Scavenger Chic

Curbside Rescue / DIY Game Table

• By Joan
• March 7, 2024
• No Comments

Curbside Rescue / DIY Game Table

Last week I shared with you this DIY chess set created from scrap wood and an old door.  Well I’m not quite finished with him yet.

I’m pairing the chess set with this cute little curbside find side table to make a one of a kind game table.

OK, he’s a little dirty , a little scratched and a little wobbly but it won’t take too much effort to fix him right up.

While the base was painted brown, the top was left unpainted.  That is not wood.  It’s a very shiny, very ugly, very dated, formica top.

So ever since I picked this little guy up, I’ve been contemplating what to cover that top with.  It wasn’t until I completed the chess set did I have my aha moment… a game table!

For some reason my little side table was missing it’s back.  There was a groove where a back should have been, so I’m just adding bead board to fill in the hole.  

Having the backing in place has the added benefit of giving the table some stability and removing his wobble.

I paint everything black (almost) and this table is no exception.  Black also pairs nicely with the gameboard and it matches just about any decor.

You may notice I painted before I permanently attached the backing.  It was just easier to get into all the nicks and crannies.

Now to attach the backing.  I nailed it on with my handy, dandy trusty nail gun.

The bead board was slightly thicker than the original backing board so I added a couple of pieces of scrap wood to the sides to cover up the height difference.

My original thought / plan, was to nail or glue the gameboard directly to the table.  But now, I’m rethinking my plan.  What if someone wants to play at the kitchen table, or in bed or in a hot tub?  Hey, I don’t judge.  The table top will just have to be removeable.

I turned the side table upside down on top of the chess set.   I then surrounded  the game board with  more scrap pieces of wood.  Nail in place.

These trim pieces will prevent the chess set from sliding around on the table but it will still be able to lift off if you do want to play somewhere else.

This is the resulting square.  Stain if you like, to match the game board and also touch up  any scratches and those trim pieces you added with black paint.

Almost done.  Last step is to wax the chalk paint to give a nicer finish.  Don’t worry, the wax dries clear.

When not in use, all the chess pieces fit nicely into this galvanized metal olive bucket.  It was another thrift store find.

If you don’t want to move the entire game table, simply lift off the gameboard, move it to a nearby table, pull up a chair and you’re ready for a game of chess.

Or move the entire game table and you’re ready to begin.

If you don’t play chess, feel free to create any game board as your table top of choice.  My parcheesi board or backgammon board should get you started with ideas.

As always, stay inspired.

Related posts:

Wobbly Table Fix and Makeover Painted Harlequin Diamond Side Table Painting a Nightstand and Creating an Heirloom Serving Cart with French Lettering