Restoration Hardware Inspired Balustrade Coffee Table

| | |

After living with our small and wobbly coffee table for the last ten years, it was time for something more substantial and beefier. I’m thrilled with how our new coffee table turned out and even more happy that I was able to build this DIY furniture for $50.00 in materials. Most of the wood I used for this project was given to us by a friend.
Restoration Hardware knock off balustrade coffee table.I’ve already proclaimed my love for Restoration Hardware knock offs with this RH inspired aged metal Ikea cabinet and this DIY industrial pendant.

Inspired by their Salvaged Wood Balustrade Coffee Table, I went with the dimensions of the smaller scaled table that is now on sale for $1195, $300 off the normal price tag of $1495. A $1445 savings sounds even better, right?

Inspiration picture- RH balustrade salvaged wood coffee table The finished dimensions of my coffee table are 48″W x 23″D x 19″H. Restoration Hardware knock off salvaged wood baluster coffee table.

Special note: The lumber I used for the table top looks like it came from door frames and are 1″ x 5″ boards (actual width 4-1/2″). Most home improvement stores don’t stock this size but can rip down 1″ x 6″ boards for you.

Materials for building a Restoration hardware inspired coffee table

Tools & Materials for building the RH knock off Balustrade Coffee Table:

(I added Amazon links to the products I used and recommend.)

(3)  1″ x 5″  @ 8′ long
(4) 1″ x 4″ @ 8′ long
(3) 5 1/2″ (actual width) @ 6′ long fence boards (ripped down in half )
(4)  3/4″ furniture sliders with screws
(4) 4 1/2″ diameter balusters (Mine had to be cut down to 15″ high)
Miter Saw
Kreg Jig and 1-1/2″ Kreg coarse screws
Kreg Face Clamp
Bar Clamp
Power Drill
Impact Driver
Wood screws- 3″, and 1-1/4″
Sandpaper
Palm sander
Block Plane (optional- you can round off the board edges with a sander instead)
Hammer
1- 1/4″ brad nails
Wood Glue
Wood Filler

I found my balusters at the Southern Accents / Lucy’s Inspired booth during the Haven Conference for $40.00. I carried those chippy beauties out of there like they were my babies. Quads, no less.

Just to be on the safe side, I tested them for lead using 3M’s Leadcheck swabs.

Architectural salvage- chippy balusters

Instructions:

**Don’t forget to protect your eyes, ears and lungs with the proper equipment before you start your project.**

I used the Farmhouse Table Plans, steps 6 and 7, from Ana White as a guide to build the table top. I cut the 1″ x 5″ boards and joined them together using the Kreg Jig to make pocket holes and 1-1/2″ Kreg screws. The picture below shows where the pocket holes will be made. The length of the end pieces, called breadboards, are determined once the long boards are joined together. The finished table top measures 48″ x 23″. Cuts using 1″ x 5″s: (5) 39″ boards and (2) 23″ boards.

coffee table top

At this point, I knew the exact measurements of the table top, so I made a base in the same size. I cut the 1″ x 4″ boards and joined them by making pocket holes with the Kreg Jig. Cuts using 1″x 4″ boards: (2) 48″, (2) 16 1/8″, and (1) 41 1/4″.

Kreg Jig pocket holes for coffee table base

Baluster coffee table base with pocket holes

Fence boards were ripped in half then cut down to the width of the table. I nailed them to the base and used credit cards to keep them evenly spaced apart. Cuts for the fence boards: (17) 23″ long

Use credit cards to separate fence boards for table base

The table top has a supporting frame underneath. It also measures 48″ x 23″. This gives you a place to screw in the balustrade legs. It was screwed together using pocket holes. Cuts for the supporting frame using 1″ x 4″s: (2) 48″ and (3) 16″. 

Once you check that everything is level, you can pre drill the holes and attach the baluster legs using 3″ screws. An impact driver makes this job a whole heck-of-alot easier. It allows you to drive the long screws in easily without stripping them. Since you have more torque without stripping the screw, you can countersink them. Um, and yes, make sure the legs are all turned the right direction before you attach them to the frame.

Frame for coffee baluster table legs

The supporting frame was attached to the table top from underneath using wood glue and 1-1/4″ screws.

view from underneath the table top
The baluster legs were screwed in from the bottom with 3″ deck screws. Again, pre drill your holes.

coffee table baluster legs- how to attach

I attached feet cut from 1″ x 4″s  to the corners then added furniture sliders to protect the rug. Cuts from 1″ x 4″ boards: (4) 3 1/2″ squares.

coffee table feet

And here she is, all put together and ready to be painted.

Before painting- Restoration Hardware inspired baluster coffee tableClick this link to see how I painted and distressed the coffee table. It’s painting technique that I haven’t tried before now and I’m really excited about sharing it with you! The lighting makes it look two different colors in the picture, but it’s all the same in person.

Distressed paint finish on a DIY baluster coffee table

 

DIY Restoration Hardware Knock Off Balustrade Coffee Table

Restoration Hardware knock off salvaged wood balustrade coffee table tutorial.

How to make a Restoration Hardware knock off balustrade coffee table.

I have to admit, I was feeling a little intimidated since this was my first DIY furniture build and I didn’t have any building plans to go with it. But, it turned out much better than I thought it would.

So, tell me, if you could knock off a piece of furniture from any catalog, what would it be? I’d love to hear what you have to say.

Check out these other Restoration Hardware knockoffs that’ll knock your socks off:

 

Ever wanted to make your own coffee table for your living room? This simple tutorial shows you how to build your own DIY coffee table inspired by Restoration Hardware's balustrade coffee table

Starting today, Beckie of Infarrantly Creative kicks off a week-long State Pride tour where 30 bloggers share a project that represents their state. I’m proud to say that I’ll be representing South Carolina tomorrow. See you then!

state pride IC

 

Tricia signature

 

 

 

Similar Posts

49 Comments

  1. Thank you Tricia! I finally found the design for my platform bed. I’ve been looking for about three weeks for something that I love and I now found it. I’m going to use six of the legs and make it a platform bed for me:)

  2. I just found your blog and love your projects. This coffee table is stunning and absolutely love it. I also loved your idea in your hallway makeover with the ductwork vent. Where did you find the radiator metal sheet? I would love to update mine.

    Again, love your projects!

  3. Very soon this web page will be famous among all blogging and
    site-building people, due to it’s fastidious articles or reviews

  4. I am just now getting deeper into woodworking; I have only completed a few projects but I feel so intimidated after seeing this masterpiece. I love how the table transforms the look of the room. And for 50 bucks? Outrageous!

  5. Thanks for posting the tutorial – I will be making my own soon – I will send you pictures – you’ve inspired me 🙂

  6. The table turned out amazing. I love how you styled it too. I am going to poke around the rest of your site. So impressed!

  7. OMGOSH! Your’s is WAY better than the RH one!! LOVE IT!!! GREAT JOB!

    1. Thanks for pinning, Krista! I did some pinning myself with your son’s homework station. You know how much I love maps!

  8. First time visitor to your site (I think). Love it! I was searching everywhere for your paint technique when I realized you hadn’t posted it yet because you just posted this tutorial two days ago! I will have to stay tuned. Love the things you’ve done with your house. Ours is similar and we’re getting ready to knock our kitchen wall out too. Can’t wait!

    1. Hi Hillary! I can’t imagine our house back the way it was. It’ll make such a huge difference. I’ll have the post up in the morning. So, glad you found your way here!

  9. You did an amazing job with those balustrades!!! I love how your table turned out. I posted on Southern Accents Facebook page this morning!!

  10. I love this! I think yours looks better than RH version. 🙂 I saw you over on HomeTalk- now following you.

  11. For a first-timer, you’re a natural! Looking forward to seeing more amazing works that you build! 😀

  12. Very nice job! Came over from Pinterest. Yours looks just as good or even better than RH!

  13. This is brilliant! I can’t believe that is your first furniture build! You did a knock out job with it, and it looks beautiful!

    1. Thanks, Sonya! I thought about making the balusters look newer by stripping the paint off but I’m glad I didn’t. I like the combination of new and old, too!

  14. Tricia, you ROCK! What an awesome project. Love that you incorporated some old pieces too. I’m saving this project so I can show my husband. We are working on our kitchen and I want a big island and your table is almost exactly what I had in mind. We have some really old table legs and newell posts saved. Can’t wait to use them! Have a great day!

    1. Thanks, Amber! That kitchen island is going to be gorgeous. I just know it! Let me know when you get it done so I can check it out.

      1. I must caution that salvaged architecture may and likely will be covered in lead paint.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.