How to Build a Polished Wood Table

Making the Tabletop and Apron Frame

• 1

  Lay a plank of 72-inch 2-by-12 lumber flat on the work surface and apply wood glue to the two 2-inch edges of the plank. Abut a second and third 72-inch plank of 2-by-12 lumber on either side of the first plank and push them together so the glue on the sides bonds with the sides of the other planks. Use F-clamps to hold the three planks together while the glue dries. This is the tabletop, measuring 36 by 72 inches.

• 2

  Remove the clamps and hand-plane the tabletop so that it is smooth and even along all three planks, and on both sides of the tabletop.

• 3

  Lay two planks of 60-inch 2-by-2 lumber flat on the work surface with 24 inches between them. Place two planks of 24-inch 2-by-2 lumber between the ends of the 60-inch planks to make a rectangle, then evenly space another two planks of 24-inch 2-by-2 lumber between them.

• 4

  Drive a 3-inch wood screw through the outside of the 60-inch planks into each end of the four 24-inch planks to secure them in place. This is the apron frame of the table.

• 5

  Insert a 28-inch plank of 4-by-4 lumber into each corner of the apron frame. These are the table legs. Secure the table legs to the apron frame with two 3-inch wood screws driven through each side of the apron frame corners into the legs; four screws per leg.

• 6

  Lay the tabletop flat on the work surface with the underside facing upwards, and center the apron frame on top so that the legs are in the air. Drill pilot holes for 3-inch wood screws every 6 inches along the 60-inch side of the apron frame, and three pilot holes per 24-inch plank of the apron frame. Don’t screw the apron frame to the tabletop yet.

Polishing the Table

• 7

  Sand the tabletop, legs and apron frame with fine-grit sandpaper and wipe over with rags to remove the sanding dust. Sand with the grain in long, even strokes.

• 8

  Apply wood filler to the table, following the manufacturer’s application instructions. Wood filler essentially fills in the grain of the wood and allows for a glasslike, smooth and shiny polished finish.

• 9

  Sand the table with fine-grain sandpaper and wipe over with clean rags. If you want to apply a stain to the table, do so now and let dry.

• 10

  Apply wood sealant to the table, following the directions from the manufacturer, then lightly sand the table after the sealant is dry. Wipe over with a clean rag to remove the dust.

• 11

  Apply three coats of clear lacquer to the table, following the manufacturer’s application instructions, and allow sufficient drying time between coats.

• 12

  Rub the table lightly with superfine steel wool. The high gloss of the finish should start becoming apparent. Apply a wood finishing compound to the table, rubbing it into the grain with a clean rag until it disappears. Apply a wax finish to the table with a clean rag, rubbing it in until it disappears.

Assembly

• 13

  Lay a clean rag down on the work surface and place the tabletop right-side down on top.

• 14

  Center the apron frame back over the underside of the tabletop, matching up the pilot holes in the apron frame with the pilot holes in the underside of the tabletop.

• 15

  Secure the apron frame to the tabletop with 3-inch wood screws driven through the pilot holes. Turn the table over to stand it on its legs.