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Table of Contents
Here’s a great looking option for a DIY buffet table that cost me less than $100 in materials to build! The base is made mostly of reclaimed pallet wood, and the top is QUIKRETE concrete.
Using smaller dimensions could easily turn this into a console, sofa, or entry table as well. Download the free plans below!
Related Articles
- How To Make Concrete Countertops
- DIY Mudroom Bench Unit For Our Family Of Six
- Repurposed Window Sash Note Board Key Rack Combo
Tools, Supplies, PPE, and Steps
I’ve linked to several different retailers below for your convenience. I encourage you to shop around as I’ve found that each item may sell for less at a different retailer.
Tools
DEWALT 12″ Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
DEWALT Rolling Miter Saw Stand
DEWALT 10″ Table Saw With Rolling Stand
DEWALT Corded Drill
DEWALT Circular Saw
DEWALT Atomic Cordless Drill
DEWALT Random Orbital Sander
DEWALT Angle Grinder
DEWALT 16-Gauge Brad Nailer
DEWALT Tape Measure
Kreg R3 Pocket Hole Jig System
Stanley Utility Knife
Dripless Caulk Gun
Finishing Trowel
Pointing Trowel
Grout Float
Mixing Paddle
Mix Bucket
5 Gallon Bucket
Diablo Saw Blade
Empire Straight Edge
Rubber Mallet
HANDy Paint Cup
HANDy Paint Cup Liner
Paint Brush
Carpenter Pencil
Supplies
QUIKRETE Countertop Mix
Melamine Plywood
- The Home Depot
- I used 4×8 sheets. You may need to special order or visit your local store.
BEHR #BL-W09 Bakery Box
BEHR #770E-3 Pewter Mug
KILZ 2
Polyblend Non-Sanded Grout
Ghostshield Polyaspartic 745
DAP Silicone Caulk
3/8 in. Rebar
Grip-Rite Rebar Ties
Power Pro 3″ Exterior Screws
Grip-Rite 2″ Exterior Screws
Gator 120 Grit Sanding Discs
Gator 220 Grit Sanding Discs
Gator 320 Grit Sanding Sponge
Plastic Sheeting
FrogTape
Furniture Safety Strap
Personal Protective Equipment
Firm Grip Flex Impact Gloves
Firm Grip Nitrile Gloves
RZ Mask Dust Mask
- Amazon
- Northern Tool
- RZMask.com – Use promo code DIYDAD10 to get 10% off*
3M Safety Glasses
3M Earmuff
Related Article: PPE: DIYers Should Use Personal Protective Equipment
*Cannot be combined with other promo codes. Can only be used one time, per person.
Steps
How To Build A DIY Buffet Table With Pallet Wood, Concrete
- Build the table base.
I used 2x4s for the supports and reclaimed pallet wood for the legs and bottom shelf slats.
- Paint the table base.
I recommend using KILZ 2 primer and BEHR paint. For this build, I used KILZ 2, BEHR #BL-W09 Bakery Box and BEHR #770E-3 Pewter Mug.
- Build the concrete top.
Use QUIKRETE concrete. See my more detailed article here on how to make concrete countertops.
- Secure your table to a wall.
The Home Depot offers an assortment of furniture safety straps.
DIY Buffet Table Plans
Download Your Free Plans
Pallets are a great inexpensive resource for wood. I have access to free pallets and crates from a local boat factory; check around, you might be able to get yours free too.
Measurements
- (A) Concrete top: 22″ x 67 1/4″
- (B) (4) Legs: 2 1/2″ x 4″ x 32″
- (C) (4) Front, back braces: 2×4 lumber at 60″ L
- (D) (4) Side braces: 2×4 lumber at 12 1/8″ L
- (E) (3) Cross braces: 2×4 lumber at 14 1/2″ L
- (F) (18) Slats: 3 1/2″ x 18 5/8″ L
I left all of the rough saw marks, splits, holes, and knots intact. The more, the better in my opinion!
Base Build Sequence
- Attach the four front, back braces (C) to the four legs (B).
- Now attach the four side braces (D) to the now assembled front, back braces and legs.
- Install the three cross braces (E), equally spaced left to right.
- Attach the slats (F) with your nail gun. I worked from the two table ends to the center. The center slat may be thinner than the others. I laid all the slats down first, without nailing them, to get an idea of the spacing I wanted.
A Kreg R3 jig (see tool list above) is the perfect tool to use to attach your base pieces together. This Kreg YouTube video will show you how to set up your R3 jig.
Paint Used
- Base Frame, Slats: KILZ 2
- Base Frame: BEHR #BL-W09 Bakery Box
- Shelf Slats: BEHR #770E-3 Pewter Mug
After the KILZ primer and BEHR coats have been applied, sand the base frame down in random spots to add a distressed, rustic look.
Concrete Top
For an in-depth look at making concrete tops, see my article How To Make Concrete Countertops. Most of the same steps can be used for this table top. The only real difference is I made this top to be 1 1/2″ thick instead of the 2″ thickness I used for my kitchen countertops.
Once your table is built and you’ve set it in place, be sure to secure it to a wall with furniture safety straps!
Do you plan to make your own buffet table with a concrete top? I’d love to hear about your plans in the comments below!
