It is week 5 for the One Room Challenge and I have built a DIY faux concrete console table for almost nothing. I spent under $10 using scrap wood and thrifted wallpaper. These tables retail for over $1000 and some stores over $2000.
One Room Challenge
The One Room Challenge or the ORC is a challenge where participants get to show how they transform a space in a few weeks. Better Home and Gardens is the media partner for the ORC. It is a bi-yearly challenge that usually lasts 6 weeks. This year’s challenge this year will be like no other One Room Challenge because of the quarantine for the Covid-19 virus. We have a stay in order still in place where I live. For this reason, it is going to be challenging to get supplies and decor. We are encouraged to use what we already have at home. You can view my inspiration for the room on my Week 1 post.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy.
I have been wanting a concrete console table as I have seen at the high-end stores but definitely can’t pay the price.
While thrifting, I found several rolls of good wallpaper for my home. Two rolls were grasscloth and one roll was a textured concrete wallpaper. I knew that the concrete wallpaper would be perfect for the table. At the time, I thought that I would paint the wallpaper with a couple of different grey paints. After I wallpapered the table, I loved it too much to paint it grey. Finding wallpaper at a thrift store is rare. If you purchase the wallpaper new, it will still only cost under $30 for the paper.
Sneak peek of my table to give you an idea of how the wallpaper looks on the console table after I applied it.
I know that this table will be easy for me to build by myself. Keeping in mind that I want to build this table as cheaply as possible, I gather all my wood scraps.
You can purchase thicker boards and not have to do as many steps as I did. 2 inch thick boards will be perfect for this table.
The Plans
You can use any measurements you desire. My table is 1 3/4 inches thick before wrapping with wallpaper.
Supplies
Wood Boards. I use plywood.
Wood Glue I use a large bottle.
Long Screws
Cheap paintbrush or foam brush for adhesive
Wallpaper Smoothing Tool-I use a piece of wood to smooth out bubbles.
Scissors
Instructions
Remember: I use wood scraps to save money.1.Cut all boards the desired length.
2. Cut the long boards with a table saw.
3. Glue the boards together with wood glue.
4. If you have thicker boards, you will skip the gluing steps.
5. Clamp boards together for several hours. I left mine clamped overnight.
6. Make sure your tabletop and legs are level and straight.
6. Install corner braces.
7. Attach with screws for extra strength.
Adding the Wallpaper to the DIY faux concrete console table
- Cut the wallpaper to fit the table from end to end. I cut a little out of each corner to make the corners easier.
- Apply wallpaper adhesive generously. It is important that adhesive touches the entire back of wallpaper.
- I found it easier to cut the corners from the back.
- Fold the corners.
- I did make a few tiny mistakes that I had to cover but it is not noticeable because of the textured wallpaper.
- Make smooth edges. I press a ruler or a board over and around the edge to make sure the glue is touching the wallpaper and the table. I let the wallpaper dry for 24 hours before I did the next step.
Add a piece of wallpaper to cover the inside of the table legs. I used clamps to make sure the edges are secure.
You will have edges that lift.
This has happened with every wallpaper project that I have done including walls. For the table, I used gorilla glue with a tiny old paintbrush to add a little glue to the lifted edge. The reason that I attach the edges with glue is the glue will dry super fast and wallpaper adhesive takes longer to dry.
Look at the beautiful texture on the wallpaper.
DIY Faux Concrete Table looks beautiful in my home. This table will be perfect for an entryway, a living space, or in a bedroom. The table will also be great to hold a TV.
Rebecca Celhar says
This DIY console table is so cool! Definitely pinning for later!
Christine says
Such a wonderful console table!!! It really looks like it’s concrete!! Beautiful job!!
Jason says
Wow this is really beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Paula says
This looks amazing! Your version looks wonderful and so much like your inspiration pictures.
Lynn Spencer says
SHERRY!!!! You rocked that console table! The faux concrete is everything! Well done my friend.
Kathleen says
You continue to amaze me, so creative and money saving! Each step so easy to follow!
Michelle Leslie says
Brilliant idea Sherry and it turned out gorgeous.
Nancy says
What a great project! I love it,
Sara says
Wow, looks great. It really is a two person job though; could never handle this on my own and I don’t know if I could ever wallpaper with Hubs and still maintain my marriage – lol!
Leanna says
Simple and beautiful. I love this project. Great wallpaper find. Pinned
Maria says
This is so pretty love the baskets
Anita Holland says
Now that is very clever. I love it. I had to giggle at your wallpaper image with two people holding up the paper. We tried that once and got into such a mess we had to start again.
Michelle | Thistle Key Lane says
Impressive project and it really looks like the real deal. Love it!
Kim Purvis says
Love how this turned out and I need those baskets asap!