How to build a dining table

This step by step diy project is about how to build a dining table. If you want to learn how to build a wooden dining table, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in this article. There are many designs and plans to choose from when building a table, so make sure you check out the rest of our projects, as there are a lot of alternatives for your home.

If you want to get a professional result and to use the dining table for many years in a row, we recommend you to invest in high quality materials, such as pine, cedar or redwood. Check if the slats are perfectly straight before building the components for the table. Take accurate measurements and use professional power tools, if you want to build the dining table properly, from the very beginning.

Always align the components at both ends and drill pocket holes, before inserting the galvanized screws. Work with attention and use a proper pocket hole jig when drilling the holes. It is also essential to plumb the legs with a spirit level and to check if the frame is horizontal before inserting the screws. In addition, make sure the corners are right-angled by using a carpentry square. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Dining table plans

Building a dining table

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 29″ long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 66 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 33 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 30 3/4″ FRAME
C – 7 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 72″ long TABLETOP

3 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8 ft
8 piece of 1×6 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

Time

One Day

Building the legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs of the dining table. Therefore, we recommend you to mark the cut lines with a pencil and get the job done with a circular saw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper. Repeat the process for the rest of the legs.

Building the frame of the tabletop

Continue the woodworking project by making the frame of the table, out of 2×6 and 1×6 lumber. Cut the components at the right size and assemble them with screws. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the yellow components and insert the screws. In addition, we recommend you to add waterproof glue to the joints, in order to enhance the bond of the components. Check if the corners are right-angled, before inserting the screws.

Assembling the table

Attach the legs to the frame of the table, as shown in the plans. Drill holes through the legs and insert 1 1/2″ screws into the frame of the table. Plumb the legs with a spirit level and check if the frame of the table is perfectly horizontal. Add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to create a rigid structure.

Fitting the center slat

Attaching the slats to the top of the table is a straight-forward process, but you need to follow the right steps and use appropriate procedures. First of all, we recommend you to fit the 1×6 slat to the center of the frame. Drill pilot holes through the support slats and secure it into place with galvanized screws.

Fitting the tabletop

Fit the rest of the slats, making sure they are equally spaced. Leave about 1/8″ between the slats, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner. Drill pocket holes though the aprons before installing the slats, by using a pocket hole jig.

How to build a dining table

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a dining table and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends and LIKE us, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE if you want to be the first that gets our latest articles.

PRINT PLAN