CAN I MAKE IT FOR CHEAPER?!
“VEDIMA” CONSOLE TABLE
Alright LULU AND GEORGIA - you’re on my DIY chopping block! Let’s take a look at this very popular piece - the stunning and unique “Vedima Console Table” currently valued at $2,846! - Woof, that’s a steep one on the wallet.
This is such a gorgeous piece! When it came through my DM’s from several followers as a suggestion for my Can I Make It For Cheaper? series, I was taken back by it. I mean, look at the details on this thing. It’s got this beautiful long slatted wood detailing, it’s oval shaped and has nice nailhead detailing. The material - Teak - is really why this piece costs so much! It’s probably a solid piece if it’s made of teak which I have mad respect for, but I was 100% confident we could make a dupe of this bad boy for literally a fraction of the cost.
**Disclaimer: My overall cost does not include the tools I already own or the time it takes me to complete the project. We here in the DIY biz call it “sweat equity” and enjoy investing in tools we can use across multiple projects. With that said, my calculation of the project will include any materials I bought specifically for this project. **
SO with that said let’s get started!
Tools List
Drill
Brad Nailer
Table Saw (Or Circular Saw)
Miter Saw
3/4" chisel
Jig Saw
Kreg Jig Circular Saw Guide
Speed Square
Mallet
Hand Sander
Level
Clamps
Reminder that I made this piece custom to my space and you can too! If you need some guidance, my measurements are listed in my drawing above
STEP 1: Cutting Shelves
Cut your 72” pine boards
I used my circular saw and kreg jig guide to make sure my cuts were super straight and accurate
STEP 2: Cutting Legs
Cut your 2x4x8 knotty pine into your 4 legs
I used my chop saw to cut them to length, and then ran them through my table saw.
Note: The 2x4x8 knotty pine board I used was purchased in the premium grade lumber section, so it had a straighter edges then your typical construction grade framing 2x4 lumber.
STEP 3: Cutting Dowels
Cut your (5) 1x5x6 Pine boards into small 3/4” dowels.
I first cut all my pieces to their correct lengths on the chop saw, and then simply ran each board multiple times through the table saw.
STEP 4: Notches for the Legs
Now that you have your 4 legs cut to length, it’s time to cut out the notches for the shelves to sit in.
I used my jig saw and chisel with mallet to carefully knock out the unwanted wood pieces. Make sure to use the correct size chisel for a cleaner look
STEP 5: Making Arches
Moving back to the shelves, it’s time to make the arches.
I created a small compass using a scrap piece of wood and measured to the middle of my board and then measured down the same length. Using my little wood jig as a guide, I drew out my half circle.
Using my jig saw, I cut each arch and took my hand sander to the edges to remove any rough edges.
Repeat this 5 more times!
STEP 6: Time to Assemble
Place your shelves in the notches on your legs and secure with 1.5” brad nails + wood glue for an extra hold!
STEP 7: Make the Magic Happen
It’s time to add the dowels!
Use a spare dowel as a spacer and attach the next dowel using a brad nailer.
REPEAT until finished.
This process was so therapeutic! Loved seeing it come together
STEP 8: Details
Don’t forget to fill those brad nail holes with wood fill and give your piece a light sand
STEP 9: Stain
I highly recommend a wood conditioner before you stain. It helps the stain penetrate the wood and look richer and less blotchy. I used the stain colour “Puritan Pine” by Varathane.
Don’t forget to stain in the direction of the wood
STEP 10: “Finish” your Piece
Lastly, secure the brass upholstery tacks to the piece
And there you have it folks, my diy dupe of the Lulu and Georgia Vedima console table...
I honestly can’t believe this is a DIY! It looks so close to the original and I’m just so taken with this piece! I love it in my living room and I love that this is something I will keep forever.
But of course, in spirit of the Can I Make It For Cheaper? series - let's talk the real cost:
As a reminder the LULU AND GEORGIA version of this console table was $2,846 + shipping & handling, delivery and taxes. THATS A WHOPPING $3,649.44 TOTAL!
If I were to buy all my materials from scratch this project would have cost me a total of $390.02 + tax ($440.72 total). Which means I saved a total of $3,208.72!!!
Was mine made out of teak? No. But did it look just as good? Damn right it did.
This project was a big success and thanks to my followers for suggesting such a beautiful piece!
Don’t forget to head on over to my YouTube channel and watch me put this piece together. I can guarantee you will be entertained……
And make sure you subscribe to my channel for more DIY dupes plus a whole lot more!
