DIY Plywood Tables

Measure to the center of one 24-inch side of a piece of 19-by-24-inch, 3/4-inch-thick plywood. Mark a line 3 inches long and 3/4 inches thick. Repeat on a second piece of plywood the same size. These are the legs of the table.

Cut out the marked line with a hand saw or jigsaw, so you have a slot 3/4 inches thick and 3 inches long in the middle of one side of each leg.

Measure in 6 inches from each end of a 5-by-44-inch piece of 3/4-inch plywood. Mark two lines at each point that angle inward (toward each other) at 70 degrees and are 3/4-inch thick and 2 21/64 inches long. This is the undercarriage of the table. Cut out the marked lines like you did for the leg pieces.

Apply wood finish of your choice (paint, stain or varnish, for example) to the legs and undercarriage as well as a piece of 24-by-48-inch plywood for the table top. Apply as the manufacturer directs and leave to dry.

Measure in 2 inches from each side of the legs that have the slot in them and make a mark. Drill a 1/2-inch-deep hole that is 1/4 inch wide at each point, then insert a dowel peg into each hole.

Mate the slots on the undercarriage with the slots on the legs so that the legs are standing at an angle with the undercarriage suspended between them. Center the table top over the legs, then mark the position where the pegs are.

Remove the table top, then drill a 1/2-inch-deep hole at each point that is 1/4 inch wide. Refit the table top onto the legs and undercarriage, mating the holes on the underside of the table top with the pegs in the table legs.