Disclosure: The product links below may contain affiliate links. I receive a small percentage if you purchase via those links. However, this in no way changes the price for you. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Here’s a great looking option for a DIY buffet table that cost me less than $100 in materials to build! The base is made mostly of reclaimed pallet wood, and the top is QUIKRETE concrete.
Using smaller dimensions could easily turn this into a console, sofa, or entry table as well.
See Also: How To Make Concrete Countertops
Tools, Supplies, PPE, and Steps
Tools
- RYOBI Sliding Miter Saw
- Amazon (10″)
- The Home Depot (12″)
- RYOBI Miter Saw Stand
- RYOBI Table Saw With Rolling Stand
- RYOBI Corded Drill
- RYOBI Circular Saw
- RYOBI Hammer Drill/Driver
- Bosch Random Orbital Sander
- RYOBI Angle Grinder
- RYOBI Cordless Finish Nailer
- RYOBI Tape Measure
- Stanley Utility Knife
- Dripless Caulk Gun
- Finishing Trowel
- Pointing Trowel
- Grout Float
- Mixing Paddle
- Mix Bucket
- 5 Gallon Bucket
- Diablo Saw Blade
- Straight Edge
- Rubber Mallet
- HANDy Paint Cup
- HANDy Paint Cup Liner
- Paint Brush
- Carpenter Pencil
Supplies
- QUIKRETE Countertop Mix
- Melamine Plywood
- The Home Depot
- I used 4×8 sheets. You may need to special order or visit your local store.
- BEHR #BL-W09 Bakery Box
- BEHR #770E-3 Pewter Mug
- KILZ 2
- Polyblend Non-Sanded Grout
- DAP Silicone Caulk
- 3/8 in. Rebar
- Grip-Rite Rebar Ties
- Power Pro 3″ Exterior Screws
- Grip-Rite 2″ Exterior Screws
- Gator 120 Grit Sanding Discs
- Gator 220 Grit Sanding Discs
- Gator 320 Grit Sanding Sponge
- Plastic Sheeting
- FrogTape
- Furniture Safety Strap
Personal Protective Equipment
- Firm Grip Flex Impact Gloves
- Firm Grip Nitrile Gloves
- RZ Mask Dust Mask
- 3M Safety Glasses
- 3M Earmuff
Steps
How To Build A DIY Buffet Table With Pallet Wood, Concrete
- Build the table base.
I used 2x4s for the supports and reclaimed pallet wood for the legs and bottom shelf slats.
- Paint the table base.
I recommend using KILZ 2 primer and BEHR paint. For this build, I used KILZ 2, BEHR #BL-W09 Bakery Box and BEHR #770E-3 Pewter Mug.
- Build the concrete top.
Use QUIKRETE concrete. See my more detailed article here on how to make concrete countertops.
- Secure your table to a wall.
The Home Depot offers an assortment of furniture safety straps.
DIY Buffet Table Base
Pallets are a great inexpensive resource for wood. I have access to free pallets and crates from a local boat factory; check around, you might be able to get yours free too.
As you can see in the photo above, this table base is an easy build. The dimensions I used are 20″W x 65″L x 33″H. The bottom shelf slats are about 18″ in length and aren’t spaced perfectly to add to the rustic look.
I left all of the rough saw marks, splits, holes, and knots intact. The more, the better in my opinion!
Paint Used:
- Base Frame, Slats: KILZ 2
- Base Frame: BEHR #BL-W09 Bakery Box
- Shelf Slats: BEHR #770E-3 Pewter Mug
After the KILZ primer and BEHR coats have been applied, sand the base frame down in random spots to add a distressed, rustic look.
Concrete Top
For an in-depth look at making concrete tops, see my article How To Make Concrete Countertops. Most of the same steps can be used for this table top. The only real difference is I made this top to be 1 1/2″ thick instead of the 2″ thickness I used for my kitchen countertops.
Once your table is built and you’ve set it in place, be sure to secure it to a wall with furniture safety straps!
Do you plan to make your own buffet table with a concrete top? I’d love to hear about your plans in the comments below!