Build Your Own Concrete Table (DIY)

Introduction

Create a polished concrete table with a solid wood base, with inlays of glass, leaves, tile or other materials. This project is simple enough for even beginning woodworkers to tackle.

Most of us think of concrete as a practical material, but it’s also one of the most versatile decorative materials around. It can take on just about any color or shape. And surface treatment options are endless. You can cast “fossil” imprints using leaves, ferns or seashells. For a completely different look, you can cast inlays like glass or tile permanently in the surface.

If you want a tabletop that’s elegant enough for any indoor setting and tough enough to withstand outdoor weather, you’ve found it. Tables similar to this one sell for hundreds at garden centers and outdoor furniture stores. But you can make one yourself for $50 to $100. Read on to learn how to build a table with a concrete top.

Your cost will depend mostly on the wood you choose for the base and the concrete mix you use. You don’t need any special skills or tools, though a table saw and an air-powered brad nailer will speed up building the form. Give yourself half a day to build the form and pour the concrete and an hour to build the table base. A few days after casting the top, you’ll spend a couple of hours removing the form, chipping the edges and applying a sealer.