DIY Rustic Distressed Table

Sand the finish off a wooden tabletop, legs and feet using a 60-grit sanding block. Use a 200-grit sanding block to sand painted tables. You can create your own sanding block by wrapping sandpaper around a flat wooden block that fits the palm of your hand. Move your sanding block in the direction of the wood grain on your tabletop and table feet until the finish or paint is removed. Refresh the sandpaper as needed.

Vacuum the dust particles from the sanded areas of the table to create a smooth surface. Wipe over the table with a tack cloth to remove remaining dust.

Nick and ding the table to achieve the distressed look. Gently hit various areas on the tabletop and feet with a hammer or mallet to make dents. Fill a sock with screws, nuts or bolts and hit various areas around the tabletop to make small indentations. Rub the corners of the table and legs with steel wool or a wire brush to slightly shave wood off. Use the wire brush on the tabletop to create a scratched effect. Wipe wood particles off with a tack cloth.

Brush a primer onto the surface of the table using a paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry, based on the instructions provided on the can.

Stain the table with two coats of a dark wood color, such as mahogany, dark walnut or black cherry. Allow the stain to dry in between coats and after the second coat per directions on the stain can.

Brush a flat polyurethane finish over all areas of the table. Flat polyurethanes achieve the rustic look, versus shiny ones that create a more polished appearance. Allow the polyurethane to dry, based on the instructions on the can, before using your distressed table.