This project started as a slightly unusual home decor plinth.

While it wasn’t quite in my style, I knew it had the potential to be something more.

I examined the build and dimensions of the hollow plinth, and thought of converting it into two side tables.

 

Materials Used

• Safety equipment (safety glasses, dust mask)
• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• Ruler
• Jigsaw (power cutting tool)
• Cleaning cloth
• House paint
• Paint brush
• Floor covering (cardboard or drop cloth)
• Joint Compound
• Paint scraper

 

Safety

Using power tools does require another level of care and attention, compared with more basic DIY projects.

The old adage, “measure twice, cut once”, really does go a long way in setting a good foundation when working with power cutting tools.

There are plenty of good tutorials and videos online to learn from, or through hands-on learning from others.

 

Process

For the first step, I measured exactly halfway around the height of the plinth.

Taking measurements from one end of the plinth only, and taking multiple markings along the way ensures an accurate line.

The next step was to use the jigsaw to cut the plinth in half.

The base of the plinth had four feet bumpers which I gently removed with a chisel. The side tables were cleaned and wiped down in preparation for painting.

The side tables were painted with white indoor house paint, and needed more than 2 coats to cover the dark colour underneath.

The sides of the tables were then texturised using joint compound and a flat paint scraper. This was the really fun part and it was a lot like painting.

I used larger strokes for the first layer of the joint compound, then after this layer had dried, I added more joint compound and roughed up the surface a little more to create texture.

The subtle difference in colour is due to the paint and plaster being slightly different hues of white. This creates a further illusion of depth.

I just love the texture.

These side tables have become super useful decor pieces in the lounge.

The only further step I would take would be to protect the top surface with some sort of clear protective varnish.

Apart from that, they look great and work really well.