DIY 2-Person Kitchen Tables

Sand all the lumber components for the kitchen table.

Form the side and end aprons into a rectangle; two planks of 1-by-4-inch lumber at 32 inches and two at 22 inch long respectively. The end aprons should be on the inside edge of the side aprons to make the corners. Check with a carpenter's square that the corners are true right angles, then clamp the rectangle together.

Drill two countersunk pilot holes through the side aprons into the ends of the end aprons then secure together with 2-inch wood screws. Insert four planks of 2-by-2 lumber at 22 inches, evenly spaced between the side aprons. These are support planks for the table top. Push them down so they are flush with the bottom of the side aprons, then secure to the side aprons with two 2-inch wood screws.

Lay two table top planks of 36 inch 1-by-12 lumber side by side on a work surface, ensuring the ends of both planks are even and the top side of the planks are face down. Bead a line of glue onto the bottom edges of the aprons and the support planks.

Place the apron and support plank rectangle over the table top planks and position it so that there is 2 inches of table top overlapping on each side apron and an inch over each end apron. Weigh the aprons and support planks down with heavy objects like bricks, or you can also clamp them down to dry. Because the table top planks are top-side down, this is actually being glued to the underneath of the table top.

Drive 2 1/4-inch wood screws every 5 to 6 inches through the support planks into the table top to secure the apron frame and supports to the underneath of the table top. Insert the end of the legs, four planks of 28 inch 2-by-4 lumber, into each corner of the table, the 4-inch face of each flush against the side aprons.

Pre-drill pilot holes for 2 1/4-inch bolts through the side aprons and the legs then bolt the legs onto the side aprons, tightening the bolts with their accompanying nuts on the inside of each leg. Invert the table so that it is standing on the legs and then seal with the desired wood finish and let dry before installing in the kitchen.