We have a smaller house and wanted a dining table as well as a table behind our couch. So, we got the best of both worlds with this minor customization. I simply split the two legs and tabletop in half, added additional feet, and built two supporting braces instead of one. For an added touch, I welded tubes to steel angle iron to make a hinge-style locking mechanism with steel pins. This locks both halves together (when using as a full table) and adds a little rustic black metal to the overall look.
For the tabletop, I cut the sides off the lumber to get the square look. I then bent one tooth in my tablesaw and quickly cut the face of the lumber to give it a rough sawn look. I then belt sanded it all to smooth out the really rough spots. Then I shou sugi ban (burned) the top to burn off the splinters and make the grain really pop. I added a little stain to smooth out the light spots. Lastly, I put about 64oz of epoxy and lightly sanded with 0000 steelwool after it set.
Please excuse the floor trim or lack therof. I just installed the new floor and decided our table was the higher priority. :P
