How to build a small table

This step by step project is about how to build a small table. Building small wooden table for your backyard is easy and can be done in several hours, even by woodworking beginners. All you need to do is to follow the detailed instructions and diagrams. In addition, check if the materials are in a good visual condition before starting the actual construction project.

If you have a patio or a deck and you like to spend you time outdoor, building a simple table is a great idea, as it would add value to your property and make your life a lot easier. Therefore, we recommend you to plan every step of the project with great care and to invest in the best materials you can afford (pine, redwood, oak, cedar). Moreover, use professional tools in order to get a nice appearance.

Always align the components at both ends before inserting the screws. Plumb the legs with a spirit level before fitting the frame to their top. In addition, we recommend you to use a carpentry square when installing the slats for the tabletop, as to make sure the corners will be right-angled. Drill pilot holes through the slats before inserting the galvanized screws, in order to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a small table

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 17” long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 18 1/2” long, 2 pieces – 22 1/2″ FRAME
C – 2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 20″ long TRIMS
D – 4 piece of 1×4 – 24″, 1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 24″ TABLETOP

1 piece of 1×6 lumber – 10 ft
1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 10 ft
2 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface
Plumb the sides of the bench with a spirit level

Time

One Day

Building the legs

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the legs for the small table. As you can easily notice in the image, we recommend you to build the legs from 1×6 lumber but to add a little twist, if you want to get a unique design. Mark the cut lines and get the job done with a circular saw.

Attaching the frame of the table

After building the four legs, we recommend you to lock them together with 1×3 slats. Build a small frame and lock them to the legs with galvanized screws. Check if the corners are right-angled and plumb the legs with a spirit level before attaching the tabletop frame.

Attaching the trims

In order to enhance the look of the small table, we recommend you to attach 1×4 trims to the front and to the back faces of the small table. Attach the trims to the frame and lock them into place with finishing nails and glue. If you will place the table outside, make sure you use waterproof glue.

Attaching the tabletop

Continue the project by attaching the slats to the top of the table. As you can see in the image, using 1×4 and 1×6 slats will add character to the table. Make sure you place the slats equally spaced, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner. Work with attention and pre-drill the slats before inserting the screws into the frame.

How to build a small table

Last but not least, you should take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with putty and smooth the surface after it gets dried. Make sure you use 120-grit sandpaper and you smooth the surface along the wood grain. Round the exposed edges with a router in order to enhance the look of the small wooden table.

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