DIY: Swanky new work table

Wow! This was a big project. I had seen a Pinterest post a while back showing a craft table made from a couple of book cases. I decided I could and should do this. I recently moved and since I have a new space and I am without my old rickety desk, this project would be a great use of the resources I already have and a great space saver for my office area.

It has been years since I’ve had a proper space to layout my craft and art projects. Okay, I don’t think I’ve ever had a “proper” space for this. It is something I have been wanting, and I am reminded of my lack of a workspace every time I print photos and lay them out to dry over my kitchen countertops because that is the only available flat space I had. It had also been years since I had a dining room table. Now, this work table covers both needs.

I followed a well-planned process that I tweaked along the way. I painted my two short bookcases black and papered the back board with patterned sheets of paper. I also painted the wood on my two stools black. Although this took a long time (due to my lack of work space and having to paint everything piece by piece, one at a time), it was the easy part of the project.  I had drawn up the plan and was good with it, but I kept second-guessing myself. Would it be sturdy enough? Would the tabletop slide off? Would it end up looking flimsy and cheap?

At first, I only thought I would need my dad’s help to cut tabletop down to size. However, his ideas and perfectionism led me to craft a sturdy, well-made top. He and I worked on the gluing, screwing, priming, and sanding. Then it was up to me. He didn't send me off into the woods without a stick though. I went off with a drill and instructions.

While the next phase of my creation didn’t take too long, it was the most difficult. I had to anchor the tabletop to the bookcases, sand off the primer, and then paint it with the chalkboard paint I purchased for this occasion. Man am I glad it is finished.

I had doubts about this project a number of times during the process, but the end result is exactly what I was hoping for. It looks great. The unit looks even better when I stand back and see how much more organized my space is and how much easier it will be for me to store and find my supplies.