How to Make a Old Door Coffee Table

Lay an old door on the floor in the location where you intend to use it as a coffee table to make sure that the size will work. Prop the door up to height on some cardboard boxes or footstools to more accurately assess how the size will work in your chosen location. If the door is too big, measure and mark a straight line at the appropriate length and width, maintaining the centering of any window openings or panels. Cut away the excess portions of the door with a saw.

Flip the door over so that the desired upper surface faces the floor. Decide how close to the edge and ends of the door to set the legs; this will vary depending on the style of both the door and the legs. Consider the aesthetics of the finished table as well as how far the legs stick out into the room and whether you will be bumping into them. Measure from the edge and end of the table to the desired leg mounting location, and mark the spot with a pencil.

Attaching leg mounting hardware to recycled table legs, if using. Flip legs over and attach the leg mounting bracket to the table with the appropriate sized screws and screwdriver. Tighten all screws using a light pressure.

Turn the old door coffee table upright and assess the table's alignment with a level. Insert shims between the table leg mounting bracket and the underside of the old door if necessary to level the tabletop. Turn the table back over when leveling is complete, and tighten the screws.

Prepare molding for the door. Measure the length and width of the door about two inches in, between the outer edge and the leg mounting hardware. Saw two one-by-four inch boards to the measured length. Saw two additional boards the measured width minus two inches. Lay these boards on a hard-surface floor on edge. Use L-shaped metal brackets, screws and screwdriver to attach these boards together at right angles to form an open box. Set the box over the table legs flush against the bottom of the table, and use additional L shaped metal brackets to attach the molding box to the underneath of the table.

Stand the table up on the legs. Sand it lightly with sandpaper (unless you wish to preserve an old painted finish), and finish it with paint or stain if desired. Apply a light coating of furniture oil and let it soak into the door to help protect it.