This is a Hold Up! (or, how to use belts to fix a sagging table top)

So this project wasn’t on my to-do list, but it’s been bothering me.  I had to fix it.

Remember my cute little curbside find table?

finished table side view

Notice how the rug top is sagging a bit?

Well, it turns out that the rug, given its weight and the pliability of the fabric, was sagging. The dip didn’t affect the function of the table, since I added a glass top. But the little bow in the fabric was bothering me.

I had to think of a solution that wasn’t expensive but would hold up the rug top.

BELTS!

I went to my local thrift store on its half-price day (wahoo!). I found a few options, but chose one solid belt ($4.99 minus half) and one woven belt ($3.99 minus half). The belts don’t have to match, given that they’re going to be under the rug and not visible.

Here are the tools I used:

Tools Needed

The staple gun I used to attach the rug top wasn’t strong enough to get through the belts. Enter new nailer!

Yes, I finally broke out the nailer and used it! And no one got hurt! VICTORY! (I’m very excited!)

First, I turned the table upside down.

underside of table

Then, I added the first belt. I didn’t cut it to size first; I wanted to see how much I needed, and figured I’d cut it when it was all fastened to the table.

I attached them to the table top, both on the side of the frame and top:

belts to supportAnd voila!

Look ma! I'm level!Ah, nice and flat.

All that I had to do was add back the glass top and all the stuff we’ve put on this table. Now, it’s the perfect side table for our couch.

finished table with glass top

I thought about it, and the rug/fabric could always be changed out. It’s only attached with staples, so it could certainly be replaced with a little elbow grease.

For example:

other options

Just something to think about for the future.

8 responses to “This is a Hold Up! (or, how to use belts to fix a sagging table top)”

  1. Holly Avatar

    That’s what I call thinking outside the box! Great idea to fix the table… I would have never thought of it!

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    1. Karen Cooper Avatar
      Karen Cooper

      Thanks, Holly!

      Like

  2. kristin Avatar

    What a fabulous idea! Love the table too
    XO

    Like

    1. Karen Cooper Avatar
      Karen Cooper

      Thanks, Kristin! It was fun to make!

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  3. Sharon Avatar

    Very clever!

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    1. Karen Cooper Avatar
      Karen Cooper

      Thanks, Sharon!

      Like

  4. Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint Avatar

    Well aren’t you clever, Karen!

    Like

    1. Karen Cooper Avatar
      Karen Cooper

      Thanks, Denyse!

      Like

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I’m Karen

I’m a recovering lawyer. Join me on my DIY and organizing adventures!