Base your choice on your needs, such as what you want to use the table for and how much space you have available for it. For instance, you may desire a large, rustic kitchen table. You might also make a short coffee table or an elegant bedroom end table.
Once you have a rough design, pencil in the dimensions. Keep in mind that lumber sizes listed at stores are 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) smaller than the actual lumber, so add an extra 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) to all of your estimates. Your dimensions will vary depending on the kind of table you construct. A dining table has different dimensions than a bedside table.
For example, try making a table with 3 2 in × 12 in (5. 1 cm × 30. 5 cm) tabletop boards cut 61 in (150 cm) long, 4 4 in × 4 in (10 cm × 10 cm) legs cut 28 1⁄2 in (72 cm) long, 2 2 in × 4 in (5. 1 cm × 10. 2 cm) apron boards cut 18 3⁄4 in (48 cm) long, and 2 2 in × 12 in (5. 1 cm × 30. 5 cm) more apron boards cut 49 in (120 cm) long. Get extra lumber or wood for any additional features you add to your table. For instance, you can add rails for extra stability or add boards to extend the tabletop.
Look for other inexpensive types of wood. Construction-grade douglas fir can be used to make tables. Woods like poplar make for good furniture but are tougher to stain properly. For outdoor projects, choose redwood, cypress, or a treated wood like pressure-treated pine.
You can cut the wood yourself if you have a workbench, some clamps, and a circular saw or handsaw. Always wear polycarbonate safety glasses and a respirator mask when operating a saw.
When making large tables, lay the boards on the floor. You may want to lay down a sheet or tarp first so that the wood doesn’t get scratched. Planking is when you lay boards together. The easiest way to join the boards to the rest of the table this way is through tongue and groove planking, but you can also use a dowel to create a butt joint if you know how to do that. Another way to make the tabletop is with a single sheet of wood. This can be a little more expensive and difficult due to the weight of the wood. To save money, consider using hardwood veneer construction plywood.
To make drilling easy, use a pocket hole jig. You set the jig’s depth, then use it to drill the perfect holes. It reduces the chances of drilling all the way through the wood. You will have a much easier time securing the boards if you clamp them together first. This isn’t the only way to connect boards. You can also assemble the legs and aprons first. Attach the boards directly to the aprons with pocket holes.
Having the 1 in (2. 5 cm) margin prevents the aprons from sticking out past the edge of the table. This leaves a little more leg room and makes your table look better overall. If you haven’t cut the aprons yet, use the tabletop length and width measurements to create them.
You may attach these pieces permanently by screwing them to the tabletop. Use a pocket hole jig to secure the wood together with pocket screws. You can also attach the legs to the table first then connect the aprons to the legs using pocket screws. You may then add corner braces to help hold the legs in place.
Even if you got the wood cut at a store, it may be slightly uneven. You should check before attaching the legs to the table. If you make your own wooden legs, cut the wood roughly with a circular saw or hacksaw. Then, clamp the legs together and cut them all to the same size.
Although you can wait for the glue to dry, this shouldn’t be necessary. Keep the legs clamped tightly to ensure they don’t come loose while you screw them in place.
If you want rails on your table, the process is a little more complicated. You need to use a circular saw to create notches a little less than halfway through each leg. Each leg will need 2 notches, 1 on each side where the rails will attach.
You should avoid trying to drill the lag screws in place. They can be very tough and may break. Make sure the legs are level and at a right angle to the tabletop before screwing them in place.
While you can use a circular saw or hacksaw to even the legs, you may over cut them. Instead, smooth them out gradually using 80-grit sandpaper followed by 220-grit sandpaper. The leg placement may also be a problem. Make sure the legs are flat against the table’s underside and aprons. Undo the screws if you need to reposition the legs.
Use a belt sander to make the job easier. It likely will not leave any lasting marks as long as you pass over the table once. Sanding and staining isn’t mandatory. If you like the wood’s finish, leave it alone. You may wish to apply only a sealant to protect it from moisture.
You may want to vacuum the table first before wiping it off. Use a hose attachment to help remove more dust.
You have several stainer options. Oil-based stainers are penetrative and lasting. Water-based stainers are easy to apply and don’t absorb evenly. Gel stainers are thick add a lot of color. To ensure the stain sets correctly, consider working on only 1 side of the table at a time.
Wipe off excess stainer with a rag before it dries. This will ensure you get an even stain that won’t turn too dark.
