Multi Stained Plank Wall: Break Room Re-Fresh

It is always a great opportunity for team building when people pull together to do any kind of improvement project, it becomes exceptionally great when the team will reap the benefits of their labor. The collaboration of the associates in the Smithfield, R.I., Home Depot is unprecedented; the transformation of the store associate break room is just..... simply amazing!

Working in a construction, DIY warehouse with so many gifted and talented associates creates the perfect environment to allow a flow of creatively that cannot be matched.

Providing an escape for the associates that is not only tranquil and calm but also esthetically pleasing, and serene will help to reinvigorate, and refresh the working associates which in turn results in the positive energy they need to go out an assist every single customer!  Win, Win!!

The before and after of this break room redo is crazy!

The before photos show a space that may have been a last resort as a choice to go for the associates lunch break….

The after photos reflect a space that is a true retreat; it looks like a café in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the very busy Smithfield, Home Depot store.

The associates and management worked together and came up with a beautiful plan: painted cabinets, faux ¾ walls to separate the vending machines from the dining space, and the spectacular stained plank wall!  Dark tone laminate flooring was put down. The comfy easy chairs and the soft, scrumptious rug is the finishing touch! 

There is nothing like stepping on a thick carpet after spending hours walking on a cold, hard concrete floor.

The process and steps to create this space were all done by in-store associates!

The demolition:

The staining of the planks:

The planks were cut into 4 foot pieces

Painting of the cabinets:

Constructing of the walls:

Application of planks on focal wall:

The planks are packaged in 6 pieces at 1/4" X 8' Knotty Cedar Edge V planks

Laminate on dining table:

The dining tables are just perfect! The chunky legs are 4x4 fir at 30 inches high, topped off with 4 foot square piece of particle board that has a beautiful jeweled rose laminate insert glue to the top. Under the lip of the table runs a 1x4 cedar cap, all of the wood is stained in American Walnut by Varathane…..now that invites fine dining!

This transformation took place during store hours in between assisting customers, answering questions, and running forklifts.

This dedicated team of associates and managers has reinvented this space, it is now a lunch time sanctuary where the work force can refuel and recharge. The transformation was a labor of loyalty and love, the roots of a great committed workforce!

Great job to all of the associates who contributed time and ideas to your break room refresh, and kudos to the management who allowed, encouraged and managed the stunning results…you go Smithfield, Home Depot!! 

Thank you for sharing all the photos and techniques, you have inspired us all!   Maureen