DIY Instructions for a Table & Bench Using two-by-fours

Table

• 1

  Form two planks of 65 inch and two planks of 32 inch two-by-four lumber into a frame to make the side and end apron frame of the table. The end aprons should abut the inside edge of the side aprons to make corners. Square the corners, then secure them with three evenly spaced and countersunk 3-inch wood screws through each corner joint.

• 2

  Insert five planks of 32-inch two-by-four lumber evenly spaced across the apron frame, with one of the 4-inch faces down. Press them down so they are flush with the bottom of the frame. Secure the support planks in place with two countersunk 3-inch screws driven through the side aprons into the ends of each support plank.

• 3

  Lay nine planks of 72-inch two-by-four lumber side-by-side on a work surface to make the table top. Place the apron frame on top of the planks with the support planks touching the table top. Adjust the position of the frame so that it is centered over the table top planks. Secure the table top planks in place with 2 5/8 inch screws driven every 3-to-4 inches through the support planks into the underside of the table top planks.

• 4

  Glue eight planks of 28-inch two-by-four together in pairs to form four legs measuring 4 inches-by-4 inches. Screw the leg pieces together at each corner with a countersunk 3-inch wood screw.

• 5

  Insert a leg piece into each corner of the apron frame, which is still upside-down on the table top. The leg ends will be in the air. Use G-clamps to hold the legs in place while you bolt them to the side aprons with four countersunk 3-inch lag bolts per leg. Remove the clamps and turn the table upright.

Bench

• 6

  Form an apron frame from 65 inch and 8 inch planks of two-by-four lumber and secure it at the corners with three evenly spaced countersunk 3-inch screws.

• 7

  Slot five support planks of 8-inch two-by-four lumber across the frame with the 4-inch face flat and level with the frame bottom. Secure with two screws driven through the side aprons into each support plank end.

• 8

  Lay three planks of 72 inch two-by-four lumber side-by-side on a work surface and place the apron frame support-side-down on top of the bench slat planks. Secure the frame to the planks with 2 5/8 inch screws driven through the support planks every 3 to 4 inches.

• 9

  Insert a 17-inch plank of two-by-four in each corner of the upside-down apron frame for bench legs and clamp in place with G-clamps. Secure the legs to the frame with four countersunk 3 inch lag bolts. Turn the bench right-side-up to finish.