Where can i get a flat surface free (or really cheap) for a table?

Question

I have a table made of wicker that previously had glass in it (it broke). So i was thinking of getting a sheet of plywood 33 * 33 inches, but i can't cut it and i hear its kind of expensive for my situation. BASICALLY, I need a flat surface 33*33 inches, free or dirt cheap. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Go to a construction site and look in the scrap.

Answer 2

As far as cutting plywood big lumber places like Home Depot or Lowes will cut it to size for free. They also have cut-off pieces that are leftover from their previous customers that are much cheaper to buy. It is not free but it is cheap.

You could also look on sites like FREECYCLE where people often offer free wood (or free tables) just to keep that stuff out of landfills. You could also take a look around on trash pickup day and see if there is anything you could use that is out at the curbside for the taking.

Answer 3

Why cant you get the plywood cut? If you buy it from a home improvement or hardware store they can cut it to size for you. A piece of ply wood ranges from 25- to 65 dollars canadian. THis all depends on the type of wood as well as the thickness of the wood.

I fyou are going to go to a construction site you will need to talk to someone in charge as it is considered theft if you get caught.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Make it yourself out of paper mache. If you don't already have a pile of papers ready to recycle, start saving them. Almost any kind of non-glossy, non-coated paper can be used. Newspapers or newsprint is best, though. As you collect it, tear it into strips until you think you have enough.

Make your form, or pattern, in the size you specified from cardboard or wire. Mix up a batch of paper mache paste, dip your paper strips into it, and start laying them onto your form. Let each layer dry thoroughly and as smooth as possible. When you reach the thickness you desire, you could put on one last layer in a design, if you wish - mosaic tiles, or curves and swirls - whatever strikes your creative fancy. Let dry.
Now you are ready to apply lacquer or paint.

When it's all done, you have an Eco-friendly tabletop that should have cost you only pennies. Here is the recipe for paper mache paste:

1 cup water
1/4 cup flour
5 cups lightly boiling water

Mix flour into one cup water until mixture is thin and runny, stir into boiling water. Gently boil and stir for 3 minutes. Cool before using.

Answer 5

Here's cheap. Home Center - buy a sheet of mdf and have them cut it for you, take it home and paint it.
Cheaper - same Home Center, buy a sheet of particleboard and a small container of drywall compound. Again, have them cut it. Take the stuff home, use a drywall knife or large putty knife/scraper t oapply the drywall compound to the tabletop.( If you don't have a putty knife, get a cheap plastic one at the same Home Center for like a buck).Let it dry, sand it smooth, prime, paint. Everything for less than 20 bucks, excluding paint.

Answer 6

Use multiple layers of corrugated paper. Ideally, use pieces 33"x33", but you could use as small as 16.5"x33". Put one layer one way, and the next layer 90º off, alternating at least 6 layers, glued together with regular white glue or with school glue or with wood glue.

Cover with a cloth or you could use advertising cut-outs to do a collage.

Answer 7

go on line or to your phone book and see if there are any salvage yards near you they might have what you want and if they do its usually really cheap but just be advised you will have to go and look for it and you will need to give it some TLC but usually what you find there is so great its worth it and it will be one of a kind you could find an old door they look really cool as tables

Answer 8

Look for a company called St. Vincent DePaul or try a second hand store, sometimes they have really good items