is the Spar Varnish safe to use on an indoor dining room table?
I think Poly would probably be a better fit for outdoor use. But you probably want to consult the cans 🙂
xo – kb
I picked it outta the trash. Yes. And I think it’s made by Step 2.
xo – kb
Well, these were taken in the middle of playgroup day…so I’m lucky I didn’t have a rogue naked kid running though the photo 🙂
xo – kb
LOVE the look of this table, it’s exactly what i dream of my patio set to look like. Would you be able to tell us how much it cost to built the table and chairs in total? Do you have any tips on spending within your budget when it comes to project like this?
Haha I had to take a second look after that! I could tell something else had changed, but couldn’t figure out what. Derp!
Hi Franky,
Thanks! And I built the benches out of scrap lumber that was in my neighbors burn pile so I have no idea…but the table is about $150 (for the pressure treated lumber, the screws, the glue, the varnish and the stain). Of course, that doesn’t count the tools…and prices do vary according to location.
And tips? Well, the table this size takes exactly a quart of stain – so be frugal at the beginning and you can stretch one can without having to purchase more.
Hope this helps!
xo – kb
It was about $150-$170 for everything – obviously we had our own tools and we used only part of a big box of screws, about half of the varnish and not much glue or sandpaper and we did get pressure treated wood and prices vary according to location…but I think it will be under $200 for most of America.
xo – kb
Hi Carolyn,
Tough questions…but in general, poly is thicker and synthetic…so three coats of varnish is like one of poly. And I would say yes, poly is a great choice for your chairs. You can paint it or spray it…but the cans are expensive to spray because the coating is much lighter with the can…so remember that 🙂
xo – kb
Hi Katie!
The table looks fantastic. My parents have a farmhouse and are looking to have a table like this one.
I tried clicking on the Ana White link but it seems to be broken. Any chance you can provide the link for the plans for this table? Thanks!
Here you go!
xo – kb
hi Katie
it’s nice post and Idea., it’s so look beautiful and nice., thanks for u information
Hi Katie,
I’m making this table this weekend, any tips would be amazing, because I have no idea how to do this, haha…
Do you have the budget breakdown?
Also what equipment do I need for this.
I’m great with a hammer and nails but other items I have no idea about.
Here is the post where we built it. It has more details.
xo – kb