How to Build a Table From Wood

Wooden tables are easy to build and provide sturdy, durable work, play or dining space. The choice of wood affects the sturdiness and look, with hardwoods a better choice for longevity, although softwoods like pine tend to be cheaper. Choose wood with few to no knots. Plywood can make a good tabletop for painted tables, but if you would like a table that retains its wood look, a plank top may be your best bet.

Four 3/4-inch by 3-inch wood strips, 4 feet long
Saw
Wood glue
Hammer
Finish nails
Four 1-inch by 6-inch wood planks, 8 feet long
Two 2-inch by 2-inch by 8-foot pieces of lumber
1 1/2-inch flat head nails
Sandpaper
Clear wood sealant
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Cut two of your 4-foot strips to 3-feet-2-inches with a saw, then cut the remaining two to 3-feet 1/2-inch. Lay these out so they form a square with the narrow sides facing up and place a small amount of wood glue where they connect. Nail together with finish nails and let the glue dry. This is your table's frame.
- 2
  Cut your wood planks into eight 3-foot-6-inch lengths. Spread a light coat of wood glue over the top edges of your frame and lay the planks so there is approximately 2 inches of overhang on each side. Nail the boards into place with finish nails, which have hardly any head so they will not be obtrusive on the finished tabletop.
- 3
  Cut four pieces of 2 by 2-inch lumber to the height you want for your table, minus 3/4 inches. Flip the table over after the glue is dry and place one leg inside each corner of the frame. Place a little wood glue on each connecting surface--including where the top of the leg meets the underside of the table--and secure them with flat-head nails from both sides.
- 4
  Flip the table back upright and apply a clear wood sealant (varnish) to all surfaces using a good quality paintbrush or sponge brush. If you prefer to stain the wood, apply the stain first, then the sealant.

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Tables