The Martha Stewart Show

Changing-Table Update

The Martha Stewart Show

Martha and producer Judy Morris refurbish a changing table.

Refurbishing a Changing Table

When a new baby comes into your life, friends and family always seem to have hand-me-downs to pass on. Before you know it, you'll find yourself adrift in a jumble of gifts, including clothes, playpens, or if you are lucky like producer Judy Morris, a good, solid second-hand changing table. Judy's "new" table would have been functional with nothing more than a coat of paint, but she decided to add a shelf to one end to provide a little extra space.

Tools and Materials
Wood
2 sturdy wooden brackets
Scissors
Pencil
Jigsaw
Sandpaper
Drill, with No. 10 countersink bit
Wood glue
1-inch screws
1 3/4-inch screws
1/2-inch wood plugs
Latex-based primer
Latex paint
Clamps
Ruler or measuring tape

Refurbishing a Changing Table How-To
1. Measure the depth of your changing table; the length of the shelf should equal this measurement. The width can be any measurement you feel is appropriate.

2. Lay the shelf on its side on a flat surface. Place the brackets flush against the bottom of the shelf about 1/2 inch from each short end. Mark spots on the shelf 2 inches down from the top and bottom. (You may also want to draw lines to make sure the brackets are lined up properly.) Using a drill and the countersink bit, predrill holes at the marks. Apply a thin coat of wood glue to the bracket edge where it will meet the shelf edge. Drill 1-inch screws through the shelf and into the brackets. Squeeze some glue into the holes, and fit in the wood plugs.

3. Prime the shelf, and paint it a color that matches the table. Allow to dry.

4. Hold the shelf against the table so the top is flush with the top brace. If you don't have anyone to assist, you can use clamps to hold the shelf in place. On the inside edge of each of the shelf's legs, make a mark 2 inches down, then 5 inches down, from the bottom of the brace. Use the countersink bit to pre-drill holes at these marks from the inside of the leg. Drill 1 3/4-inch screws into the holes, making sure the screws are going into the brackets as you drill. Repeat for remaining holes. Squeeze some glue into the holes, and fit in the wood plugs. If desired, paint the wood plugs to match the rest of the table.

Resources
Tools and materials can be found at hardware stores.

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The Martha Stewart Show

Changing-Table Update

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