Today we share our first experience with layering stain to make a DIY farmhouse side table.

Farmhouse furniture is one of my favorite things to DIY. There is just something about the distressing, dark wood top and black hardware that I love. And no piece ever looks the exact same, which just adds to the charm.

A few months ago, I made over a $5 table found at a thrift store by adding some planking to the top and painting the base with white chalk paint..

Most recently, I repainted and distressed a larger side table that we made into a mini-pantry.

Today I want to share with you another thrift store makeover – I picked up this table for $10 at my favorite furniture spot.

It was in great condition and looked like someone had tried to sand off the top but got bored and just left it.

The Supplies

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• Orbital sander
• 80 grit sand paper
• White chalk paint 
• Weathered Gray Varathane stain
• Liming wax
• Special Walnut Minwax stain
• Cotton cloth or old t-shirt
• Plastic gloves
• Polyurethane in matte
• Black spray paint

The Process

First, I finished sanding off the finish from the top. It didn’t take too long since they had already started it for me.

After giving it a quick wipe down to remove the dust, I applied one coat of the weathered gray stain.

Wanting to add some white into the grain, I went over the top with the limewax, rubbing in circles to really grind the wax into the wood.

I then added a light coat of my new favorite stain – special walnut.

I painted the base with white chalk paint, but even after distressing the base, it still was missing something. So, I went over the top with another coat of special walnut.

That seemed to do the trick!

I loved the hardware it came with, but they needed a little TLC. I spray painted them matte black which brought them back to life.

After reinstalling the hardware, I went over the entire piece with polyurethane and called it a day.

Farmhouse furniture still is my favorite and I am looking forward to test out some more stain combinations!

All our best,

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