Instructions on How to Build a Small Table

Small tables are a nice decoration, as well as a functional piece of furniture around the house. Many types of small tables are available in stores, but a durable table that will last can be fairly expensive. The construction design for a small, sturdy table is not complicated. Cedar is a good choice for a small table because it is lightweight and easy to work with.

4 cedar boards, 4-by-4-by-13-inch
2 cedar boards, 2-by-4-by-22-inch
6 cedar boards, 2-by-6-by-14-inch
Drill/screw gun
Countersinker, 3/8-inch
28 wood screws, 3-inch
Wood putty
Sandpaper, medium and fine grade
Tackcloth
Wood stain
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Lay your 13-inch boards parallel, and 15 inches apart. Screw your 2-by-4 board perpendicularly to the 4-by-4 boards, using a drill or screw gun. The 2-by-4 should be laying flat on the 13-inch boards, and the 22-inch edge should be flush with the 4-by-4 ends. Repeat this process with the other two 13-inch boards and 22-inch board. Countersink your screws for all screwing applications.
- 2
  Stand both sets of 4-by-4s upright with the 22-inch board on top. The 22-inch boards should be parallel and 11 inches apart. Screw four 14-inch boards to the 22-inch boards to make the tabletop. The 14-inch boards should be parallel with each other, and perpendicular to the 22-inch boards. All the edges around the tabletop should be flush.
- 3
  Screw another 14-inch board to the 13-inch boards so the top 14-inch edge is flush with the top of the table. Both ends should also be flush with the sides of the table. Screw the last 14-inch board to the other side in the same manner.
- 4
  Fill the holes around the screw heads with wood putty and let dry. Sand down the table with the medium sandpaper, and then the fine sandpaper. Wipe down the project with your tackcloth, and apply your stain with a brush. Let your project dry according to instructions.

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