How to Make a Dining Room Table Out of a Grand Piano

Wood salvaged from a grand piano can be converted into a dining room table with a few hand tools, careful measurements and, if needed, chemical strippers for removing heavy layers of lacquer finish. The advantage of using piano wood is that its curing and manufacturing guarantees a nearly flawless flat surface. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparing either varnished or lacquered wood

1

Remove the piano cover from over the the strings. This large flat piece of laminated wood will be ideal for making a small dining room table. These covers can be anywhere from four to seven feet in length.

2

Strip any varnished finished woods using varnish remover. Get down to the bare wood. Sand the finish smooth.

3

Strip any lacquered finish from the wood. Lacquered wood has a heavy thick layer that can be removed with Strip-Eze chemical paint stripper or a similar product. It may take several applications to get down to bare wood. Removing the lacquer is imperative because sawing and cutting the laquer will cause unsightly chips and blemishes in the wood. Sand the finish smooth

Cutting the table from the unfinished piano cover

4

Determine the best available shape in the piano cover. An oval table will get the most area from the wood, but smaller square tables can also be cut. Remember: measure twice and cut once. Using a scribe or pencil, draw the shape of the table on the surface of the piano cover. Use the jigsaw and handsaw to remove all wood outside of the table area.

5

Sand the edges of the cut piece smooth and remove any burrs or splinters left by the cut. Sand repeatedly using finer and finer grit sandpaper. This will prepare the wood for its new finish.

6

Use the brush to apply a liberal coat of wood stain to the surface. Staining the bottom of the table is optional. While still damp, use a dry rag to wipe away the excess stain. Repeat the process as needed to get an even color to the grain. Allow to dry thoroughly.

7

Apply wood varnish, according to the manufacturer's instructions. The table will be used for serving food and drink. Sealing the wood with a protective varnish coat will eliminate any chance of stains ruining the finish.

Adding legs to the piano cover table

8

Do not use the legs from the piano for the new table. They are too short and will not allow chairs to be tucked underneath. Stain and varnish the four stock table legs to match the new finish on the piano cover.

9

Drill the necessary holes in the bottom of the table and attach the furniture hardware used to assemble the legs to the table. Follow the instructions included with the hardware.

10

Save all the scrap and excess wood from the piano cover and any other wood available from the piano. These pieces are excellent raw materials for other woodworking projects.