It took us more than three weeks, but our 12-foot DIY living room console table is finally finished and in place.
Before sharing the final photos, here’s a concise recap of the recent steps that took us from a topless stained base to the complete console. After the pallets we planned to use didn’t cooperate, we switched to Plan B: buy new wood and make it look old. We hunted for reclaimed boards but couldn’t find enough that were the right width, so we opted for new lumber and distressed it ourselves.
After experimenting at the store, I realized a near-perfect width could be achieved by sandwiching four 1×4″ whitewood boards between two 1×2″ poplar strips. The poplar perimeter ended up creating a nice visual border that matched the 1×2″ poplar framing on the front of the bookshelf bases — a lucky design coincidence.
To create a staggered, brick-like top, I cut the 1×4″ boards into two-foot lengths. Each board was then distressed to look aged. We’ll post a detailed how-to on the distressing and staining process later (including video), but the short version: we used a variety of tools and techniques — hammer dents, dropped screws, line imprints and pointy tools — to add character and wear.
After distressing all 27 pieces, Sherry applied stains in varying intensities using Minwax Dark Walnut and Ebony. Some boards received lighter coats, some darker, and some were mixed to achieve a collected, mismatched look rather than a uniform new appearance.
Next we assembled the tabletop in three pieces: two long end sections and a smaller removable “puzzle” piece that covers a hidden storage compartment in the center. We staggered the boards by four inches to leave a small lip on each edge so that the puzzle piece would sit flush when closed. To join the boards tightly, I used a Kreg Jig to make pocket holes and screwed the boards together. Each long side took about 40 minutes to assemble; the smaller middle piece took about 20 minutes.
With both sides complete, I added the 1×2″ poplar border around the perimeter and double-checked fitment against the console bases. Everything lined up, so we moved on to final touch-ups. We stained the cut ends and the edges of the middle piece so no raw wood showed, then sealed all stained surfaces with a water-based, non-toxic polyurethane to protect the finish and reduce off-gassing.
We also lined the interior of the middle compartment with a white sheet we already had, stapling it to create a fabric-lined box so nothing slips behind the sofa. Two baskets we owned fit perfectly inside that fabric bin to hold games, remotes, and other items.
After several days of drying, we brought the pieces into the living room, installed the tops over the bases, and secured them with screws through the bottom of the end bases. The result is a nearly 12-foot console with a snug, hidden storage compartment and bookcase-style sides for additional storage.
We’re both thrilled with how it turned out. The distressed wood top adds warmth and personality, balancing the room’s increasingly modern tones. The rustic look of the top, complete with imperfections and varied tones, complements the space more than the cooler pallet look would have.
The hidden center compartment is my favorite feature. It’s not completely invisible, but when the console is styled with lamps, boxes, and books it blends in nicely. The removable puzzle piece slides out easily, and I drilled a small oblong finger hole to make lifting it simple and comfortable. When the lid is removed, the two baskets inside are easy to access for games, DVDs, or occasional items.
We don’t expect to use that storage every day, so for most of the time the tabletop will appear as one continuous surface. The 16.5″ depth is perfect for lamps and decorative items while leaving room for everyday use.
Budget breakdown:
- Wood (whitewood & poplar) – $98
- Screws & Tools – $0 (already owned)
- White sheet – $0 (already owned)
- 2 storage baskets – $0 (already owned)
- Minwax Ebony Stain – $4
- Minwax Dark Walnut Stain – $0 (already owned)
- Safecoat Acrylacq Sealant – $0 (already owned)
- Cheap paintbrushes for staining – $2
- TOTAL: $104
Considering this is a nearly 12-foot solid wood piece, the just-over-$100 cost for materials is a great value. For reference, similar retail pieces can cost several hundred dollars each.
Thanks to the design inspiration and plans that guided this build, we had the confidence to tackle the project ourselves. We’re planning follow-up posts with the step-by-step distressing and staining process and the accompanying video. For now, we’re enjoying the finished console and the extra storage and texture it adds to our living room.
UPDATE: Check out our accessorized console in a future post for styling ideas and final photos.