Inspired by currently trending raffia-covered furniture, I’m showing you how to build your own TV console table covered in wallpaper for $150!
**I partnered with Titebond for this project which makes me really excited because…I used their original wood glue and ONLY their wood glue to hold my entire table together! What?!**
The goal for my house was a tall and wide table without any visible supports that broke up the clean lines. The overall dimensions of my finished table are 70″ wide and 35″ tall. So keep that in mind with the materials and cut lists below!
What to Buy
What to Cut
1x2s:
(4) @ 32″
(7) @ 14-1/2″
(2) @ 70″
3/4″ plywood:
(4) 32″ long x 16″ wide
(2) 70″ long x 16″ wide
Building the Console Table Boxes
Essentially we are creating 3 separate boxes. 2 will be the legs and 1 will be the tabletop.
Start with the 2 smaller boxes (legs) to get your feet wet. Lay a 32″ piece of plywood down and add your Titebond wood glue along the top side of all 4 edges. Then lay a 1×2 on its side on top of the glue, making sure it’s flush with the edge of the plywood.
The 32″ pieces of 1×2 will go from edge to edge of the plywood while the 14.5″ pieces should fit snuggly between.
Once you have the 1x2s lined up on the edges just so, run a bead of wood glue on the top of them.
Gently set another 32″ piece of plywood on top. Now your box leg is complete!
Repeat for the other leg, using a few clamps if necessary to create super tight joints!
You’ll follow the same steps to create the tabletop, only you’ll add an additional 14.5″ 1×2 support somewhere in the middle. This will help keep the long 1x2s from sinking in and add overall stability to the table.
Waiting is the Hardest Part
If you’ve ever tried to pry wood apart that’s been glued with Titebond, even for a few minutes, you know it’s basically impossible to do well.
And that’s why you don’t need any nails or screws to hold your table together. Wood glue, when fully dried and cured, is actually stronger than fasteners! So crazy but oh so true!
Let your 3 boxes dry and set up for at least 30 minutes before moving on to the next step.
Adding Legs to the Table Top
Assuming your floor is level, set your leg boxes upright, approximately 70″ apart. Apply ample amounts of wood glue to the tippy top of your legs and gently set the tabletop in place. Adjust the top so it’s flush with the outside of your leg on one side before adjusting the other leg.
For a table this large, it would be helpful to have a friend or spouse hold the good side in place while you manipulate the other side. But with a few back-and-forths, you can handle it yourself too!
I used a speed square to make sure the legs were at 90-degree angles. Not a bad tool to have in your arsenal if you don’t have one already!
When you’re satisfied with your leg situation, let it sit for about 30 minutes before you start covering everything in wallpaper!
Adhering Wallpaper to the Console Table
I love the texture of a raffia or light-colored wood table. And after a friend shared an inexpensive peel-and-stick wallpaper she used that looked like faux grasscloth, I knew I could use that to create the texture I wanted for this piece of furniture.
I also wanted the table to look like one slab of wood. To create that effect with the wallpaper, I started at the bottom of one leg, took it up and over the top, and then down the other leg without any cuts or seams. I also lined it up with the back edge of the table so it could fold and go down the front edge without any seams.
Hopefully, the video better illustrates how I handled the corners, so watch it above! I had the paper that came from the tabletop under the paper from the legs. Then I scored on the paper itself the 45-degree angle from the inside corner to the outside corner of the wood structure. I cut any excess paper from the top and then stuck it down. Next, I cut the layer of paper coming from the legs along the line I just scored. So when everything was laid flat and stuck down good, it looks like my legs and tabletop were mitered together.
Originally I planned to carefully trim the excess at the end of the front edge, but since it folded so nicely without any bubbling, I folded the inch or so excess and stuck it to the inside of the table.
And that got covered up next with another run of wallpaper. I bought enough wallpaper (2 rolls) to cover the inside of the legs and the underside of the tabletop. And since I was less concerned on the underside about seeing seams, I covered them individually and ended up not covering the underside of the tabletop itself. You really can’t see it during everyday use and it saved me $27 by not opening the second roll.🤷♀️
Oh and for the legs, the inside wallpaper was flush with the front edge so the excess was just folded over and stuck onto the back of the legs. Yes, it looks unfinished from the backside. BUT WHO CARES?!
The only place I needed to trim wallpaper was at the base of the legs. I propped up one leg at a time with a scrap piece of 1×2 so I could trim it as precisely as possible. I didn’t want any sliver of wood showing and giving away my table’s secrets!
About an hour or so after completing the table, there was still a little wobble to it if you shifted it from side to side. But after leaving it alone overnight, the wiggle was gone and this table was sturdy, stable and ready to move to its new home!
I ordered our poufs from Home Depot* to serve as decoration AND additional seating. They are like sophisticated beanbag chairs and the kids have already pulled them out to sit and roll around several times!
The wallpaper behind the TV and console was recently hung to create an accent wall. I like it by itself but I’m still trying to figure out if I like the room as a whole with the wallpaper in it.🤔
But we do love the sleekness of our Frame TV*! It was a splurge we treated ourselves to when our previous house sold for way over the asking price. Now I’m thinking I might brush some gold paint on the frame to match other gold frames in the room. The projects and ideas never stop around here! Ha!
In Hour 1, learn the reason why toilet water is low, the best temperature for outside painting and more.
Water Not Refilling in a Toilet
Blockage in a vent pipe could make the water level low in a toilet. (Ratikova, Getty Images)
Every time Paul Johnson flushes his toilet, the water fills up but then drains to almost empty.
“We have had two plumbers check it out. One said the bowl design was made to do that. One snaked it and had no answer,” he says.
There could be some obstruction farther down the drain than the plumber’s snake can reach.
The only other reason water drains out is if there’s a crack in the toilet, but you’d notice that water in your bathroom.
There might be a blockage on your vent pipe. A plumbing vent allows that air to drain the water out, so if there’s any obstruction, even partial, it creates a siphon effect.
It works similarly to when you put your finger on top of a straw that’s in a glass of water and lift it, the water stays in the straw until you release it.
Birds can build nests in those things or other things can get down there and create a vacuum or siphon effect that keeps it from working properly.
Have the plumber check the vent pipe on the roof to make sure there’s nothing in it. If they do find a block, put hardware cloth over the pipe to prevent future blockage.
Lowest Temperature for Exterior Painting
Don’t paint in temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. (Susie Hedberg, Getty Images)
Teresa asks, “What is the lowest temperature that I can paint my exterior house trim? Also, what’s the best kind of paint to use?”
First, before you do any kind of exterior painting, you have to do the proper prep work.
Clean and sand the exterior so the paint will adhere to the surface. If you don’t, you’re gonna have problems no matter what kind of paint you use or what temperature it is outside.
We love acrylic latex paint for exteriors — go with a semi-gloss for trim. Pricewise, you don’t have to get the most expensive type of paint, as moderately priced ones work just as well and won’t break the bank.
As far as what temperature to paint, always read the label. Different manufacturers have different recommendations. However, the vast majority claim you can apply the paint in temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. And now, there are some that are rated for colder weather, but they’re more expensive and harder to find.
Our suggestion: Don’t paint in temperatures lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The important thing is that it has to remain at that temperature for at least four hours after you apply the paint. If the temperature is expected to drop, put off painting.
You don’t have to do the entire house in one go — paint in stages. Do the front of the house one day, and the sides and back on other days.
Tip for Protecting Laminate Countertops
Seal the underside of laminate countertops to prevent warping from dishwasher steam. (gerenme, Getty Image Signature)
When you open a dishwasher, you get a blast of initial steam, it dissipates pretty quickly, but over time it can warp a laminate countertop.
Many laminate countertops are applied to particleboard, and rarely is that particle board sealed where it comes in conjunction with that steam coming out of the dishwasher.
A fan called in with this tip for protecting laminate countertops: Paint the underside of your countertop just above the dishwasher with a sealant of some sort to keep the steam from warping the countertop.
You can use just about anything to seal the pores of the wood, but we suggest brushing on a coat of clear polyurethane varnish. It just seems to give it a better buildup.
Hour 2
In Hour 2, hear what might be causing mold on a deck and how to get rid of it, plus tips for autumn irrigation.
Getting Rid of Black Mold on a Deck
Black mold on your deck means there’s too much moisture and shade. (DepositPhotos)
A hotline caller just can’t get rid of black mold on her deck.
“I have tried Clorox, Wet & Forget and I have also painted multiple coats of deck paint but it keeps coming back. Any last suggestions before I start over?” she asks.
We think three things are contributing to this mold growth:
The deck is in the shade. While it makes for a nice, relaxing spot for homeowners, it also creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.
The deck is relatively close to the ground and has a lot of moisture collecting under it.
The boards’ undersides aren’t sealed. People seldom paint the underside of the deck boards, so moisture will penetrate through them.
She mentions painting the deck, but that’s not something we recommended. This puts a coating over the wood, making it easier for mold and mildew to form on it.
Pressure wash the deck to remove the mold and apply a semitransparent stain. This soaks into the wood and blocks moisture from passing through, preventing mold growth and blistering. And be sure to stain the entire surface and just the top.
Trim back some tree limbs to allow for more sun to shine on the deck, and create a drainage system so water doesn’t accumulate underneath it.
After you’ve addressed the shade and drainage issues, continue using something like Wet & Forget to get ahead of any future mold growth.
As the weather cools off you may think less about watering your lawn and gardens. But even in cooler temperatures, plants need moisture to remain healthy. If autumn is a dry season where you live, it’s essential to pay attention to how much water your yard is getting.
If you need to augment the natural rainfall with your irrigation system here are some ways to minimize water waste and maximize what rainfall you do get.
Raise the height of the blade on your lawnmower. Mowing close to the ground allows the soil to dry out more quickly, plus the slightly taller grass will require less water to begin with.
Check your garden hose connections at the hose bib and between hoses to be sure they aren’t leaking. When you do water with a hose, use a spray handle or shut-off control so you only apply water exactly where it’s needed.
Consider watering early in the morning. At that time of day, temperatures are coolest and the evaporation rate is at its lowest.
If you apply a generous layer of mulch in your gardens it will help the soil retain moisture so you can water less frequently.
If your home has downspouts, consider making a rain barrel to put under one or more of them. You can collect rainwater for your garden without adding a penny to your utility bill.
This Around The Yard segment is sponsored by Pavestone.
Best New Products
Spray foam is an economical way to fill gaps around your home, but applying it can get messy. Great Stuff’s new Smart Dispenser solves this problem! Learn more >>
Simple Solutions
Joe Truini’s Top 5 Fall Simple Solutions are all about making yard work easier. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Joe Truini shares his Top 5 Fall Simple Solutions! Listen to the full podcast.
We’re transforming a shed into an art studio for homeowner Linda Johansen.
Linda is native to Mobile, Ala., and has settled in Fairhope, Ala., after adventuring around the world with Delta Airlines. She has gradually redone her home one room at a time but needs a little help with her shed — and we’re happy to help!
Linda’s shed has great potential for an artist’s oasis!
Preparing the Shed
For prep, we didn’t have to do too much. Linda helped us out by cleaning out as much as she could so we could get right to the renovation.
We start by removing the siding that faces the street to close up the door. By closing up the door, both security and more room for Linda’s shed.
By removing the siding, we can now close up the door to create more space.
We also remove the small concrete ramp leading to the door. It’s rare if the slab of the concrete floor and the ramp are poured at the same time. Since there’s no line between the ramp and the concrete slab, I’m using a saw to score it so the ramp has a clean break.
Chelsea and Linda get busy sanding the cabinets.
Refinishing the Cabinets
Linda has the original kitchen cabinets that came with her home. Like us, Linda hates to waste perfectly good furniture. So instead of getting rid of the kitchen cabinets, we’re refinishing and putting them in Linda’s she-shed!
The new color Linda chose for her cabinets makes the space pop.
Chelsea and Linda took to sanding the old cabinets and painting them a fun shade of blue. This shade of blue is actually color matched from one of Linda’s pillows and makes the space pop more!
The new potting bench adds more character to Linda’s she-shed!
Adding a Potting Bench
To add more of Linda’s personality to the shed, we’re building a free-standing potting bench. It enhances the appeal of the shed from the outside while also allowing storage for Linda’s garden tools.
With the potting bench in place, Linda’s shed is now a home for all of her hobbies!
“Today’s Homeowner” hosts Danny Lipford and Chelsea Lipford Wolf, pictured with Linda Johansen.
Production Thoughts
When we first saw Linda’s shed it was attractive on the outside but had yet to reach its potential on the inside. Linda needed a space for her creative side to paint and garden as she pleases.
By covering up the door facing the street, we created more wall space for functionality. The refinished cabinets add a pop of color and creativity to this artist’s shed. And the potting bench on the side of the shed adds even more of Linda’s personality to her hobbies!
Other Tips from this Episode
Products Featured in this Episode
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Spray foam is an economical way to fill gaps around your home, but applying it can get messy. The folks at Great Stuff have solved this sticky situation with their new Pestblock Insulating Spray Foam Sealant, which features a Smart Dispenser straw.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product from these links, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Small straws on expandable foam cans make it harder to control the amount you apply. (BanksPhotos, Getty Images Signature)
The Problem With Expandable Foam Sealant
Small straws on most canned expandable foam sealants make them harder to control. Foam spurts out in bits, and drips quickly clog the straw.
Even if you use an extension tube, it can easily slide off and release foam everywhere except where it’s needed.
Great Stuff’s Smart Dispenser allows for more precise application. (greatstuff.dupont.com)
Most foam sealants are a “one and done” application, so you need to use the whole can in one go.
Great Stuff Pestblock Insulating Spray Foam Sealant can be reused for up to 30 days with the straw left attached to the canister. Just clean the tip after your first use, then you can save the rest for another project!
It’s tack-free in five to 15 minutes and trimmable in one hour. And once it’s dry, you can sand, paint, and stain it to match the surroundings.
Great Stuff’s Pestblock formula is specifically designed to block out spiders, ants, cockroaches, mice and other pests from entering your home without pesticides. So no bees are harmed!
When raking leaves and putting them into a trashcan lined with a plastic bag, the weight of the leaves tends to pull the bag down inside the can. Every time you dump in leaves, you have to readjust the bag.
To prevent this from happening, put the bag in the trash can and fold its open end over the can, as usual.
Next, stretch a bicycle inner tube around the outside of the trash can to securely hold the bag in place.
Bike inner tubes are available in sizes up to about 26-inch diameter, so you should be able to find one to fit your trash can.
A leaf blower and some plastic downspout are all you need for the fastest and best way to clean gutters. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
3. Fast Way to Clean Gutters
Our next Fall Simple Solution is a clever way to clean gutters using a 10-foot length of a vinyl downspout.
Start by using a pair of snips to cut the end of the downspout, then pinch it closed with duct tape. This will create more power and pressure at the end.
Now, slip the opposite end of the downspout onto the leaf blower and you’re ready to power-blast your gutters clean.
You can blow out 8 to 10 feet of gutter from one position to either side, meaning you’ll only have to move the ladder maybe once or twice to clean the gutters along the entire house.
A slotted berry container is a perfect tool to evenly distribute grass seeds. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
4. DIY Grass Seed Shaker
Fall is the best time of year to sow grass seed because of the mix of warm soil and cool air.
Here’s a tip for over-seeding any bare or thin spots on your lawn.
Begin by getting a small plastic clam-shell berry container, the kind that supermarkets use to sell blueberries and raspberries. The containers have small slotted drainage slots that are perfect for distributing grass seeds.
Just dip the berry container in a seed bag, close the lid, and gently shake it over the bare spots. You’ll get a nice, even distribution of seeds, without wasting seeds.
Next, rake the seeds into the soil, water the area, and cover with mulch hay.
Drilling holes into the side of a garbage can is a quick and easy way to relieve suction. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
5. Non-Suctioning Garbage Can
Most people collect leaves by simply dumping them into a large plastic bag inside a trash can.
And there’s nothing wrong with that except when you go to remove the full bag of leaves — the bag forms suction at the bottom, making it difficult to yank out the bag.
So, here’s how to break that vacuum so the bag slides right out: Take a 5/8-inch diameter drill bit and drilled a series of holes around the outside of the can and also in the bottom.
The holes will allow air to flow into the can, breaking the vacuum.
In this episode, we’re bringing a vintage 80s brick home into this decade with an exterior refresh.
Homeowner Kim Hetzman and her three children live in this home that her children have deemed ‘the hot dog stand.’ (The nickname comes from the awnings that resemble a hot dog kiosk.) Needless to say, Kim is ready for a change and we’re more than happy to help!
To make Kim’s home stand out and boost its curb appeal, we limewashed the exterior bricks.
Limewash is a mix of lime, minerals and water that applies directly to brick and actually soaks into the brick instead of sitting on top of it. It’s easy to apply and creates a beautiful rustic look on any brick surface.
The brick needs to be wet before applying the limewash. We used a sprayer to apply the limewash to speed up the process a little bit, but this can also be done with a masonry brush.
After letting it dry for about 15 minutes then you can go back and remove some of the limewash with water in selected spots.
A clear sealer protects the shutters from water damage and maintains the wood’s natural color. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
Building New Shutters
Kim and Chelsea build new cedar shutters for Kim’s home. They look timeless and add some vintage charm.
Chelsea creates a jig using a few stop blocks to slide the shutter components in place and so she won’t have to measure every piece. The shutters are built upside down; this way, no nail holes are noticeable!
We build the shutters from three 1-by-6 cedar boards across and, using the same width, one 1-by-4 at the top and bottom. The diagonal accent piece is also 1-by-4.
When assembling the shutters, place the smooth side of the cedar down so it faces out once completed. Once all the boards are in place, Chelsea attaches the screws in from behind — this way, no nail heads will show on the outside of the shutter.
Note: Be sure the screws aren’t too long because the tip can come out of the front side of the shutter and ruin the project!
These small azaleas won’t grow as large as the ones originally in the yard. (3 Echoes Content Studio)
New Landscaping from Blair’s Nursery
To finish off Kim’s curb appeal update, we had help from our friends at Blair’s Nursery, a nursery located right here in Mobile, Alabama.
Owner, Blair Kovar, helps us create a beautiful landscape plan for Kim’s home that is low maintenance and accents the home.
Kim’s landscaping includes a variety of plants and flowers that you can check out at blairsnurseryandgifts.com.
When we first arrived at Kim Hetzman’s home, or ‘hot dog stand’ as her three kids called it, it was a home in great shape for a 30-year-old home but didn’t fit her personality.
It was dated and dull but just needed some love added to it. Now the house is lighter, brighter and full of character thanks to the limewash added to the bricks. The rustic cedar shutters add warmth to the house making it comfortable and cozy.
The new landscaping adds depth and color that enhances Kim’s curb appeal!
