Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner - Thrift Shop Flip

28 October

Today's thrift shop flip is one I've actually seen online before and it's pretty simple... no tools required!


But I think the end result, no matter how simple, is so nice.


You may remember from the sneak peek in the DIY Bleached Basket Pendant Light, that this time I'm using some wood shims that I thrifted for just $1.99.


I decided to use them to make a table runner.


Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner - Thrift Shop Flip


Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner - Thrift Shop Flip


Wood shims are made for a specific purpose and it's not to make a table runner 😂 Shocking, I know, lol.


Shims are used to make doors and windows fit tightly in the rough opening so they don't move around when opened and closed. They are flat pieces of wood, ranging in size from 6 to 10 inches long by 1 1/4 inch wide, and have a taper so one end is thicker than the other.


Aside from this rather boring use, they make a great craft supply!


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Supplies Needed to Make Your Own:

Step 1: Stain the wood. 


Pick out the shims you want to use (note that some shims in the package may be cracked or have missing spots on the thin ends) then stain them on the top, sides, and ends.


Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

I used this Espresso color to get the dark wood look but you can use any color or even leave them natural.

Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

Step 2: Cut a piece of felt for the backing.


You could use any kind of fabric for the backing, I chose felt because it will protect the surface of the table. Cut the backing a couple of inches thinner than the length of your shims so that you won't see the backing when you display the finished runner.

Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

Step 3: Glue the shims to the backing.


Use wood glue to glue the shims onto the backing you've chosen to use, alternating the ends of the shims so you'll have one with the thin end and then one with the thick end... thin, thick, thin, thick, etc.

Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner


Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

Allow this to dry overnight if possible.

Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

Step 4: Trim then enjoy.


Turn it over and trim the ends of the felt. Now, style it and enjoy!

Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

I love the texture this has with the thick and thin variations in the wood.

Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

The package of shims that I thrifted only had 18 usable shims (not cracked or broken)... enough for what I would consider more of a table mat rather than a runner but if you plan to buy shims, you'll be able to get enough to make an actual runner.

Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

I made the wicker and wood candle holder as a little side project at the same time. This is a knock-off/copycat project of a similar one that Decor Steals is selling (see it HERE), they want $40 for a set of two 😲

I thrifted the basket for .50 cents and I had the wood slice. I just glued the basket to the wood and bada-bing, bada-boom, I had a similar one!

Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

What did you think of this project? Too simple?

Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

Up next in the thrift shop flip lineup are some wooden furniture legs and tin Jello molds!

thrift shop flips


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Repurposed Wood Shim Table Runner

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  1. Love the runner! Simple is good! I love a project where you have everything needed right in your stash! And adding the wood slice to the basket will make it more useful. Those little baskets are kind of flimsy and the base gives it more substance and stability. Great projects!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks!! I found 4 of those little baskets. I did something else with two more of them, I'll have to share that soon too. It's not really worthy of a whole post so maybe I'll include it with another project like I did this one.

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  2. Who would have thought!!! This looks so nice.

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  3. Great idea for recycling those wood shims, Tania! I think it adds way more character and charm on a dining table than a fabric runner. Need me some shims.

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  4. Oh my... I adore this wood shim table runner idea! That texture it gives off is decadent!

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  5. Love this project! You were so smart to glue it directly to the backing ! Pinned 😊

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