This post will be for directions on how to build a table at a very low cost with basic tools. Most large tables for kitchens or dining rooms can cost anywhere from $300- $1,000 which in most cases seems extreme especially for those with very tight budgets. The directions are for a table that cost me $63.97 in materials to make and gave me a large 6' x 4'. Actual costs may vary depending to the prices at the local building supply locations.
Step 1: Designing
Designing the table is for most people the hardest part considering that a bad design can not only look bad but be structurally weak and end up breaking after a significant amount of weight is put on it. Your best and simplest design is a table with 4 legs, 1 at each corner. Don't ask me why but the first suggestions given to me for my table design when I was drawing it up was a center stand with 5 braces at the base. Though this may look nice on paper and in your head it will seldom work out like u want.
Next was the frame for the table top as well as bracing for the legs. Frames are simple to make and offer a lot of strength to the table. Depending on your tastes you can have the frame follow the very edge of the plywood tabletop of you can create a "lip" by making the frame smaller than the tabletop. Personally i go with the "lip" since it will keep the table legs farther underneath the table so u don't end up kicking them on a regular basis when walking around the table. In my case I went with the frame following the edge of the table top.
This last part of the design is the most important since it means your table will last and it all comes down to braces. Braces are used to support weak spots in the tables design, frame corners, legs. A diagonal brace at each of the frame corners will greatly increase the frames strength and durability and reduce the chance of the table warping because of humidity. A diagonal brace on the inside of the legs will increase stability and reduce the chance of a table leg breaking.
Step 2: Materials
7 - 8' long 2"x4"
1 - 8' x 4' piece of smooth surface 3/4" plywood
1 - Container of wood filler (I went with Elmers since its easy to use and works well)
1 - Box of 1 3/4" coarse thread drywall screws
2 - Fine grain pieces of sand paper (preferably 180 grit or higher)
Optional:
1 - Small container of wood stain (helps give the finished product a lot more visual appeal)
Step 3: Preparation
Preperations before you actually start your project can help make it go smoother and in the end come out better. First you should make sure you have a large enough area to work in with good ventilation and plenty of light. Second you need to make sure u have all the tools you will need.
Tools: electric drill, measuring tape, pencil, Saw (either electric or hand saw), a level (to make sure your table is flat and balanced), gloves, Eye protection, Square (to make sure everything is well square).
After you have your tools make sure and decide which pieces of wood will be used for the legs and which will be used for the frame. Also make sure that when you make lines on the wood after you measure and cut to erase any lines that are left.
For those that intent to use wood stains after the table is comeplete make sure to wear a mask and to keep the area ventilated at all times including up to 48 hours after the stain has been applied as well as make sure not to allow any open flames or sparks around the area since stains are flamable.
Step 4: Construction
Lets start with the legs. take 3 of the 2" x 4" - 8' long pieces of wood and cut out 8 - 28" long pieces, there will be extra pieces of wood from the making of the legs, these will be used for making the corner braces for the table frame. Take 2 of the 8 - 28" long pieces and place then together so that they are flat against each other making sure that the top and bottom are flat. take 3 of the drywall screws and drill them at 12" intervels into the wood joining the 2 pieces together (make sure to drive the screws into the wood so that the head ends about a quarter to half a inch inside the wood this will help when filling the holes later on), then turn the piece over and drill 2 more drywall screws on the other side making sure to drill them in at 6" from the center in each direction. (see diagram at top for a better idea if you are confused). Once the first leg is complete repeat the steps for the next 3 legs.
The table frame is next. First take 2 - 8' long 2" x 4" and cut 2 - 45" pieces. These will be the short end table frame pieces. Next take the last 2 - 8' long 2" x 4" and cut out 2 - 6' long pieces these will be the Long table edge frame pieces. Next take the 2 - 6' long pieces and the 2 - 45" pieces and put them into a box shape on the floor or in the work area you are working in wine up the pieces so that the long pieces overlap the short pieces ends and line it up so that the corner is a perfect right angle with the Square. While bracing the wood drill in 2 drywall screws into the end of the 6' long piece so that they join the 45" piece together being carefull not to crack the wood. Repeat this on the other end of the 6' piece with the second 45" piece again making sure that the corner is Square. then attach the other 6' long piece to the oposite end of the 2 - 45" piecesjust like the first. If everything is done correctly u should have a perfectly square box frame.
Bracing the frame comes next. take the scraps of wood left over from earlier and cut 4 - 13" long pieces. then take the 4 pieces and cut 45 degree angles at each of the corners of the 4 - 13" pieces making sure that u don't shorten the wood, at least not more than half an inch if it can be helped. Next take these 4 pieces and put one on each of the inside corners of the box frame you completed earlier. Screw the braces in with 2 drywall screws at each brace end, but be sure to drill the screws in at 45 drgree angles to make sure that the screws point doesn't poke out the other side of the frames wood. once u complete this at all 4 corners the frame will be done.
Next while the frame is on the ground take the legs made earlier and put them inside the corners of the frame while making sure to put them snug. Next take 4 drywall screws and drill in 2 screws from each side of the frame into the leg making sure that the leg stays completely snug against the frame. Repeat this for all the legs. When all the legs are installed and are firmly in place have someone help you to turn the table right side up. If the previous instructions were followed and common sense used you should have a nearly complete table with a surface that is completely flat and ready for the table top. Take the 8' x 4' piece of plywood and cut a 6' long piece out making sure to go slow as to not damage the edge. once this is comeplete take the 6' long piece of plywood and lay it on the table frame. Once the table top and the frame have been aligned properly drill drywall screws at each corner 3 inches from the corner along the edge joining the frame and the table top, make sure to continue to check on the alignment just in case it shifts. When the corners are all screwed down go along the egde with additional screws placing theem at intervals of 10" - 13" using your judgement as to how long the intervals should be. As in all cases go slow as to not crack or split the wood. When this is done the basic table is complete.
Step 5: Details
To help make the table look good it is best to cover the places with drywall screws with woodfiller to cover up the screw heads and give a smooth surface. first apply the wood filler making sure to work it into the holes where the screws are in and to leave a bit of extra on the top . When the wood filler is completely dry take the sandpaper and sand down the areas that have woodfiller maing them smooth and level with the rest of the area. After everything is sanded make sure to wipe down the entire table to make sure all the dirt, dust, and wooddust is gone. Next after putting on the mask take the container of wood stain and shake it for several minutes. When finished shaking open and take a object usually a thin piece of wood and stir the stain for several more minutes. When this is done take a old piece of cloth or rag (must be clean) and dip it into the stain then apply the stain to the table starting with the hardest to reach areas first and working your way out to the tables edges. Use a circular pattern when applying the stain as it will help the wood absorb the stain. If the table needs a second staining wait 24 hours before you stain it again. When the table is completely stained let it dry for 48 hours in a well ventilated area.
Well done you now have yourself a new table
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