How to Make Cork Tables

Decide on the size and shape of your cork table. You will want to display the corks' decorative markings, so a square or rectangular table will likely be the best shape to work with.

Cut the base of your table from the plywood. Sand all the cut lines and stain the base with wood stain of your liking. Allow the stain to dry per the instructions on the can.

Prepare the corks that you will be using to create you table. Cut the corks in half lengthwise; this will serve two purposes. First, by cutting the corks you will have a completely flat side which will make securing the corks to the tabletop easier; second, you double the number of corks you have to attach to your table.

Place one cork half in the top left corner of the table. Use this cork to determine the depth each row will have to be. To keep each row of cork straight you can use a plumb line or simply draw a line using a ruler and a piece of chalk. Once the first row is in place the subsequent rows will easily butt up against the first row to retain a straight line.

Apply a bead of hot glue to the first cork. Position it and hold it in place in the top left corner of the table. Repeat this step until the entire row is complete

Create a “zig-zag” appearance on your table, if you like, by starting the next row using a cork that you cut again in half, so that the width of the cork that starts the second row is half that of the cork that started the first row. Apply a bead of glue to this smaller cork, position it and hold it in place. Repeat the process using the full sized corks; when you reach the end of the row, glue the other half of the same cork that started the row to complete it.

Repeat the last two steps until the entire surface of the cork table top is complete. Allow the glue to dry overnight. Attach the legs to the table and your decorative cork table is ready to be used.