Upcycled Dining Set made with RYOBI tools
DIY

Upcycled Dining Set

If you have some older, outdated furniture that’s too good to throw out, Brooke Styles has a step-by-step guide on how to modernise it, whether to keep it yourself or turn it into some extra cash!

RYOBI TEAM Tue, 03/25/2025 - 14:06
In This Article

Materials

  • Vintage Dining Set
  • Pattern Upholstery Fabric
  • Clear Timber Sealant
  • Paint
  • 80, 120 Grit Sandpaper
  • Staples

Tools used

  • PPE - Safety Glasses, Ear Protection, and Face Mask 
  • Paint Brushes

How to do it

Dismantle dining chair
Dismantle dining table

Step 1: Dismantle the chair and table top

Separate the table top from the table legs using the Drill Driver to remove all the screws. Pop out the cushion inserts from the dining chairs.

Remove old varnish using RYOBI Sander

Step 2: Remove the old varnish

Wearing the appropriate safety gear, remove all the old varnish from the table and chairs with the Orbital Sander. Start with coarse 80-grit sandpaper to remove scratches and stubborn varnish and finish with a finer 120-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish on all surfaces. You might want to go a step further and use 240-grit sandpaper for an even smoother finish. (Tip: practise sanding with 80-grit sandpaper on a scrap piece of timber first). 

Wipe the surfaces clean with a microfibre cloth after each sanding stage and, importantly, before sealing.

Sealing table with clear timber sealer

Step 3: Sealing furniture

Apply two coats of clear timber sealer (or a preferred stain sealer) to all surfaces of the dining set to protect the timber. Leave it to dry as per the sealant product recommendations.

Painting a folk-inspired border on chair backrest

Step 4: Adding a touch of country character

Optional

Using a small paint brush and your choice of paint, create a folk-inspired border print on the backrest of the chairs to give character to your project. You can create this freehand or sketch it out with a pencil beforehand.

Trim fabric to size with RYOBI Power Cutter

Step 5: Cutting the fabric

Using the Power Cutter, trim your fabric to size, ensuring to leave enough fabric to wrap around the seat cushion for securing.

Secure fabric to seat cushion using RYOBI Cordless Stapler

Step 6: Securing the fabric

Centre the fabric on the seat cushion and use the Cordless Stapler to secure the fabric to the underside. Start by securing the sides and trimming the excess fabric before tucking in the corners for a neat finish.

Reassemble Dining Set

Step 7: Re-assemble the furniture

Place the table top back onto the table legs and attach it using the original screws with the Drill Driver. Insert the dining chair cushions back into their chair frames.

There you have it. An upcycled dining setting ready for a new lease on life.

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