# DIY Family Dinner Table
Things You'll Need
- 2 planks 1-by-4 lumber, 66 inches
- 2 planks 1-by-4 lumber, 32 inches
- 5 planks 1-by-2 lumber, 32 inches
- 3 planks 1-by-12 lumber, 70 inches
- 4 planks 4-by-4 lumber, 29 inches
- Sander or sandpaper and sanding block
- Square
- Band clamp
- Drill
- 2-inch wood screws
- Wood glue
- G-clamps
- 1 5/8-inch wood screws
- 2 3/4-inch lag bolts
- Wood finish
Instructions
-
-
1
Sand all the dinner table components: two side aprons from 1-by-4 lumber at 66 inches and two end aprons from the same lumber at 32 inches; five tabletop supports from 1-by-2 lumber at 32 inches; three 1-by-12 planks at 70 inches to make the tabletop and four legs from 4-by-4 lumber at 29 inches. Use a sander or sandpaper and a sanding block.
-
2
Make the aprons into a rectangular frame. Square off the corners with a square and set them in a band clamp to hold the shape. Drill two countersunk pilot holes sized slightly smaller than 2-inch wood screws through the side aprons into the ends of the end aprons. Screw together with 2-inch wood screws, then remove the band clamp.
-
3
Slot the five support planks in between the side aprons, evenly spaced along the length and flush with the bottom of the apron frame. Secure in place with two 2-inch wood screws in each end just as you secured the apron frame.
-
4
Bead glue along the edges of the tabletop planks and fit them together side by side to make a single tabletop 36 by 70 inches. Use band clamps to clamp the planks in position while the glue dries. Turn the tabletop right side down.
-
5
Apply glue to the bottom of the apron frame and supports. Center the apron frame over the tabletop, with the supports touching the tabletop. Use G-clamps to hold the frame down onto the tabletop while the glue dries.
-
6
Pre-drill two countersunk pilot holes through the support planks into each tabletop plank; six holes per support plank. Secure the tabletop to the frame by screwing in 1 5/8-inch wood screws.
-
7
Insert a leg into each corner of the apron frame and use G-clamps to hold them in position. Pre-drill two countersunk pilot holes through each side of the corner into each leg and secure the legs with 2 3/4-inch lag bolts.
-
8
Turn the table over and finish with your choice of wood finish. Full paint creates a more modern look, or you can leave the top wood and paint the rest white for a chic country look. Classic dinner tables would have a stain or varnish, or use a wax finish for a more rustic feel.
-
1
