DIY Table Runner Using Scrap Wood

Learn how to build a DIY table runner using scrap wood with the step by step instructions. This wood block table runner can be easily customized in any color you like.

Adding a table runner to your tablescape can elevate the experience.

Although table runners are mostly decorative, I think everything on the table should have a function.

This table runner is:

• made using scrap wood
• Acts as an insulator between the hot pots and the table top aka works like a trivet as well.
• Can be easily customized with colors and length to match your visual style.
• It can be rolled up for storage as well!

I made this table runner short (12″ x 36″) to sit on top of a fabric runner because that’s the amount of scrap wood I had but you could easily make it as long as you need!

You will not believe how easy this project is! It does take a little bit of patience but the end result is totally worth it!

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How to Make the Wooden Table Runner

The best thing about this table runner idea is that you do not need to stick with exactly the boards I used. You can make these with any size board.

Step 1: Identify the Boards

I went through my scrap wood pile and sorted the boards by type. I realized that I had many 1×2 and 2×2 boards that could be used. I also briefly considered using the 2×4 and 2×6 boards I had.

I decided to keep the table runner 3/4″ thick. This meant using 1×2 boards and cutting down the 2×2 or other sizes into 3/4″ thick pieces.

Step 2: Make the Cuts

Be sure to use a good blade for this step to eliminate a whole bunch of sanding later on. I use an 80-tooth miter saw blade which produces a 220-grit sanded equivalent finish.

• Set up a stop block on your miter saw.
• Cut the 1×2 boards into 1 1/2″ pieces.
• Cut the 2×2 boards into 3/4″ thick pieces.

I was low on the 2×2 boards so I ripped up some 2×4 scrap boards to make the 2x2s which I then cut down for the blocks.

Step 3: Clean up the Blocks

If you use a good quality blade to cut, this will be a very short step.

• Clean up any splinters
• Give it a light sanding with 150-grit sandpaper.
• Wipe down with a tack cloth

Step 4: Stain

• Stain the blocks in colors of your choice.

I chose to go with ebony, natural walnut, and gold and created a gradient from black to light brown.

Additionally, the end grain and the face grain take stain differently. This is a great way to also create variations of color.

I stained and arranged the blocks as I went so I got an idea of how many blocks were needed for each color. I was running low on the blocks and didn’t want to end up staining it a color I didn’t need.

I did not stain the sides of the blocks but I later realized that it would have been good to do so. When you pick up the runner, you can see the unfinished edges.

Step 5: Glue the Blocks

• Glue the blocks using the Arrow GT300 Glue gun.

Once the blocks were arranged, I used a nice dab of hot glue and glued them to the bottom fabric.

The GT300 is a high-temperature glue gun with a glue control knob making it easy to use. I used the Arrow Glue sticks with the glue gun.

The hot glue has a very strong hold. In fact, I had made a test glue-up with a scrap 2×2 and I could not take it off without ripping the canvas.

Step 6: Top Coat

• Clean and apply top coat

Once all the blocks are glued, clean up to remove any hot glue webs.

Wipe down with a tack cloth and apply the top coat finish.

I used a brush on the finish but in retrospect, I should have gone with a spray sealer. It would have made it so much easier to apply the finish.

And done!

Lay it on the table and layer it with a fabric table runner if desired.

It makes a great statement piece to have on your table or a family meal. The face grain and the end grain absorb stain differently which leads to a natural variation of color. Plus, I like to see the various orientation patterns of the end grain.