DIY Settlers of Catan Board Game Side Table Project

Watch the video to find out the steps I took to transform this old and worn out side table unit into a fun and functional conversation piece, featuring a bright and eye-catching table top comprised of the game pieces of the classic board game, Settlers of Catan.

Method

We found this unusual looking side table unit in a charity shop. It was a bit battered and worn but I could see potential in it. I wasn’t entirely sure what I was going to do with it but somehow I knew it showed promise…

At first I thought it was made of solid wood covered in veneer…

I used a Black and Decker Mouse Detail Sander to remove the existing veneer and stain.

As I began sanding it down, I realised most of the unit was made of MDF and chipboard.

I used the electric sander to remove as much as I could, and then finished off the process by hand, using a sanding block.

After sanding, I thoroughly wiped down all of the surfaces using white spirit vinegar on a rag to ensure no sawdust remained.

I removed the doors and all of the hardware. I spraypainted all the hardware in black, and left it to dry while I moved on to apply two coats of primer, and then two coats of satin finish paint.

Once everything had dried, I put the unit back together. Next came the fun part!
 
I took a spare copy we had in the house of the classic board game, The Settlers of Catan, and carefully laid out the game hexes in the recommended beginner’s starting map setup. I chose Settlers because the game pieces are hexagonal, and so mirror the shape of the tabletop itself. Fortunately, the pieces JUST fit, but there was next to no room for error, so laying them down perfectly was quite challenging!
 
Using strong spray glue, I affixed all of the pieces to the tabletop. Finally, I sealed the game pieces using three coats of Mod Podge, and for extra durability, I finished off with two coats of Crystal Clear polyurethane.
The final result is a bright and fun (and functional) piece of furniture, which is a real conversation starter! Best of all, my husband loves it as his passion in life is playing board games.
 
So what are you waiting for? Dig out those old copies of Monopoly and Scrabble, and get creative!

 

Full accompanying article can be found at Hometalk

Products mentioned:

Black and Decker Mouse Detail Sander

Sanding Blocks

Harris Paint Brushes

Leyland Trade All Purpose Primer

Leyland Trade Satinwood Paint in Brilliant White

The Settlers of Catan

Mod Podge

Varathane Crystal Clear Polyurethane

 

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