Sunday, November 3, 2024

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Turning an Outdated Desk High into New Floating Cabinets


Make amends for all of the Suite Extension posts HERE.

Some of the frequent questions I obtained throughout my running a blog absence was, “When are you going to come back again and eventually share your dad or mum’s accomplished suite extension?”

The quick reply is quickly, nevertheless I have to confess it’s nonetheless not solely full!

Though it’s been “completed” for some time, and is completely good and livable, it’s not fairly on the degree I would really like.

You see, after COVID lock-downs threw an enormous fats spanner within the preliminary works, the suite extension was hurriedly thrown collectively out of necessity as a way to accommodate my sister’s household of 5 (for 9 months!) throughout a renovation of their very own house.

Add my latest three month journey on high and there hasn’t been a lot time to deal with finessing it.

Sure, I do realise most conventional individuals would have had it done-and-dusted ages in the past, however I suppose that’s the place I differ!

So it in all probability comes as little shock that I really began penning this weblog publish over two years in the past! Yep, I checked the edit historical past.

One ingredient I used to be dedicated to within the DIY kitchenette was some open shelving. Do you keep in mind the (tough) unique design idea?

Kitchenette DesignKitchenette Design

And my earlier publish the place I’d already constructed and put in this shaker peg rail?

DIY Shaker Peg RailDIY Shaker Peg Rail
Shaker Peg Rail DIYShaker Peg Rail DIY
Sure, this shaker peg rail wasn’t proven within the unique idea. I made a decision so as to add it for further character and attraction, and as a way of offering extra open storage.

I thought of, and totally researched (in my regular method of over-thinking issues), numerous choices for the cabinets. From primary pine planks from the native ironmongery store, to reclaimed timber from a salvage yard, to discarded wooden sitting within the paddock behind my dad or mum’s home (actually!) and even fancy customized made. They have been all not fairly proper, difficult to supply, troublesome to work with and/or overly costly.

After which I had an thought…

On the similar time I used to be contemplating the suite extension cabinets we have been engaged on staging my late mother-in-law’s home. She had an outdated espresso desk we didn’t want and no one wished. Hmmm, perhaps I might repurpose it?

Table BeforeTable Before
BEFORE
AFTER

It had a pleasant strong timber high which was thick sufficient to create cabinets with substance, broad sufficient to divide into the 2 cabinets I wanted and lengthy sufficient to span the overhead cupboard hole.

BeforeBefore

So…FREE floating cabinets arising!

TIP: While I used to be fortunate to have already got this desk, should you’re seeking to create your personal inexpensive floating cabinets don’t hesitate to buy second-hand, scour the curb and take a look at on-line shops to your personal adaptable furnishings choices. A lot stunning timber unnecessarily results in landfill.

The very first thing I did was isolate the highest. This meant eradicating the legs and apron. Which was simple sufficient although just a little bit fiddly as a result of there was a copious quantity of glue and about two thousand nails!

Because of the truth my desk high was curved and slanted on the perimeter, I additionally wanted to sq. it up by trimming off the sides. In fact, should you’re working with a square-set desk you then get to forgo this step. Yay you.

Trimming the Table TopTrimming the Table Top

As soon as I had a pleasant rectangular slab, I minimize two planks on the size I wanted (to suit snuggly between the higher cupboards) and on the depth I wished (which I made a decision was 25cm/10″).

PlanksPlanks

Then I gave every plank a extremely good sand to take away the orange varnish and get proper again to uncooked timber.

SandingSanding
I realise this will likely appear to be a male’s hand nevertheless it’s really mine – I’m simply fortunate to be blessed with distinguished veins (thanks Dad) and the sawdust has helped intensify my honest arm hair.

Right here you may see what a distinction the sanding made.

Sanding to Natural WoodSanding to Natural Wood

I’m not sure what sort of timber it’s although it’s actually pretty. Good and dense with a protracted delicate grain.

Shelves After SandingShelves After Sanding

Underneath completely different circumstances I could have saved the cabinets pure, although they have been a tad yellow so I utilized a heat barely ashy stain to tone higher with the oak flooring within the room. I’m sorry, although I can’t recall the identify of the stain I used!

To drift the cabinets, quite than drill via the pressed tin backsplash, they’re really hooked up through the flanking cupboards (that are affixed to wall studs). Not solely does this give them implausible power, it saves them from dipping on the entrance, which is usually a frequent challenge with floating cabinets.

In fact, should you don’t have flanking cupboards to connect your floating cabinets to they are often efficiently affixed through the rear wall. Simply guarantee it’s carried out properly.

I might have stuffed the cabinets with numerous fairly decor, although given the kitchenette isn’t big it is sensible for them to deal with primarily practical objects resembling crockery and glassware. This permits extra cupboard area for groceries, and so forth, when the suite is in sensible use.

And while I definitely don’t count on them to at all times be tremendous neat and tidy, selecting easy and impartial objects makes it onerous to go fallacious from a beauty perspective.

Most of what I’ve included are fundamentals from Kmart and Goal, with my regular spattering of classic finds for a bespoke really feel on a funds.

I’ve seen fairly a little bit of speak up to now from people who find themselves hesitant about putting in floating shelving because of the expense. Hopefully this idea of repurposing a pre-loved merchandise supplies a primary DIY avenue which makes it attainable for everybody!

Make amends for all of the Suite Extension posts HERE.

 

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