How to Use SketchUp: A Table Tutorial

Google Sketchup is a powerful and easy-to-use 3D modeling application. It comes in two versions: freeware and SketchUp Pro. The freeware version is more than sufficient for creating basic 3D models. SketchUp can be used to make 3D houses, buildings and cars, but it can also be used for smaller projects like a basic coffee table. While you can get a table for a scene you have created in SketchUp by accessing the free Google 3D Warehouse, if you want something that is not available via Warehouse, you will need to create your own.

Instructions

1

Open SketchUp. Select the human figure on the ground plane and delete it.

2

Select the "Circle" tool from the tool palette. Use it to draw a circle on the ground plane. Select the "Scale" tool and use it to make the circle elongated, like a coffee table.

3

Select the "Push/Pull" tool from the tool palette and click on the top of the elongated circle. Use the tool to thicken the surface of your table top.

4

Use the middle mouse button to rotate the view so that you are looking directly down at the bottom of the table. Select the "Line" tool and use it to draw four vertical and four horizontal lines on the bottom of the table. This will define where the legs will be. Use the axis line guides to make sure you are getting the lines straight.

5

Select the "Push/Pull" tool and click on one of the squares you created when you drew your lines. Extend it to the height you want for the legs. Repeat this for the other three legs.

6

Click on the "Paint Bucket" button. From the categories, choose "Wood" and select a texture you want to use. Click on the surfaces of the model to apply this texture. Save your work.