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How to make a cement-look dining table

By Bunnings magazine /

A cement-look dining table in a living room, a vase and two lemons on top of it.

Overview

Concrete lends a richly textured, industrial look to an indoor space, but it’s incredibly heavy and can be messy to use in D.I.Y. projects. For a similar look but with a much simpler make, try this guide to making a concrete-look dining table instead. Solid doors are strong enough for a table and bench seats while ensuring there is enough sturdiness for screws to attach the metal legs. And concrete-effect paint not only looks great, it’s so much fun to use – just like icing a cake!

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs, mask and disposable gloves, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Cut doors with circular saw

    With a circular saw, cut one door down to 1800mm for the tabletop. Cut another door to 1600mm and in half lengthways for the picnic-style bench seats.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Match the distance of the blade from the edge of the base plate to clamp a length of DAR timber as a straightedge for the saw.
    A blue door panel clamped to a table, with a circular saw on top of it.
  2. 2

    Mark curves at the corners

    On both sides of the tabletop and bench seats, mark curves at the corners using a pencil with the lid of an aerosol can as a template.

    Note: Rounding the corners removes sharp edges and helps to transform the doors into furniture.

    Close up of a pair of hands using an aerosol can lid to mark in pencil rounded corners on a door panel.
  3. 3

    Cut corners with jigsaw and smooth

    Cut the corners with a jigsaw, working from the outsides into the centre. Flip to check the curves match the underside marks and trim as needed. Smooth around the corners using an orbital sander with 120-grit abrasive disc.

    Close up of a jigsaw cutting a door panel to create rounded corners.
  4. 4

    Smooth sharp edges

    Working on both sides, remove the sharp edges using a trim router with round-over bit, then sand all over with 180-grit. Wipe all over with a damp cloth to remove dust.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: If you don’t have a trimmer, round over the edges with 120-grit and finish with 180-grit.
    Close up of a hand using a trim router on the edges of a door panel.
  5. 5

    Apply primer and concrete-effect paint

    Apply a thick coat of primer all over with a long-nap roller and leave to dry. Working on one piece at a time, using a clean roller cover and tray, apply a thick cake-icing layer of concrete-look paint over the top and around the edges. We used Dulux Design Concrete Effect Paint.

    Close up of a paint roller applying grey paint to a door panel.
  6. 6

    Texturise with a trowel

    Texturise with a steel trowel held at 80°, using broad strokes, then wipe around the base to remove drips. Leave to dry for two hours, then repeat for another two coats with the concrete-effect paint, leaving to dry overnight.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Wash the trowel between coats to prevent debris from scratching the surface.
    A door panel covered in wet grey paint, with a hand holding a metal trowel wiping it over the paint.
  7. 7

    Smooth top and polish

    Using 600-grit abrasive paper, lightly smooth over the top and around the sides of the table and bench seats in a circular motion. Use the flat face of the trowel to polish the top and sides to a glassy finish. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: More rubbing results in more texture.
    A hand using a sanding block to sand a painted door panel.
  8. 8

    Seal with varnish

    Seal your cement-look table and benches with a water-based varnish using a clean roller, leaving to dry. Lightly smooth over with 180-grit, wipe away dust, then apply two more coats, leaving to dry thoroughly after each coat.

    Note: The first coat looks like a milky film, but the texture will reappear as it dries.

    A hand using a paint roller to apply varnish onto a painted door panel, a tin of varnish next to it.
  9. 9

    Apply spray paint then secure legs

    Lay down a drop sheet, then clean the legs with solvent and lightly apply three coats of spray paint, leaving to dry after each. Centre table legs 200mm from the ends, pre-drill holes with a 3mm bit to 25mm deep and secure with 35mm screws. Centre the bench legs 100mm from the ends, pre-drill and secure with screws. 

    A gloved hand spraying metal table legs with white spray paint on top of a drop sheet.
  10. 10

    Keep in mind…

    • Work in a ventilated area and wear a mask and safety gear when using power tools for cutting and aerosol paint. Avoid spraying in windy weather and cover the surrounds with a drop sheet.
    • Solid doors (STPC) are heavy, so enlist a second pair of hands to move them.
    • This industrial-style table is designed for light, indoor use only. It should not be overloaded with heavy objects or climbed on.
    • Benches must be made using a solid door, to ensure they are able to carry the weight of at least two average adults.

    Paint colours may vary on application.

  11. 11

    Looking for more creative furniture ideas you can do yourself?

    Check out our guide to upcycle a chair without sewing.

    Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.


    Photo Credit: Natasha Dickins

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.