Making A Dining Room Table

Making a dining room table is a great project for the home woodworker. It's a relatively simple project that can be completed in a weekend, and it's a great way to get started in woodworking. Plus, a handmade dining room table is a beautiful and unique piece of furniture that will be cherished for years to come.

Materials

To make a dining room table, you will need the following materials:

1 sheet of 3/4-inch plywood (4 feet by 8 feet)
4 legs (3 inches square by 30 inches long)
1 apron (12 inches wide by 72 inches long)
1 stretcher (6 inches wide by 48 inches long)
Wood glue
Screws
Finish (optional)

Tools

You will also need the following tools:

Circular saw
Drill
Screwdriver
Clamps
Sandpaper

Instructions

To make the dining room table, follow these instructions:

Cut the plywood to size. Cut a 4-foot by 6-foot rectangle for the tabletop and cut four 3-inch squares for the legs.
Attach the legs to the tabletop. Apply wood glue to the bottom of the legs and then screw them into the tabletop. Make sure the legs are evenly spaced and that they are perpendicular to the tabletop.
Attach the apron to the legs. Apply wood glue to the inside edge of the apron and then screw it into the legs. Make sure the apron is flush with the bottom of the legs.
Attach the stretcher to the legs. Apply wood glue to the inside edges of the stretcher and then screw it into the legs. Make sure the stretcher is centered on the legs and that it is parallel to the apron.
Sand the table. Sand the entire table with sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges and to give it a finished look.
Finish the table (optional). If you want to protect the table from scratches and wear, you can apply a finish to it. There are a variety of finishes available, so choose one that is appropriate for the type of wood you used.

Tips

Here are a few tips for making a dining room table:

Use good quality wood. The type of wood you use will affect the look, feel, and durability of the table. Choose a wood that is suitable for furniture making and that is within your budget.
Measure carefully. It is important to measure carefully before cutting any of the pieces for the table. This will help to ensure that the table is the correct size and that all of the pieces fit together properly.
Use a level. When attaching the legs, apron, and stretcher to the tabletop, use a level to make sure that they are all level. This will help to prevent the table from wobbling.
Be patient. Making a dining room table takes time and patience. Don't rush through the process, and take your time to do it right.