How to Make a Rustic Edge on a Table

Draw a line along all sides of the table, about 1/2-inch from the edge. This line does not have to be perfect. It is a guide for where to cut with the blade to prevent cutting too far in to the table.

Cut along the pencil line with the jigsaw. Wear goggles, especially since you have to look very closely at the blade. Guide the jigsaw along the line until all of the sides are cut. The result will be an imperfect, jagged edge around the table.

Make adjustment cuts along the edge. These cuts can correct any skipped or splintering parts. After making the first cut, your creativity may guide additional edge cuts in the wood that exaggerate the rustic look.

Sand the edges of the table. The goal is to not sand it flat and smooth, but rather it is to smooth the surfaces and edges within the jagged edge to highlight its nooks, crevices, protrusions and dips. Also sand the top of the table to remove some of its finish.

Hit the edge of the table with a hammer. Hammer all of the edges to make dents into the wood. These dents mimic the wear and tear on an old door converted into a table.

Wipe the edges with a dry cloth to remove the sawdust residue. This prevents sawdust specs from showing up in the finish.

Stain the edge of the table. Match the existing stain – if the table has one – with a stain for the table’s edge. Mix it well, and dip the stain brush into the stain. Brush a light coat over the edges, and repeat if the table has a darker stain tone. Leave the table to dry overnight.

Apply a coat of polyurethane to seal the edges of the table. Skip this step if the table looks fine without it.