Browse thrift stores and salvage yards to find exactly the right parts. Carefully measure the door to make sure it is wide enough to overhang the sides of the coffee table by 2 inches. Paint or paint the base as desired..
Clean and sand the door to remove loose paint and dirt. (Follow lead laws if you think you may be working with lead-based paint.)
Determine the exact size of the door. You may want to have a slight incline around the base of the table. Use a circular saw to cut the door.
Spread dark wax on the door to give it a finished look. Be sure to do the edges, especially the edge that was cut. Polish the wax and make a second layer..
Lay the door upside down on a drop cloth. Position the coffee table frame to the back of the door, making sure it is centered and even. Attach base to door using L-brackets at all four corners. If necessary, paint the L-brackets to match the color of the base.
Susan Teare, Joanne Palmisano
Take the exact measurements of the top of the door and order a piece of tempered glass for the top.
