Could I build a child’s picnic table from an old door.
By
on
August 16th, 2010
We just moved into an old house and I took several of the heavy wood doors off their hinges, as I didn’t want doors on some of the rooms. Our kitchen, for example, has two large pantries. One I am converting into a breakfast/dining area for my children. I took the old door off of it, trying to find a way to repurpose it. I was thinking about using it as the top part of a picnic table. Does any one know if that will work or how to go about it. Any other ideas for what to do with them. They are great, just dont need them.
It has stain/varnish on it, but I would sand it down and make it smooth, removing all of it. Also, any suggestions on what kind of paint I could use to repaint it. It has to be safe for them and weather proof.
Duke says:
It can be done, though depending on how ornate the door is it might not be as flat as you’d like. More importantly, make sure it doesn’t have lead paint on it - that wouldn’t go over well.
August 16th, 2010 at 11:17 pm
dadnbob says:
As long as it’s a plain flat door it will work well. Take off all the old paint just in case it has a lead base and repaint it. Brace it well because you know kids will climb on it even if they aren’t supposed to.
August 16th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Whisperer says:
You should support the underside with 2″ x 4″ runners (treated). Do this on all 4 sides and miter the corners. Use deck screws for attaching 2″L will do it. Drill some 1/2″ dia. holes through the top for rain water drainage. Paint the entire assembly with “Kilz”. This is a primer/sealer for your 1st coat of paint.
Finish with a water based latex enamel (exterior) and apply 2 coats. You can pick up a folding leg assembly at your local building supply center. Or, you can build your own. The folding leg assy would be much lighter and easier for storing. All you have left now is the benches. Have fun.
August 17th, 2010 at 12:48 am