How to Design Your Own Craft Table

Examine your needs for the craft table. A sewer and fabric artist will want a table for cutting fabric by the yard or bolt to specifications. A jewelry crafter will want a table with lots of storage compartments for jewels and tools. A woodworker will want a table that accommodates using a jigsaw. A miniature dollhouse artist will need a table with appropriate lighting and fixtures to keep design layouts viewable at sight level.

Determine the type of surface you will need. If you cut fabric, a surface such as Plexiglas allows you to lay out and cut fabric without risking snags. Plexiglas is also a good surface for those who cut paper for scrapbooking, and heavy enough to hold a paper cutter.

Measure the height you will need to work on your craft projects. Some crafting projects require you to stand on your feet or work by sitting on a barstool. Sit in your chair or stand on your feet and measure the height that you need to make your projects conveniently accessible, whether you are standing or sitting.

Consider your storage needs for supplies. Think about your "can't do without them tools" -- such as scissors, carving tools, paintbrushes and jewels. Identify where you want those tools and materials to be placed. That can mean having enough space on the right or left of the table and close to where you sit or stand.

Plot out workspace areas and needs for the tabletop. Make a simple paper layout of where you want to stage your supplies on the tabletop surface. Think about how wide and how tall of a workspace you need that is free and clear. Map out an area for supplies and tools that you want on top of the table. Incorporate drawers into the table design plan, or use file cabinets, cubes or mechanic's tool cabinets underneath to store supplies. For example, use a cube to store skeins of yarn for knitting. Add 1 to 2 feet onto the width and height to determine the final size of the tabletop so that you will have enough room to work on your projects.

Examine your lighting needs. A fabric, jewelry or miniature artist will need a craft table that can accommodate a clip-on magnifying lamp with a swing arm. Overhead lighting that covers the craft table surface and working area is also a key consideration.

Select wood for the tabletop and legs to create a sturdy craft table. Consider the weight of objects that you will need to place on the table, such as paper cutters, saws or a sewing machine. Have the base board lumber custom cut at a home improvement store that sells lumber, or at a lumberyard. Create table legs from 4-by-4 inch posts used for fencing. Discuss your design with the lumber retailer to determine how many legs you will need and the height, and wood to connect the legs (if needed) for additional strength and support. Use wood screws and a drill to connect the legs with the table base. Get Plexiglas and other top surface materials custom cut according to your needs and specifications.