Build a Woodworking Table

Determine the table height. Try out different heights to find the one that will allow you to work without stretching or straining too much. For a person of average height, 30 inches to 36 inches will provide a workable surface height.

Cut the work surface and legs to size. The table should be 4 feet deep and 8 feet wide. Cut the solid wood to this size. If you are working with a 3-foot high table, cut six four-by-fours to 2 feet 10 inches. The 2-inch height of the solid surface will bring the total height of the table to 3 feet.

Attach the legs to the work surface. Select the bottom side of the work surface, and nail a leg to each corner of the tabletop. Drive four nails through the work surface into each leg. Measure the distance between each set of legs on the long sides of the table to determine where to place the center legs. Divide that distance by 2, and place the middle of the four-by-four at this location.

To be sure your woodworking table stands firm, use the two-by-fours to create braces for the six legs. Measure the width between each pair of legs along the outside of the table. Cut a section of two-by-four to fit between each pair. For the six legs, you will need six separate braces.

Measure the leg height to determine the center of each leg. Nail the two-by-fours in place directly in the center of the leg height.

Finish the work table. Check the nails on the top of the table and hammer any that aren't flush to create a flat working surface. Lightly sand any rough edges and the surface of the table.