How to Build Your Own Wooden Dinette Table

Dinette tables are something we use every day whether it be for eating dinner, doing homework, or reading the newspaper over a cup of coffee, and having a well built one can ensure quality use for many years. While most people have purchased their dining tables, it is possible to build a quality piece on your own easily and quickly. Purchasing kits will also speed the process up.

Instructions

1

Decide on the shape of your table. A rectangular shape is easy to cut, but a round shape saves more space. Draw up your plans with these decisions in mind and account for place setting needs. For a round table you want about a 30 inch diameter; for a rectangular table you want between 36 and 40 inches across the width.

2

Choose a base kit based on the kind of table you have decided you want. A base kit comes with four legs and the apron boards that will be used to attach the legs to the table top. They may also come with corner braces made of either wood or metal and the necessary bolts and screws. This option may be cheaper than buying the pieces individually or making the legs yourself and it will save you some time.

3

Choose a wood to make the table top that matches the color of the base kit you have. Follow the instructions enclosed with the kit and make sure you keep the weight of the table top in mind. You don't want to go heavier than your kit pieces can handle. Use a table saw to cut out the shape of your table, following the guidelines for your base kit. Sand the edges to create a smooth finish.

4

Assemble the table pieces upside down for easy access to the legs and apron boards as well as for increased flexibility. If you purchased a kit, the legs and apron boards should be ready to go. If you made them yourself, you will have to mortise and tenon them to create stability. This means you will have to bore a hole into the legs that correspond with an insert part of the apron board so that they fit together like puzzle pieces without any screws or bolts.

5

Use an industrial strength wood glue to attach the table top to the apron boards and legs and let them dry before installing the supports. Make sure to measure your diameters and consult your plans and kit instruction to ensure a properly centered table. Using screws to attach the table top will also help ensure stability and this is an easier option if you ever plan on having to take the table apart.

6

Attach the corner braces to each leg and the corresponding sections of the table by drilling holes into the table top and legs that correspond to the brace holes. Bolt them together with screws. Make sure your screws are of the correct length for your table top so as to avoid drilling through it.

7

Bolt the braces in place by drilling an appropriately sized hole into the leg connecting the apron boards. Use the brace as your guide. Secure the brace with a long bolt and tighten down to firmly attach the pieces together. Do this for all four legs.

8

Paint and finish your table making sure to use a food safe sealant to ensure maximum protection for you and your family.