Repurposed Wood Lath Runner
repurpose old wood lath sticks into unique table runner and placemats with this simple how to
Old wood has earned character that is hard to replicate. The beautiful saw cuts, nail holes and dings from years of wear make it the perfect material to repurpose into another form, which can be enjoyed by future generations. When we recently gutted our bathroom, I came to the rescue of the old pile of wood lath sticks that had been behind the plaster walls for 100+ years. Yes, when in destruction mode it can be easy to want the pile of debris to go away quickly, but once it’s gone, you’ll never have the character-filled material to create with again! Luckily, Mr. Fix-it gave into my pleas, so we could make this Repurposed Wood Lath Runner.
This project is one of many inspirational ideas on the Spring Ideas Blog Hop, organized by Angie at Postcards from the Ridge! Each day centers on a different theme, so you can enjoy spring-spiration all week long! Have fun visiting all the beauty and ideas: mantels, tablescapes, recipes, DIY & crafts, and outdoor decor. All of the links are at the end!
Repurposed Wood Lath Runner
With the lawn trailer filled with rusty, nail-filled old wood lath sticks, the gears of my brain started churning out ideas. What could we make to enjoy this historic part of our house, that I would actually use? It’s kind of fun to make something out of what’s been hidden behind the walls since the house was built!
I came up with a couple ideas (and may be making more of them in the future), and decided a simple, rustic lath stick runner would be the perfect tabletop foundation for a pretty spring centerpiece! If you’d like the exact how-to in tutorial form, you can get it for free in my Insider’s Resource Library. By becoming a Lora B Insider, you’ll get FREE access to all my seasonal and helpful printable resources. Plus, your creative juices will keep flowing with my weekly email!
If you’re already an Insider, check your weekly email for the password to grab this how-to!
Create the Repurposed Wood Lath Runner with a Free Printable
Mr. Fix-it cut the wood lath sticks to the length I asked and I began sanding each piece with my electric palm sander. Luckily, it was a beautiful, springtime day and I was happy to be outside enjoying the long-awaited-for nice weather! The rough boards became smooth with some 120 grit.
The white sides of the lath sticks with their leftover plaster remnants were more appealing to me, so we constructed the runner with those sides all facing “up”. Either side of the runner can be used, but I like the side with the adjoining parallel pieces showing the best;)
Once all the pieces were sanded, we glued and nailed it all together. I was going to have the boards all even, but when laying them out, a railroad pattern seemed more interesting. 18 year old Mr. Freckles said, “Hey, mom, that railroad thing on the table is cool.” Well, good, honey…cuz I think I’m making more for your grad party;)
I sealed all the old wood with a coat of satin poly. The wood looked a little orange when it was wet, but luckily it dried to a more subtle hue. The white parts faded, but I still like the overall patina.
Style Your Centerpiece with the Repurposed Wood Lath Runner
Now for the fun part: styling! Character-filled old wood just sets everything off beautifully!
I grabbed some vintage silver sugars and creamers with a couple mini topiary trees I picked up at Pier 1. The black plastic pots were less than cute and I knew with a little moss, I could have a spring, garden-inspired centerpiece.
With the addition of a couple vintage cultivators and seed packets, the springtime centerpiece is ready to be enjoyed! A vintage green and white table square became the perfect extra texture to balance out the organic materials.
I actually left the “back” side un-polyed for a different look. Can you tell the difference between the two sides? It is easier to keep the runner clean when it’s sealed with a coat or two of poly, but I like the natural look of the just plain wood, too.
If you happen to be remodeling, or know of someone who is ripping into their walls, definitely don’t let all those potential-filled wood lath sticks go to waste! They can easily be repurposed into a character-filled runner for unique home decor! I’d love to hear if you make a Repurposed Wood Lath Runner! I think we may be making quite a few more for our upcoming grad party!
Love vintage, repurposed projects? You may want to check these out:
“Repurposed Drawer Wall Pockets”
“Repurposed Vintage Bucket Rustic Vase”
“Vintage Thread Spool Mini Wreath How-To”
Pin, Share, and Enjoy the rest of the inspiration!
Here are all the great spring ideas! Check back all week for each day’s new posts.
Monday ~ Mantels
Postcards from the Ridge // Anderson + Grant // Virginia Sweet Pea // Daily Dose of Style
Tuesday ~ Tablescapes
Wednesday ~ Spring DIY
Thursday ~ Spring Recipes
Friday ~ Porches & Decks
Sharing at these lovely parties:
Feathered Nest Friday
Thanks for this great idea! (So fun your teenage son liked it too!❤) Can’t wait to make one (or more)!
Have fun!
Your lovely repurposed wood lath runner is perfect for seasonal decorating year-round. Great idea!
Thanks, Marie! I love the rustic texture:)
I love this idea! Such a great “runner” year round…thanks for sharing…now to find some lath?!!?
This is such a charming way to create a display! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm–pinned!
Such a simple idea, but I’m really enjoying the rustic charm. Thanks for pinning, Cecilia!
Love this, Lora. What a smart idea, and I definitely like the bottom view the best (that sounded a bit awkward!) Thanks for sharing at Homestyle Gathering! (I’m still swooning over your moss wreath, BTW!)
Thanks, Julie!
I love DIY’s with reclaimed wood… looks so cute!
Glad you liked it, Maryann!
Hey Lora…this is just flat out charming! I LOVE that you were able to recycle those laths (not to be confused with lathes ?) into that neat runner and then adorning it with tarnished silver sugar and creamer was just brilliant.
Thanks for the Spring Inspiration!
Hugs, Lynn
Thanks, Lynn! I love the rough texture of the lath with the patina of the silver and the organic green; totally my comfort zone:)
This is amazing! I love how you’ve repurposed this wood!
Thanks, Lindsay!
Love this idea sooo much! I’m renovating a 1900’s house right now, and while I’m not removing all the lath and plaster, I’ve exposed a few beams and have a small pile of lath that i didn’t want to dispose of. Definitely will be trying this project.
I think our house is 1908, Jamie. We’ve slowly almost made it through the whole house; just getting to some of the last spaces. Boy, it’s a lot of work, but so rewarding. I’m so glad I gave you a way to appreciate what you’re digging out of the walls!
Nothing like some beautiful, old wood! Love how you repurposed it and styled it for Spring. I’m sure you’ll find lots of ways to use it for the different seasons. Well done!
Thanks, Kristi! Yes, I think I’ll be enjoying this through the seasons, for sure!
Yet another really cute idea, you are so gifted, and i am so glad to have found you. I have started keeping junk and not throwing it away and i have pieces of an old blue outdoor porch swing, i think will be perfect but, my spring list is getting so long don’t know when i will get it done.
I love, “I have started keeping junk and not throwing it away”, Marlene! I’m happy when I’ve encouraged a reader to see potential, so they can create something unique! I think your blue porch swing pieces would be totally cool on this project; I’m jealous;) I’d love to see what you come up with!
I love the look of this runner and really love that you repurposed the wood! I have slats from old wooden shutters that I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with, I think I’m going to follow your instructions and make a runner!
Yay, Eileen! Coming up with the materials is half the battle; sounds like you’ve got all the makings of a great new runner. Good luck!
Lora, this is such a wonderful idea. I love the fact that you saved these from the demo and reused them. They look great with the staggered lengths and your styling is perfect for spring! Love the gardening theme. Thanks for joining the tour! ~ Angie
Thanks, Angie! And thanks for hosting the Spring Ideas Tour! Love all the inspiration:)
Lora, I love this project…it turned out so well! I don’t have any old lath, but it makes me want to buy new lath and age it. I can think of a few people I’d like to make these for…starting with myself!
You’ll love it, Linda! Yes, you could totally use new lath, too. I just can’t let old wood go to waste;)
What a great way to use this beautiful old wood! The runner that you created is something that you can enjoy in any season. I love how you styled it for spring with vintage silver, plants, and gardening themed accessories.
Thanks, Paula. I actually had it styled in my mind before I ever even made it. Kinda scary how my brain thinks sometimes;)
Lora your repurposed wood lath runner is such a fantastic idea. I love the overall look. The green topiary always reminds me of spring but I think this setting would look good throughout the year.
Yes, you’re right, Patti; I’m looking forward to using it all through the seasons!