How to Make a Window Table

Yes, I'm here with another Pinterest inspired project! Surprise, right? As usual, my husband took over and brought it to life. Here are his thoughts.

From Tim:

I was supposed to take pictures throughout the build, but the idea of cleaning my hands and taking a camera pause at every step was inconceivable.  The picture series below begins after the boxing and legs had been completed.  That was an interesting process, since I needed to maintain space around the frame of the sash so it would open without pinching but not really worth going into the details.

The window sash required the most prep time.  I wanted to retain as much of the character as possible while bringing the different woods closer together in color and texture.  Remember, these tables remain completely raw when finished, so there's not much wiggle room to manipulate the surfaces.  The panes had to be re-glazed and nothing beats this product for ease of use and results.  Glazing in a tube - what a concept!  Clean the glass with a razor blade, straighten the lines and...

this is the result.

Might be hard to tell from the picture, but the chief decided she wanted the glazed side turned to the bottom.  That is the shallower face, but by doing it this way, the white glazing is hidden.  So, the original inside of the window is the side turned up.

I was really pleased with the design of the inside storage in conjunction with the hinged window top - especially since I don't work off plans.  I had considered using a solid piece of stained 1/4" plywood I had laying around for the bottom of this compartment.  I didn't want the table to be too heavy, and this was the only design spot to compromise a bit on the material used.  However, I gambled and continued the fence slat theme, beveling the ends at a 45 degree angle so they disappeared.

I was amazed at how clean the windows came...probably should have checked that first thing!  Note to self!

The last thing I wanted near the end was nice, shiny hardware on this rustic piece.  I was unable to find any in the workshop, so I had to break down and buy a pair of brass piano hinges and then just distressed them with sandpaper.  Drats!  The idea was not to spend money on these things!

I did have a pile of old cabinet handles and this was the perfect choice.  A single post installation with a bolt through the hole and the end was in sight.

My favorite element of the two tables I've made is the character of the wood.  It is all terribly marred and full of holes and divots but absolutely beautiful.  The big drawback is warping.  Each piece has to be selected with purpose, and even then the angles don't always turn out perfect.  I will confess to a bit of wood filler at a corner or two!

So, even though it came right out of my head, this table turned out pretty well.  Of course, I learned what to do and not to do for next time (and I know there will be a next time.)  Who knows what I'll use...a door, a shutter, or maybe some old cedar shingles.

SPECIAL NOTE:  One thing I noticed right away, once the tables made it inside, was our pet's reactions.  These must smell AMAZING to them!  If you make one of these out of old, stinky, weathered wood and your dogs are notorious for chewing things they shouldn't, you might have a potential disaster on your hands.  I'm just sayin'...

From Marty:  Take a look at the table in its new living room home. It looks fabulous with the pallet shelf. Yes, my husband is amazing and no, you can't have him. If you'd like to see more of my husband's talent take a look at another table he built.

CSI Project