DIY Solid Wood Trivet on Legs

Hubby and I recently spent a week house-sitting for my in-laws.  They casually mentioned that they might not be able to go on a vacation because they couldn't find a house-sitter, so Hubby and I volunteered, even though their place (with two dogs, three kitties + a woodworking shop set on 80 acres of aggressively pollinating trees) always gives me massive allergy attacks.  My desire for free rein in my father-in-law's amazing woodworking shop overruled any health concerns (plus it would have been so sad if they'd had to forgo their trip!).  Handy Hubby and I knocked out four easy woodworking projects while we were there.  Being surrounded by scrap wood really sparked my creativity! 

My favorite project is this super simple DIY solid walnut trivet (or cutting board) on legs - which is actually a gift for my Mom!  She and my Dad live in a small, post-war house with a teeny kitchen boasting a small teak table - the only dining space in the house.  Mom's been on the hunt for a petite trivet to use at the table, but couldn't find one the right size or proportions.  When I spotted this gorgeous piece of wood (which I thought was teak, but is actually walnut), I knew it would be perfect:

I tried to convince her of the merits of a trendy painted edge.  She collects pink and yellow Pyrex and has pretty grey and pink patterned dishes, so I almost had her convinced that a pale pink accent would be perfect but, alas, she nixed the idea in favor of plain wood.  Plain!  But she did suggest that we attach little legs to give it some flair.  With our instructions delivered, Hubs and I got to work making  a modern, solid wood trivet on legs.

Supplies:

• Solid walnut lumber
• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit - this sandpaper multi-pack will do the trick, too)
• Sanding block
• Tape measure
• Table saw or chop saw
• Wood oil
• Water proof wood glue
• Project clamps

How to make a solid wood trivet:

First we trimmed the edges, because one was rough from the mill, using a radial arm saw (a table saw or circular saw would do the job too).  If you're using a rougher piece of lumber, you might need to add planing - or at least running the belt sander along it - to your list of steps.  Lucky for us, this piece was already planed.

Next we cut off two identical strips, each about 1 1/2 inches wide.  With these pieces removed, it was the length Mom requested. 

After that came a lot of hand sanding.

Hubby suggested using a router to soften the edges, but I like the blocky look.  Instead, I logged a little extra time with the sandpaper to soften the edges.  I used a sanding block and started with 120 grit sandpaper before switching to 220.  Here's a great article on how to properly switch grits.  Basically, I just wanted it smooth to the touch.  When the sanding was done, we wiped down the pieces and affixed the legs with waterproof wood glue, just in case it ever gets too vigorous a washing (although this really shouldn't be submerged in water).

We used some clamps to keep everything in place and let it dry overnight.  For fun, the distance the legs are inset is the same height of the legs.  Aren't we exceptionally clever? ;)

We opted to skip screws/nails because this isn't a high-stress pieces so the glue will offer a sufficient hold and a cleaner look.  Once the glue was dry, it just needed a finish.

I applied a few coats of teak oil.  Applying eak oil is so simple (catch my teak oil tutorial by clicking here): apply with a cloth, let it soak in (manufacturer's suggestions will vary from a few minutes to a few hours), and then wipe off the excess.  Food safe Danish oil would also be a good option, and then it could double as a cutting board. 

I'm getting really hooked on oiling wood - remember the Danish teak tray I revived?  Oh, and the arms for the velvet garbage chair?  They still look incredible.  Oiling wood is such an easy way to bring out its natural beauty. 

Once I relinquish it, I'm sure Mom will be thrilled to finally have a trivet the exact size she was questing for.  But it's so gorgeous, Mom should be a little nervous about this trivet actually making its way to her place...

This was such a fun and simple project - a perfect beginner woodworking project!  Plus you can make one of these cute trivets with any scrap wood lying around after another DIY.

I still think it could use some pink...or turquoise!

How to Revive, Refinish and Restore Teak Wood with Teak Oil

I bought a sweet little tray at a yard sale that was in rough shape, but had a Kjeni Denmark sticker (here's a similar tray on Etsy).  I'm such a Euro-snob, I scooped it up right away.  Whenever I shop, "Made in Canada" is 10 points, "Made in USA" warrants a 9.5 and made anywhere in Europe is 9.  Finding things not made in China is one of the many reasons I love to shop vintage.

Unfortunately, this tray was only in my hands a short while because it caught my Dad's eye!  He was quite smitten with it and wanted it for his bedside table, which is also teak.  He thought it would be a perfect catchall that would help protect the table as well (like father like daughter, I guess).  I was pretty surprised that my Dad wanted to accessorize his bedside table and had the eye to pick something so perfect.  I happily handed it over, but we decided it needed a little TLC.  While my Dad had a snack and "supervised," I grabbed some teak oil and transformed the tray.  I was dubious about its makeover potential, but was amazed at the difference.

It is amazing what teak oil can do to revive tired, worn out teak, but there are some tips and tricks that must be followed!

How to Oil Teak:

Always default to the instructions on the label of your teak cleaner.  These products can really vary and it's best to follow the directions to the letter.  I have used brands that indicate the oil should sit on teak for a few minutes, others indicate a few hours.  Some recommend buffing or burnishing after application, others don't.  Ask your local mid-century modern furniture dealer for their recommendation - they might even sell the best teak oil in their shop!

Supplies:

• Teak cleaner (optional)
• Teak oil (I have used the one linked and also a brand called Zinolin)
• Lint-free cloth
• Gloves (always a good idea)

Here's what I did:

• Open the window or work outside (on a day with low humidity)
• Make sure the piece is clean - you can purchase special teak cleaner, but use a light touch
• Apply a generous coat of teak oil with a soft, lint-free rag
• Apply teak oil in the direction of the stain
• Allow to dry for two hours and wipe off excess**
• Repeat as needed (I used 4-5 coats and that made a real difference)
• To reach inside edges and corners, use a teak oil soaked Q-tip

Additional Teak Oiling Tips:

**I have, however, worked with some brands of teak oil (like this one) that perform better if you let it sit for only a few minutes and then remove, opting for more coats with less time to sink in.  IF the brand of teak oil you're using doesn't specify a time, default to letting the teak oil soak in for only a few minutes before wiping off the excess and work gradually to build up the sheen.

Word of Caution: Oils are combustible, so do not leave oil-soaked rags balled up in your trash can.  We throw ours in an outdoor fire pit or let them dry laid flat outside.  I have heard that you can also put them in a jar of water, but that's not what we do.

Teak Oiling Results!

Before, the tray was dry and washed out looking (you can really see the how dry it was in the second photo):

Here is the tray with half an application of teak oil, so you can really see the difference.

It looks fabulous now.  (Notice how the little bowl did make its way to my parents' home?!?):

Be forewarned, oiling wood (instead of using a stain or varnish) is really addictive!

I wrote a post about how I refinished the arms and legs on a mid-century chair:

I also oiled the arms on an upholstered chair (read my tip for not getting oil on the fabric!):

Then I oiled a solid walnut trivet we made from scratch:

I even oiled the top of an old stool I bought, even though I wasn't sure what kind of finish it originally had.  It turned out beautifully, though!

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