Coffee Table Using an Old Surfboard and Bamboo

Coffee table using an old, busted surfboard and a few pieces of bamboo.

   Surfing is a great sport, becoming an outlet for stress, getting one in touch with nature and is a great workout. But, if you are like me and like to surf but are not very good, you have discovered how delicate a surfboard can be and have a garage full of busted, beat and broken boards. This leaves one with two options: toss'em, or get crafty and use them in some sort of art project. Here, I will show you how to make a simple coffee table using an old busted board, some bamboo and some machine screws.

For this table there is just a short list of components and tools needed:

Tools: drill, hacksaw or Japanese handsaw (Ryoba), drill bit (size for screw), screw driver, ratchet with socket (or adjustable wrench, whatever's handy), tape measure and level (if you're feeling froggy--the nice thing about the Shore Life is things are supposed to be relaxed and laid back, so a table that is not exactly plumb won't be a deal breaker).

Components for the table: surfboard, bamboo and some simple hardware.

Parts: surfboard (you'll want something intact, preferably without fins, and short-board is best, unless you want a monster buffet table), bamboo (4x22", 4x21", 2x72", 2x52", 2x18"), jute or sisal twine, 20 stainless steel (no rust) machine screws, washers and locking nuts (sizes will depend based on the diameter of the bamboo you are using. I used 2" and 3" screws, 10-32 size/thread, size 8 washers and lock nuts.

The Process
   The design for the table is simple, just a few sticks of bamboo securing the board. The board I used was a 6' Byrne with 19" middle, making the table, at its widest, 21", and stands 22" tall.

The leg setup with dimensions.

   I started building the leg setups first. The legs, 22" in length, will extend beyond the top of the board. I first attached the 18" bottom cross support, 4" from the base. I made a 15" spacing between the two legs. Once marking where the support should sit I drilled through both the support and leg together, thus ensuring the screw goes through easily (if you simply measure and drill the holes, they may not line up properly and make it difficult to pass the screw through). I then attached the bottom support, facing out, with 3" machine screws (the legs and supports were the thickest pieces of bamboo, so they needed the larger screws). Repeat with the other set of legs.

    I then affixed the support where the board will sit. I set these supports 16" high from the ground. For this support, I used a 21" piece of bamboo. I made the distance between the legs a bit larger at this support, 17" between, to accommodate for the board width (there will still be space between the legs and board). Once marked, drill like the previous support, though I attached this support facing toward the inside. (If the rocker is severe on the board you may want to drop the support an inch where the nose will sit to 15”).

Crossbeams on stabilize the table.

   Once both sets of legs have the supports securely attached, it is time to determine the distance between the two. I wanted the space between the two sets of legs to be about four-feet (letting the board extend by a foot on each end). To do so, I took two 52" pieces of bamboo and secured them to the bottom supports of the legs, alternating to the opposite leg, creating an ‘X’ on the inside of the table legs, alternating one end atop of the support, the other on the bottom. This will allow the beams to cross without getting in the others way. Secure with a machine screw at each end.

   Once these cross-sections are in, the table takes form, being able to stand on its own, though not fully secure. The table is secure in one direction but wants to collapse in the other. To keep the table from collapsing, I thatched the joints with some natural twine. Take some twine and wrap, affixing the leg to the crossbeam and support securely.

Thatching secures the joints.

   Now it is time to place the surfboard on the table. First clean it, getting any old wax off, then fit the board on the supports upside down (you can fit right side up if you wish), finding the proper placement. Now take the last two 21" supports and secure them atop of the board to the legs, facing out. I fit my mine snugly so the board would not move freely.

   Using bamboo, a knotty, bent wood, things won't be exactly even and plumb. So to remedy this and even things up a bit, I took two 70" pieces of bamboo to square the legs. Running them along the board, atop the crossbeam that supports the board, I secured the bamboo to the legs, forcing the legs to square up.

The finished product. Enjoy the Shore Life!

   The table is lightweight and perfect for the patio, porch or lanai. Careful not to overload the table or it could wrack. Good luck and write back if you have any questions. This is just a simple version I slapped together in a few hours; variations abound, so experiment and make it your own version of the Shore Life.

Up next: an Adirondack chair using a busted surfboard.