The DIY That Turns An Old Wash Tub Into A Rustic End Table

Unique accent tables can set the tone for any space, allowing you to get creative and reinforce whatever aesthetic you are leaning toward. Rustic accent tables often incorporate distressed, upcycled, and vintage elements to create beautiful, small tables that not only provide a useful surface but also do so with style. Accent tables created from vintage wash tubs are a common sight online as well as in many retailers, where they can range from upward of $100 to over $400 for new models. You can, however, create one entirely from scratch with an old or new galvanized washtub for much, much less, using just a wooden round for a top and some table legs.

The result is an affordable side table not only oozing with rustic and rural style, but also a great way to repurpose an old wash tub you may have lurking around the house. While part of the charm lies in the rustic wear and patina of an old tub, you can also create a similar table from a new tub from a home and garden or farm supply store. The project can be customized both in size and style depending on the size of your tub, the type of legs you use, and other finishing and decorative details. These tables would be perfect indoors or out and offer discreet storage inside the cavity of the tub.

If you are not lucky enough to encounter a vintage raised washtub that already has metal legs attached, there are many different style of attachable legs in various heights that would work for this project, including traditional wood spindled legs, hair pin legs in wood or metal, simple pegs, or casters for a mobile table. Most will require you screw through the bottom of the wash to install them. You can use any size or shape galvanized tub for the project, new or old, with round tubs being the most popular. You could also create this DIY with a square or oblong tub to fit your space. Large feed troughs in galvanized metal can be used similarly to make a rustic DIY coffee table.

For the top of the table, you will need a wooden round that is large enough to span the circumference of the top so that it is able to rest on top and be removed when accessing the interior storage. You can use an upcycled top from an old table you already have, or buy a new, inexpensive wooden round from a home improvement store. Most versions of this DIY have a removable flat top, but if the round is large and heavy, you could also install some handles to make it easier to lift. Or, cut your wood round on one side and install small hinges for a liftable top. While the wood is rustic, you could also use a marble slab tabletop for a juxtaposition of rustic and luxurious. For a storage ottoman with a similar feel, just add fabric and tufting to the top.

While many versions of this DIY are simple and rustic, leaving the natural age and time of the washtub visible, you can take it up a notch by customizing it. Paint the tub in a pretty color or a chic matte black. Or, add stenciling, vinyl adhesive word art, or hand-painted details along the sides of the tub. For a modern look, use simpler and more streamlined legs, or more rustic and carved ones for a vintage aesthetic.

The tabletop offers endless options for customization, including stained or unstained wood. You could also paint it, cover it in pretty fabric, or use decoupaged paper for an eclectic style accent perfect for a maximalist space filled with pattern and color. For a more textural and natural touch, use rope or twine wrapped around the bottom of the tub and secured with hot glue at the ends. If the table will be used as an outdoor side table, make sure to seal the top and/or sides to prevent damage from moisture.