Plan for Building a Table

Table Size

• Measure the space for the table and determine the size of table you would like to create. Keep in mind that chairs will likely be placed around the table, so there must be enough room around it to get in and out of the chairs, and not to crowd the people sitting at the table.

Table Height

• Determine a height for a table. Keep the chairs you plan to put around the table in mind when determining the height. Sit in a chair and decide where you would like a table to hit. Perhaps you already have a table you have used. This is a good point to base your table height.

Table Style

• Table styles vary greatly. Consider the décor of the room you plan to make the table for when deciding on the style of the table. The style also will affect the type of legs you would like for the table. Some tables are simple tops attached to existing legs, while other tables have all the components created from scratch. When selecting legs, think about how sturdy the legs will need to be to safely hold the top. The style of your table should influence the materials used to build the table.

Materials

• Select a material for your table. The material you choose for the table will greatly change the way you create the plans for your table and the amount of work involved in building it. A table made from a material like MDF board is much simpler than a table made from wood planks. Keep in mind, the two materials result in an entirely different look.