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?

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:

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.

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:

And voila!

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.

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:

Just something to think about for the future.