How to Build a Dinette Table

Getting started

• 1

  Purchase a tabletop. Pre-cut tabletops can be purchased at hardware stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. Both round and rectangle are available, and they are usually found in oak and pine. The stores also carry a variety of sizes in each style.

• 2

  Buy four table legs. Hardware stores also carry pre-cut table legs in a variety of sizes. These also already have the screws in them, so that they insert into the table easily. Select the size that corresponds to the height you want your table to be. While you are at the hardware store, don't forget to pick up the stain.

• 3

  Find a well-ventilated place to stain the parts. Outdoors is best if they weather is nice. Set up two saw horses. Lay the table top across the top. Stain the top and sides of the table. Allow the tabletop to dry. Flip the tabletop over and stain the other side. Allow it to dry. If you would like the color to be darker, apply a second coat.

• 4

  Use a tape measure to mark a square in the center of the table. The corners of the square will be where the holes are made to insert the legs. There should be 4 to 6 inches between the edge of the table and the outline of the square. The distance depends on the table top size. It doesn't matter on which side you draw the square, the tabletop looks the same on both sides.

• 5

  Use a drill and the correct size drill bit to create a pilot hole in each of the four corners of the square. Make sure that the pilot hole is smaller than the screw on the table legs. Take your tabletop and legs to the room where you will place the table. Line up the screw on the end of a leg with one of the holes, and screw the leg in place. Repeat this process with the remaining four legs.