We had seen a “Reflection Centrepiece” that we liked at Crate & Barrel not too long ago. It retailed for $179, which was a little more than we wanted to spend. So when we got home, I decided I could make a similar piece for Alicia. It was so easy and inexpensive to make that I actually made two – a grey one for a rustic look, and a black one for a more formal look. Alicia interchanges these based on her current decorating tastes. It’s a great starting point for a centrepiece, just add in different elements based on the season.
SHOPPING LIST:
- 1 – 1″ x 12″ x 36″ pine board
- 1 – 1″ x 3″ x 8′ pine board
- Minwax Classic Gray 271 (or any colour)
STEPS:
- Cut the 1″ x 3″ x 8′ board into the following lengths with 45 degree angles on each end. Keep in mind the outside corners of the boards are the measurements, not the inside corners (see diagram above).
- 34.5″ x2
- 13.5″ x2
- Cut the 1″ x 12″ x 36″ board down to 32″ length.
- Lay the 4 pieces of the frame out on the floor making sure that each corner is square.
- Place the 1″ x 12″ x 32″ board on top, keeping it centred on all sides.
- Using a nail gun and compressor, attach the board to the frame pieces using 1 1/4″ finishing nails.
- Sand down all edges using a 120 grit sandpaper. Feel free to distress the piece using a hammer and any other objects that will create some rustic looking marks.
- Apply a coat of stain to the top and sides using a foam brush or paper towels. You can leave the very bottom of the piece unstained if you want. Wipe off the excess stain and let it fully dry.
- You can apply a coat of polyurethane if you will be placing anything on the tray that could damage it, or you can leave it as is.
- Apply 4 felt pads to the bottom to protect the surface you will be putting this on from possible scratches (plus it makes it easier to move around).
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