How to Make Driftwood Tables

Driftwood is a sustainable, environmentally friendly material. Wind and weather soften the edges of dead trees, giving the wood a pleasant, aged patina. Driftwood is especially abundant along the beaches of the Pacific Northwest, but savvy driftwood hunters can find hardy specimens along the shores of lakes and rivers as well. Since no two pieces are alike, each piece of driftwood furniture is completely unique. Fashioning furniture out of this material appeals to those with a sense of creativity and knack for problem solving. Those that stick with it end up with a functional and attractive conversation piece. Start small by creating a simple driftwood end table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1




Even young children enjoy collecting driftwood.

Collect several pieces of suitable driftwood. Make sure that such activity is permitted if you're collecting on public land. While many states allow you to collect driftwood for your personal use, they may restrict chainsaws or mechanical equipment on the beach. If you live in a landlocked state you can order driftwood suitable for table bases over the Internet. Choose wood has a bleached gray look and interesting wormholes and knots.

2

Lay out your driftwood and experiment with different arrangements. Try to envision how you would like your finished piece to look. Dry fit the pieces together to find a suitable combination before permanently attaching the wood. A big, stout stump can be turned so that the root end is facing up, making a sculptural table support.

3

Wipe down your chosen pieces of wood with a diluted bleach solution. Scrub off any seaweed, algae or mud and rinse thoroughly.

4

Use a hammer and chisel to cut notches in the pieces to help them fit together. This step may require some experimentation, since driftwood is so irregular in size.

5

Trim the pieces into the proper lengths with a reciprocal saw. Try to make the cuts as level and even as possible. You will probably have to go back and re-adjust later.

6

Drill pilot holes in your pieces of wood and use lag screws to fasten the pieces together. Use screws that will not rust if the table is intended for outdoor use.

7

Sand off any sharp edges created by the saw or drill.

8

Set a purchased glass tabletop on your base and check to see if it is level. Adjust your base accordingly.

9

Remove the glass top and rub the finished base with paste wax to seal the wood and preserve the patina.

10

Apply a bead of clear silicone caulk or adhesive to the places where the wood touches the glass top. Set the glass top back on the base and press into place lightly. Allow the caulk dry completely before using the table.