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1. Apply glue on long edge
Place a travertine paver on its short edge, then apply construction adhesive along one of the long edges.
Safety tip: The pavers are heavy, so we recommend having another person help you lift and hold them into place.
Three contemporary modern D.I.Y. home decor projects
Minimalism, earthy, warm, neutrals and stone… If these elements make up your interior style, the next three projects are worth your while. These easy steps by D.I.Y. guru Geneva Vanderzeil will walk you through creating a luxe-looking travertine side table, sculptural artwork and travertine shelves.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, safety boots and a mask, for example) and follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Project 1: How to make a travertine side table
Overview
Travertine pavers aren’t just for floors! Turn this luxe-look material into a one-of-a-kind travertine side table that won’t blow the budget. The key to this upmarket upcycle is simplicity. All you need is gorgeous stone pavers, adhesive and an extra set of hands – these pavers are heavy!
Tools and materials:
- Angle brackets
- Construction adhesive
- Screws (suitable for your wall)
- Screwdriver
- Stone and paving sealer
- Travertine pavers x3
2. Position second paver perpendicular to first and press adhesive
Lift a second paver onto its short edge and position it perpendicular to the first paver, in a T shape. Note the centre of the face of the second paver and press onto the adhesive firmly at this point. Make sure both pavers are completely flush with the floor.
Tip: When arranging the pavers, if the edges aren’t perfect, make sure the straightest edge has contact with the floor.
3. Apply adhesive on top edge and place third paver flat on T shape
Apply a generous amount of adhesive along the top edge of the T shape formed by both pavers. Place the third paver flat on top of the T shape, making sure it’s centred.
4. Let adhesive dry before moving
Allow to dry for at least 48 hours before moving the table.
Tip: You can add masking tape to hold it together while the glue dries, if you think it needs it.
5. Glue brackets to edge of tabletop, push in anchors and screw brackets into the wall
Enlist a second pair of hands to help you move the table into position. Make sure you’re wearing protective shoes and lift from the base. For safety reasons, you should secure the table to the wall with angle brackets. Glue brackets to the edge of the tabletop on the underside, or screw in – to do this, drill holes using a diamond bit, push in anchors, then screw in the brackets. Locate studs (in a plasterboard wall) and screw brackets into the wall.
Tip: Angle brackets can be added for further bracing, particularly if the stone is porous or the surfaces on which glue is applied are uneven. Glue or screw angle brackets into the back of the table, where the pavers intersect.
Note: It’s a good idea to apply a coat of sealant to the tabletop, particularly if you’re worried about staining!
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Project 2: How to make upcycled sculptural art
Overview
Art makes a house into a home, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With this easy D.I.Y. project, you can tap into the trends for organic texture and geometric shapes, and create an eye-catching artwork that’s totally unique. We’ve stuck to a neutral palette, as the 3D shapes make enough of a statement without calling on colour for impact.
Tools and materials:
- Abrasive paper
- Cardboard
- Framed canvas (recycle a cheap print or secondhand artwork)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Jointing compound
- Paintbrushes
- Painter’s tape
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Thin sheets of foam
- White paint
1. Tape and paint canvas
Tape off the frame of the artwork and paint the canvas in white paint to form a base.
2. Sketch and cut shapes
Think about what shapes you want on your canvas. Sketch onto cardboard and cut these out, laying them on the canvas and moving around until you’ve found an arrangement you’re happy with. Take a photo so you know where to put everything later!
3. Trace shapes onto foam and cut
Trace the cardboard shapes onto foam sheets and then cut them out. Use abrasive paper to smooth the cut edges of the foam.
4. Secure shapes with glue gun
Place the foam pieces onto the canvas, securing with a hot glue gun. Leave to dry.
5. Mix jointing compound and white paint, then apply to foam
Create a mixture of jointing compound and white paint, then use a paintbrush to apply this mixture onto the foam, taking care to fill any gaps.
6. Leave to dry then sand and remove tape
Once it’s dry, give the surface a light sand, then remove the painter’s tape.
Tip: Products like furniture and appliances often come packaged in thin foam sheets, which are perfect for this project!
Project 3: How to make travertine shelves
Overview
Too good to waste, these broken travertine tiles inspired another gorgeous D.I.Y. project! Triangular pieces of paver with right angles sit perfectly in a corner, creating beautiful floating wall shelves that capture the rustic beauty of this natural material.
Tools and materials:
- Broken pieces of travertine paver
- Construction adhesive
- Angle brackets
- Stud finder
- Screws (suitable for your wall)
- Screwdriver
1. Select the paver pieces
Select pieces of broken paver that have two right angles and are roughly the same size.
2. Glue two wall brackets on underside of tile and dry
Use construction adhesive to glue two wall brackets onto the underside of each tile piece, flush with the straight edge. Allow to dry.
3. Find studs in wall and screw brackets
Use a stud finder to find the studs in the wall, then screw in the brackets.
Tip: As an optional extra, try using jointing compound to cover the screws and any gaps around the brackets, then paint the brackets the same colour as the walls, so they blend in and the shelves look more like they’re floating.
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Check out what happened at Geneva's in-store workshop
Create your own Ultimate Upcycling D.I.Y. Starter Kit
More D.I.Y. Advice
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.