I have updated my dining room for spring and my favorite item in my refreshed space is my DIY rustic metal tile wall decor.
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A few weeks ago I saw a very similar item, I did not save the picture and now I can’t find where I saw it. I do know it was $78 for a smaller version of mine. Inspiration struck and I showed the image to Mr. DD and told him I wanted to make one just like this for our dining room.
Earlier that same day, I was at World Market shopping for my Dining Room Refresh and saw the Venetian tile plaques. <— They are discontinued but you can use these galvanized ceiling tiles. After I saw the inspiration piece, I called my local World Market to hold 3 of those tiles and I would be in the next day to get them.
I started by applying pewter organza from Maison Blanche to give it a galvanized metal look. This product has been discontinued, however, I recommend using this gunmetal metallic antiquing gel.
We had these old 2 by 4’s in our garage that we picked up at a garage sale over a year ago. I was educated by Mr. DD that these are vintage and old because they actually measure 2 x 4. I guess I did not know that today’s 2 x 4’s are not the exact measure. This is the perfect wood to use to frame the metal tiles.
We started by cutting the 2 x 4’s down the middle with a table saw.
This project quickly went from a “We” to a Mr. DD. He could hardly wait to use the Ryobi router and table. Since the router bit was not high enough to take away the proper amount needed to completely recess the metal tins, 2 passes were needed. Mr. DD set the router height to the full length of the bit for the first pass.
Once the first pass was complete, Mr. DD placed the metal tin in the frame to measure to see how much additional wood needed to be removed. He adjusted the router bit as needed for the second pass.
After all the wood pieces were routed out to fit the metal tins, he notched out space for the center dividers to fit into the side frames.
Once the frame was routered and cut to size, the project went back to a “We.” I attached the frame using Gorilla Wood Glue and my Ryobi Brad Nailer. (my favorite tool) I stained the frame using Minwax in “Provincial.” I did a test stain on the back of the frame to see what was going to match the original “aged old wood” look. Since the 2 x 4’s were ripped down the middle, I had fresh-cut wood to stain to match the sides.
Can you believe that the fronts of the frames were stained in provincial and the sides are only sealed with polyurethane. What a perfect match. Since Mr. DD is loving his new router, he now has a “Honey-Do” list of projects I want to complete for the shop to sell. We are off to look for some old barn wood for these projects. Make sure you visit these other great Spring projects from my friends.
Chevron Wood Easter Egg by Kim Six Fix
Fruit and Vegetable Bin by Designs By Studio C
Wooden Swing Shelf by Domestically Speaking
Wooden Easter Eggs by Create And Babble
Repurposed Easter Cross by Prodigal Pieces
Planter Box Centerpiece by Refresh Restyle
Upcycled Drawer Front Planter by Confessions of A Seral DIY’er
Rustic 3 Panel Wall Decor by Designed Decor
Key West DIY Wood Planter Box by H2OBungalow
Baseball Bookends by Virginia Sweet Pea
Chair Back Bird Feeder by Interior Frugalista
Wood Slice Rolling Plant Stand by My Repurposed Life
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Robin @ Redo It Yourself Inspirations says
Gorgeous! And great teamwork… and looks like more to come! You inspired me to dust off my router table! Pinning. =D
Designed Decor says
Robin, It’s spring, time to get a dusting!
Kim Six says
I love those tiles.. and this is a great way to display them!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Kim!
gail says
DeDe
I love how pretty this rustic metal tile wall decor turned out. Great tips about the router. I love using up scrap wood!
gail
Designed Decor says
Thanks, Gail! My garage is full of scrap wood and now I have more as I just went and purchased some old barn wood for a few projects!
Debbie says
I need to find me a few tin tiles! Love this idea! It looks great 🙂
Designed Decor says
Thanks so much Debbie!
Wendi@H2OBungalow says
Your tiles are perfect for your dining area. I’m loving your router too. That’s next on my list of tool purchases!
Designed Decor says
We have a list of projects to do with the router! I love it!
Christy says
What a great piece for your dining room wall and only a fraction of what the inspiration piece cost!
Designed Decor says
It’s is one of my favorites! And we all know how we love cheap, I mean inexpensive!
Paula@SweetPea says
Very pretty! This looks great in your dining room.
Designed Decor says
Thanks, Paula!
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Budget-friendly and gorgeous too!
Designed Decor says
Larissa, both are my favorites!
Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says
Love how it turned out… I want to play with a router!
Designed Decor says
Maryann, the router is fun once you figure all the bits out!
Marie, The Interior Frugalista says
They look great DeDe – nice score!
Designed Decor says
Thanks, Marie!