Directions to Build a Small Pub Table

Prepare

• Purchase one sheet of high-quality 1/2-inch plywood in a smooth finish, 4 by 8 feet. Pick up three 6-foot-long 2-inch by 4-inch boards and two 6-foot-long 4-inch by 4-inch boards. Choose either a wood stain or wood paint for the table finish. If the table will be indoors, try to choose a color that will complement your existing furniture. Purchase some 1 1/2-inch and 2 1/2-inch screws if you do not already have them at home.

Cut

• For the top of the table, use a measuring tape to draw a 3-foot by 4-foot rectangle on the plywood. Using the circular saw, cut the rectangle out of the plywood. Saw the 4-by-4 boards in half to make four 3-foot-long pieces. These will be the table legs. Saw one of the 2-by-4 boards into three 2-foot-long pieces. Saw each of the other two 2-by-4 boards into two pieces that measure 4 feet and 2 feet. Discard the 2-foot sections. Sand the rough edges where cut until smooth. Coat all pieces with an application of wood paint or stain and set aside. Let pieces dry completely.

Construct

• To construct the frame for the table, align the two 4-foot pieces of 2-by-4 boards on edge, parallel to one another. Leave 3 feet in distance between them. Place two of the 2-foot pieces between the other pieces to create a rectangle shape. Drive two 2 1/2-inch screws through both of the 4-foot section ends into the smaller ends to fasten the pieces together. To add a support beam in the center, place the remaining 2-foot piece on edge perpendicular to the 4-foot sides, through the middle of the frame. Drive two 2 1/2-inch screws into the 4-foot sides through each end to attach to the frame.

Assemble

• Place the table top on top of the frame. To secure, drive the 1 1/2-inch screws into the table top. Place screws all the way around the edge through the frame, leaving 6 inches between screws. Turn the finished piece over onto the top of the plywood. Attach the legs. Set one 4-by-4 piece on end up against each of the inside corners. Carefully drive two of the 1 1/2-inch screws into the table frame to secure them in place. Place two screws on each side of the frame where the legs touch. Place the table standing upright on the legs. Steady the table and drive one 1 1/2-inch screw into each corner on the table top through each leg to stabilize and provide additional support.