It wouldn't be a normal summer for me if I didn't have a new build looming. Two years ago I pulled these wood pieces off the curb during city spring clean-up. The minute I saw them I knew I had to turn at least one into a reclaimed coffee table.

What are they though? My best guess based on the holes and and wear is that they are a headboard and footboard set from the Cargo company? Either way, they are now mine to have fun with. haha.
MORE "JUNK"
The same spring clean-up in another part of town, I came up on this sight.

Is that a mess? Yes. But...I look for reclaimed wood for many reasons. This, however, is a treasure trove.

My heart nearly broken when I realized it was yet another antique upright grand piano that had been busted up. I say another because this is a common practice. I have a piano face as my closet transom you can see in
our bedroom remodel.
While I would have taken all of this, I had to pick and choose what I really wanted and could fit in my truck. The keyboard had to stay because it is wicked heavy, but I came home with this loot.

Most of what I salvaged was the ornate parts. I even was able to grab the piano face, but it was missing a part. That is at least until I found it in a box of vintage linens I also grab.

While I am heartbroken this 1800's piano is in pieces, I at least try to save the parts with a story. I have saved an upright grand piano myself and use it in my home. It's a treasure to us as I love to play and have taught my children to play too.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
So it may seem like I have deviated from my original intent, however, I am still talking about curbside junk (aka. trashure). These two finds are going to be married into that reclaimed coffee table I initially mentioned. You can see some of my past builds
HERE. For today's purpose, I'm using the larger of the two bed pieces and these upright pieces off of the back of the piano structure.

They are solid maple and have a slight taper to them. Perfect for making legs. woot! First, I make necessary repairs to them and sand them down. Then, I cut them to length on my miter saw.

In addition, I also prep the table top for its new purpose. I fill the holes with dowel to prevent little fingers from getting curious and stuck. Notice I'm using dowel from those foam brushes you can buy for cheap. I don't toss anything that can be reused. {{fist pump}}

Finally, after more cutting of 1 x 4's for a skirt and adding a extra reinforcement, I have a dry fit table.

I use my Kreg Jig to make pocket joints into each leg and into the bottom of the table. Plus, I use these corner braces
PAINT & STAIN TIME
After more sanding and finish work I am ready for paint and stain. This special stain reacts with the tannins in the wood to age it naturally and quickly. I just love it! You can see how I've used in on many past projects
in these posts.
Then, while the stain is doing its job, I apply a coat of a dark gray paint to the base using the same brush. My goal is not to coat it solid, but rather let the raised grain peek out here and there.

Last, when all is cured, I add my favorite kind of accent...typography. With my handy overhead projector, I cast my graphic on the top and have at it. This is much like the
drop-leaf table I did not too many months ago.

Once all is cured, I add a few coats of a poly.
THE REVEAL
Here is my reclaimed coffee table in the finished form. I'm stoked to have it done and also have the story for the typography.

Mr. Rothstein was a man who was a farm hand and friend for my parents while I was a baby and tiny tot. My memory of him is a sweet bearded man wearing bib overalls, a straw hat, and a smile. He offered my parents such wisdom on farming and life in general. If you had a need, he saw fit to fill it. Eventually, my parents built my childhood home much farther south.

Shortly after, Mr. Rothstein would make his way down to see us bringing farm fresh produce, treats, and more smiles. As my young self, I kind of thought of him as a family member. Currently, as an adult, I believe that single man would have made a great dad, a farm owner of his own. This table is for you, Mr. Rothstein. Thank you for helping me to love the country life.

In addition, I hope you've enjoyed my latest build using my finds from Curb le Chic. If you'd like to make this reclaimed coffee table a part of your home story, you can find it available in
my online store. We deliver to you...anywhere!

SHARE
Also, pin and share my reclaimed coffee table build to inspire others. Someone's trash can become your treasure =
trashure.

Up next, I'm sharing the build I create with the smaller of the two "doors" I started with. See the after
HERE in this post.

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