DINING tables can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds to buy new.

But one mum came up with a genius way of creating her dream dining table on a budget.

Shelley Bartlett, 47, a mum-of-three and part-time hotel receptionist from Essex, bought scaffold boards, and together with her dad, built her own dining table.

The project cost her just £120, and she finished off the look with second-hand £20 chairs bought from Facebook Marketplace.

Shelley told money-saving Facebook group DIY On A Budget UK: "I came up with the idea after seeing some bespoke custom built tables, shelves and benches online and they caught my eye after changing my décor in my kitchen diner.

"I spoke with my dad and together we thought about what materials and tools would be needed.

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"I decided to go to my local wood merchant and chose two new scaffold boards.

"My dad helped me cut them to size and we got to work.

"We just used some large screws and wood clamps to keep the boards together tightly whilst we screwed fixing batons underneath.

"Once that was done I spent quite a lot of my free time in between my shifts working as a hotel receptionist sanding down the boards so no one gets splinters.

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"Once I was happy with the surface my dad helped me use a portable blow torch which we borrowed off a friend to make the boards have a used authentic look.

"I purchased the black powder coated steel table legs off ebay and we screwed them in.

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"I then added three layers of Danish wood oil to preserve the wood which you rub on and leave for a little while before you then rub off so it doesn’t go sticky.”

Shelley was very impressed that she managed to keep the costs of her project low.

She added: "The whole cost came to £120 to make and it measures at 5.5 feet so I can easily use it as a six-seater.

"I purchased the chairs on Facebook Marketplace for £20 and the velvet chair covers were £30.

"I have three kids and I’ve decided it will be a family heirloom! I really do love it and it’s more special being made by myself.

“I’ve always decorated my home on a tight budget and enjoyed upcycling or making my own.

"After seeing dining suites online for a huge amount of money I decided I could just make my own and use good quality materials.

"I think I have saved approximately £600 to £700 by making my own, so I’m extremely happy knowing that my hard work alongside help from my dad paid off!”

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We are seriously impressed with Shelley and her dad's work – the table looks fabulous!

Are you a DIY fan? Would you give this a go?

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