A savvy mum-of-three has shared how she achieved her dream dining room table on a budget by creating her own from scaffold boards.
Hotel receptionist Shelley Bartlett, 47, built the table with her dad in a bid to save money. The project cost her £120, and she completed the look with some £20 chairs from Facebook Marketplace. As reported by LatestDeals, Shelley shared her tips on money-saving Facebook group, DIY On A Budget UK.
She said: "I came up with the idea after seeing some bespoke custom built tables, shelves and benches online, and they caught my eye after changing my decor in my kitchen diner.
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"I spoke with my dad, and together we thought about what materials and tools would be needed. I decided to go to my local wood merchant and chose two new scaffold boards. My dad helped me cut them to size and we go to work.
"We just used some large screws and wood clamps to keep the boards together tightly whilst we screwed fixing batons underneath. Once that was done, I spent quite a lot of my free time sanding down the boards so no one gets splinters.
"Once I was happy with the surface, my dad helped me use a portable blowtorch which we borrowed off a friend to make the boards have a used, authentic look. I purchased the black powder coated steel table legs off eBay and we screwed them in.
"I then added three layers of Danish wood oil to preserve the wood, which you rub on and leave for a little while before you then rub off so it doesn't go sticky."
Shelley was impressed with the final result of her handiwork, which she believes has saved her over £600. She added: "I purchased the chairs on Facebook Marketplace for £20 and the velvet chair covers were £30.
"I have three kids and I've decided it will be a family heirloom! I really do love it and it's more special being made by myself. I've always decorated my home on a tight budget and enjoyed up-cycling or making my own.
"I think I have saved approximately £600 to £700 by making my own, so I'm extremely happy knowing that my hard work alongside help from dad paid off."
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