How to Build a Table with a Secret Compartment

Cut a 12-by-12-inch square out of the center of the tabletop board using the jigsaw. Flip the tabletop upside down.

Arrange four 1 1/2-by-3 1/2-by-12-inch boards into a square with the boards standing on their long, thin sides. Drill two holes through each joint, through the side of one board and into the end of the adjoining board. Attach the boards together by drilling 3-inch wood screws through the holes.

Position the square frame on top of the upside-down tabletop, with the square centered around the hole in the center of the tabletop. Drill two holes through each side of the frame, down into the tabletop, being careful not to break through the tabletop surface. Attach the frame to the tabletop with 4-inch wood screws.

Position a 1/2-by-12-by-12-inch board to be the base of the secret compartment on top of the frame. Drill evenly spaced holes through the board and into the frame every four inches. Attach the base to the frame using 3-inch wood screws.

Stand up two 3-by-3-by-36-inch posts with a 1 1/2-by-3 1/2-by-30-inch board running horizontally across them, with its wide, flat side touching the posts. Drill two holes down through the horizontal board, or leg support board, and into each post, or table leg. Attach the legs to the support board with 3-inch wood screws. Repeat for an additional two legs and another support board.

Position the two support boards upside down on the underside of the tabletop with the legs in the air. Drill four holes through each support board and into the tabletop and attach the support boards to the tabletop with 2 1/4-inch wood screws. Flip the table and reinsert the 12-by-12-inch piece that was previously removed to enclose the secret compartment.