Upcycle A Simple Electrician's Drum Into A Gorgeous Side Table

Wooden spool upcycling projects are some of the most interesting out there. You can do so many creative things with old spools and cable drums. Many of the DIYs you find online are for large spools, like transforming an old wooden spool into an outdoor dining set. What about smaller spools, like the cable drums electricians use for everyday contracting jobs? Fortunately, there are some cool projects that can be done with those as well. One such project involves turning an old electrician's drum into a beautiful tile mosaic side table. This DIY is super straightforward and relatively simple. In addition to the old drum and some travertine mosaic tile sheets, you will need a circular saw, grout, grouting tool, wood boards, a metal cutting power tool, sandpaper, weather-resistant stain, a nail gun, and nails. When you are finished with this project, you will have a beautiful and unique travertine tile side table.

Because you are making this side table yourself, you can customize it any way you want, from choosing different tile colors, materials, or designs. Or doing away with tiles altogether and use another material for the tabletop. This is the perfect project if you need a side table for your patio set, but it can also be customized to look great indoors. Whatever direction you choose to take this DIY in, you are sure to end up with a beautiful and unique custom side table.

To begin, cut any bolts sticking out from either side of the drum so they are flush with the wood, and pound in any nails. Next apply a layer of grout to the spool end that will serve as the tabletop. Working your way from the center, place sheets of travertine tiles onto the grout until the entirety of the tabletop is covered. You can remove unneeded tiles from the sheets or peel them off and lay them individually when you get to the edges. Press all of the tiles firmly into the grout and use a circular tile saw to go around the tabletop, cutting them flush with the drum edges.

Now it's time to build the sides of the side table. You can cut reclaimed wood into 1-inch by 2-inch strips or purchase lumber of these measurements. Measure the height of your side table on the outside edges, and attach strips vertically all the way around. Attach the boards using a nail gun at each end of the drum. Using sandpaper or an electric sander, smooth down the tops and edges of the lumber pieces. Finally, fill the space between the tiles with grout, allowing it to dry for 24 to 72 hours, clean (don't polish) your travertine tiles, and stain exposed wood.

There are endless ways to customize this DIY. If you want to get super creative, skip the tiles altogether and create a stained glass effect using stained glass pieces and clear, weather-resistant epoxy. Painting a terrazzo effect to save money on tiles is another idea.