How to Make a Hard-Topped Cover for a Coffee Table

Once rare, ottoman-style coffee tables have become a ubiquitous part of the suburban-contemporary living room. Whether it's a casual overstuffed microfiber or a formal tufted leather, these pieces make it OK to put your feet on the coffee table. The only problem that arises is caused by the unsteady cushioned surface -- drinks fall over and plates wobble and leak. For everyday use, a small tray usually provides enough surface area to avoid this -- but when you entertain, you need room for hors doeuvres and glasses. In these situations, a hard cover can come in handy. They temporarily turn your ottoman table into a hard-top, protect the upholstery from spills and are small enough to store under the couch when not in use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the length and width of the top of your coffee table, and add an extra inch to each dimension. This will give you a topper that extends a half-inch beyond all sides of the table top so spills will run to the floor instead of seeping underneath to the upholstery.

2

Cut the plywood to your dimensions. Sand the edges with coarse sandpaper to knock off splinters and ragged bits. It doesn't have to be smooth, just even and clean.

3

Lay down a drop cloth outside, and set up four bricks or cinder blocks to elevate the plywood above the ground.

4

Mix fiberglass resin with included hardener according to the directions on the can. Pour the mixed resin into the center of the plywood and spread to the edges with a plastic scraper. Aim for a thin, even layer, and allow the resin to run over the edges to coat. Allow it to dry and then flip the wood over and do the same to the other side.

5

Sand the plywood with and orbital sander and fine-grit sandpaper until the resin is smooth. Wipe it down with a tack cloth.

6

Mix body filler and hardener as directed on the can, and apply to the wood with a plastic scraper. Work quickly, spreading as smooth as possible. Allow to dry, flip the wood and do the other side.

7

Sand the piece with the orbital sander and fine-grit sandpaper until the body filler is smooth. Apply another coat of body filler, but make it a bit thicker. Allow to dry, and do the other side.

8

Sand the piece until smooth again, but this time use a carpenter's level to avoid sanding dips and valleys into the surface. Do both sides, and wipe down with a tack cloth.

9

Apply a coat of primer to all sides and edges and allow it to dry.

10

Apply paint to all sides and edges and allow it to dry. Repeat if necessary.

11

Apply a coat of clear polyurethane to all sides and edges for protection. Allow it to dry. Place atop your coffee table when a large hard surface is required.