Katharina Regenthal

June 30, 2022, 12:44 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

Furniture made from untreated wood is currently all the rage. However, they are anything but cheap–which is why it’s worth building them yourself. This way, you can also decide how they should look in the end. We demonstrate how to do this with DIY expert Thomas Klotz from Berlin in the new series “Revamped.” In the third episode, an untreated tree slice takes center stage–we show how to build a small designer table from it in the video.

Upcycling a Tree Slice–What You Need

For a small table made from a tree slice, you first need the tree slice. You can easily get one at a hardware store–you can choose between different sizes and thicknesses and whether the slice still has a “natural edge,” meaning bark, or not. Otherwise, you can also check classified ad sites or ask acquaintances.

Material

• Tree slice
• 3 table legs, known as hairpin legs

Tools and Supplies

• Cordless drill
• Sanding tool
• Screws
• Wood wax
• Pencil

If it’s a larger tree slice, you might need four table legs–for instance, if you don’t just want to build a small side table. The advantage of a three-legged table: It can’t wobble!

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Tree Slice Table–Step-by-Step Guide

Building a small side table from a tree slice is also perfect for upcycling beginners, as there are only a few steps to follow and it’s not particularly labor-intensive. The material list is also quite manageable. Here’s how it goes:

1. In the first step, sand the surface smooth. Depending on how rough the surface is, choose the grit of the sandpaper accordingly. The lower the number on the sandpaper, the coarser the grit.
2. Next, you can also sand the edge–depending on whether you want to keep the bark or not.
3. Use the sandpaper one last time for the edges to round them off a bit.
4. Next, seal the wood slice. Depending on what the table needs to withstand, choose the sealant. For a simple side table, wood wax is sufficient. It beautifully highlights the natural grain. It’s best to apply the wax with a wax brush to reach all the pores.
5. Then attach the table legs. Which ones you choose is a matter of taste–white hairpin legs, as in our case, give the side table a Scandinavian look.
6. Position the table legs in the right spots, mark the holes with a pencil, and pre-drill. Then, properly attach the table legs with screws. Done!

You can also see the detailed instructions in the video–enjoy building!

Also in “Revamped”:

• From washing machine drum to illuminated side table
• Reupholster a stool in just 5 steps
• Shabby Chic! How to make new furniture look old
• What you can still make from an old suitcase
• How to turn an old chair into an herb garden