How to Make a Copper Table

Cut a circle, square or rectangle from a section of ¾-inch birch plywood that’s sized to match your intended tabletop dimension. Birch plywood is more expensive than cheaper options, such as fir, but it is less likely to warp. Sand, seal and paint the plywood on both sides so the underside of your copper-wrapped table is nicely finished off.

Use metal sheers to cut a section of 23-gauge copper sheeting to size, adding at least 2-inches of overhang that allows you to wrap and secure the copper sheeting beneath the plywood top. Make the overhang longer if you prefer to have a deeper copper wrap on the underside of the table.

Cut eight sections of thick copper tubing to create a framework on which to mount the tabletop if you’re not using prefabricated legs. Cut four sections to shape a square base that will support the top, and four to make the copper table’s legs. Cut four more sections if you plan to add an additional square brace. Use a band saw, hacksaw, tube cutter or stationary saw to cut the pipe.

Sand the ends of the copper pipe sections to remove burrs and ragged cutting edges. Use a light touch as even copper pipe made with alloys can attract scratches and blemishes. Use a cloth to remove oil and soil so soldering flux goes on smoothly.

Solder together a square of four copper pipe sections to form the table base. Connect four lengths of pipe to the corners to attach the legs. Solder an additional four sections of pipe to the legs to form a mid-base brace for additional support. Up end the unit so the legs face the ceiling so you can sand and smooth them out.

Cover the tabletop with copper. Place a blanket on the floor to protect the metal while you work. Position the finished plywood topper in the middle of the copper sheeting. Assume a comfortable position -- you can sit on the plywood if you like -- since wrapping the plywood top with copper sheeting can get tedious.

Apply an adhesive to the plywood periphery to add a bonding medium between the copper and the plywood. Fold over the copper sheeting, moving around the tabletop methodically and using a mallet to bend the sheeting in place on the underside. Allow the adhesive to dry. Alternately, attach the sheeting with a drill and decorative screws -- or use both adhesive and screws.

Add a coat of lacquer to the copper tabletop if you don’t want it to develop a patina as a result of the oxidation process that affects this metal. Join the tabletop to the base using brackets and screws. Wax the tabletop and buff it to a shine as a finishing touch.