How to Build a Table of Laminated Plywood

Use a measuring tape to measure the space in which you plan to place your laminated plywood table in order to determine the table's dimensions. As you survey the space, consider the desired height for your table as well.

Cut one sheets of 1-inch laminated plywood to the desired length and width for your table top using a table saw. Be sure the blade of your saw is very sharp to prevent rough, jagged edges. Lay the piece of plywood flat on the ground in front of you.

Use the table saw to cut four pieces of 2-by-4-inch hardwood to build a support frame on the underside of the table top. Cut two pieces to the length of the table minus four inches and two more pieces to the width of the table minus eight inches.

Apply a bead of wood glue to one of the narrow edges of both longer pieces of 2-by-4-inch hardwood and place them on top of the plywood table top, parallel to the longest sides and about two inches from the edge. Secure the boards in place by toe-nailing 2-inch wood screws through the boards into the underside of the table top every four to six inches.

Squeeze some wood glue onto one of the long, narrow edges of the two shorter pieces of 2-by-4-inch hardwood and sandwich them between the ends of the longer pieces you just installed. Align the outside edges of the four boards to create a rectangle shape, then secure the shorter boards in place by toe-nailing 2-inch wood screws through the boards into the table top. Drive 3-inch wood screws through the longer boards into the thickness of the shorter ones for added security.

Cut four equal-length pieces of 4-by-4-inch hardwood to the desired height of the table minus one inch. Stand each of these pieces of hardwood upright inside the corners of the rectangular frame you just installed to serve as the legs for your laminated plywood table.

Secure the table legs in place by driving 4-inch wood screws through the outside of the rectangular frame into the table legs. Toe-nail 2-inch wood screws through the table legs into the inside of the frame and the underside of the table top.

Apply wood filler to the rough edges of the laminated plywood table top using a small putty knife. Spread the wood filler along the entire length of all four edges of the table top, pushing it into any imperfections in the wood to create a smooth surface.

Allow the wood filler to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions then sand it smooth using fine-grain sandpaper.

Paint the sides of the table top you just sanded to match the color of the laminated table top. If you choose to stain, apply thin coats of stain using a soft brush and wipe away the excess with a clean cloth. You may also choose to stain the support frame and the table legs to match the table top. Allow the stain to dry completely between coats and continue to apply coats of stain until you reach the desired color.