Transformation cost: $26.05
Part 1 of a 2-part transformation this bar stool-looking thing was acting as base for a larger, round table top. It could have become many things but its fate was sealed when I temporarily stored it on my front porch and realized it is perfect as the bistro table we needed. I probably could have bought a small table for about the same price but this way I have the satisfaction of knowing I made it and it didn’t get trashed! Part 2 will be the transformation of the table top piece.
Once separated from the particle board table top this base was ready for its stand-alone transformation. After sanding and cleaning, the legs were ready for a paint finish that would complement our porch furniture and decor.
I chose Rust-Oleum metallic oil-rubbed bronze because I had previously used it to freshen up our porch light casings. NOTE TO SELF: This paint clogs easily and I wasted some partial cans because they would no longer spray.
Once I had created a paper template for the top I was ready to take the tiling plunge. I started by sticking a single row of tiles to the rim. Meanwhile I laid out the design for the top on my paper template. I used wheeled mosaic nippers to cut some square tiles in half for the center of the design.
I let the rim dry for 24-hours before I applied the tile design to the top of the table. The old table top and some cookbooks made a handy weight to encourage everything to set level.
The next day I grouted everything with a pre-mixed grout in alabaster color.
To finish the top I applied one coat of mosaic grout sealer to protect against red wine and coffee!
The finished piece goes perfectly on our front porch and is just the right size for front porch essentials!
Transforming Trash 