 |
| Stenciled Cable Spool |
I'm that person who can't pass up an abandoned cable spool. When I saw this little spool, I knew it wanted to go home with me. So, I adopted it, spiffed it up, and gave it a new life. Here's how to turn a cable spool into a cat scratching post or mini table for your porch or patio.
 |
| Recycled Cable Spool |
Step 1: Pick up a small spool anywhere wires or cables are used or sold. I found this one at a big box home improvement store.
 |
| Spool Parts Ready for Prepping |
Step 2: Separate the parts in preparation for sanding, painting, and finishing the wood. All I had to do was unscrew the top bolts to release the three sections.
 |
| Sanding the Spool |
Step 3: Sand the spool's top and bottom wood sections.
Step 4: Decide how you want to treat the wood. I chose to lightly torch the wood to accent the grain and give it nice warm tones without stain.
 |
| Sealing the Wood - Spar Urethane |
Step 5: Seal the wood and cardboard spool parts with an indoor/outdoor Spar Urethane. I used a spray application to make it quick and easy (and fast-drying).
 |
| Boho Medallion Stencil |
Step 6: Decorate the spool top if desired. I happened to have the perfect sized stencil (Boho Medallion) on hand for another project. I chose to use a charcoal colored chalk spray paint that was a lovely balance to the natural wood (and a match with the metal spool bolts).
 |
| Sisal Rope Wound Around Spool |
Step 7: Reassemble the spool. Wrap sisal rope around the cylinder. It took a little bit more than 50-feet of 3/8" sisal.
 |
| Recycled Cable Spool (After) |
This was a really enjoyable DIY project. Though I imagine using this recycled spool as a scratching post for my rescue cats, I can also see using it as a small end table on my porch. I'm picturing it as a coffee table situated next to my Adirondack chair, or as a sweet little piece of furniture for the catio I'm building.
Who says it has to have only one use? How do you envision it? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments below.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
FOLLOW US ON:
