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Backyard fun: D.I.Y. chess board upcycle project

By Bunnings magazine /

White coffee table with a chess board sitting top

Overview

Have an old side table in need of a little revamping? Why not try this D.I.Y. upcycle project to transform it into a chess table that’s perfect for your next backyard entertaining event or family get-together – it’s the ideal addition to your outdoor living set-up. All it takes is some paint and masking tape to create this fun addition to any game night.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, earmuffs, gloves and a mask) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Prep, paint and mark up the table

Sand any varnish or paint from the table, wipe away dust, then spray with primer and leave to dry. Apply 2-3 coats of white spray paint, leaving to dry after each coat. On the tabletop, use a ruler and combination square to draw an 8 x 8 grid of 36mm squares in pencil.

Hand uses pencil and combination square ruler to make markings on table

2Paint chessboard and chess pieces

Cut 36mm squares of painter’s tape to mask off every second square on the grid, then mask off remainder of tabletop. Apply 2-3 coats of green spray paint, leaving to dry after each coat. Spray chess pieces to match board colours and leave to dry.

Blue masking tape is placed on table in a grid formation

3Seal the design and add hooks

Remove tape from around the grid. Use a utility knife to carefully lift the edges of the squares of tape to peel off. Outline grid using a ruler and black marker. Spray tabletop with polyurethane to seal. Screw cup hooks to the underside to hold bags of chess pieces.
Green paint is used to paint over the paint to form the checkered pattern of the chess board

4Want more backyard games inspiration?

Check out our how-to guide on making a D.I.Y. giant outdoor noughts and crosses.

 

Photo Credit: Sue Stubbs

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.