First thing I do is make a box. Front and back are 36-inches. The left and right sides are 17-inches.
To build a table with a square frame, I make sure the sides are perpendicular to the front and back before installing the legs. It’s not super critical but it helps. Using a diagonal brace to hold the boards in place while you build (you can’t see the brace in this photo) helps a lot.
The legs are pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine round poles (6-inch diameter). My lumber yard stocks them so they’re easy to get and the look is cool. With the table frame squared up, I install the legs using 5/16 x 5-inch Spax PowerLags.
Assembly tip: I hold the legs in place by first sinking two 3-inch deck screws on each corner. Then I remove one screw and replace it with the larger structural screw. The smaller screws sink into the wood without moving it and leave me with a nice pilot hole for the larger screw. And they hold the leg in place while the larger screw is set.
The top is made from 2×6 cut 23-inches long. I used 3-inch deck screws to secure them to the frame. I like to build a table with even ‘reveals’. That means the tops over-hangs the frame evenly on each side, 1 1/2-inch on the front and back. A 2-inche overhang on the sides lets seven boards fit nicely.
Tip: This is framing grade lumber and sometimes the sawmills’ blades get dull and leave us with some ends a little too rough to build a table with. No big deal. For a project like this, I usually cut the ends nice and square on the miter saw before assembly.
Tip: To get the ends of the table top super-even, borrow a tip from this project: Run the top pieces a little long, then—like a deck—mark the reveal on each end. Draw a line and cut all the pieces at once with a circular saw.
Tangled up hoses can be frustrating and time sucks. So here's how to quickly uncoil…
Here's what really happens at an Extreme Makeover Home Edition project from my view as…
Need the best table saw for a mobile jobsite or DIYer? Look no further. Here's…
Selecting the right kitchen materials and appliances is essential so that your kitchen performs well…
Envisioning your goals for your kitchen remodel is a priority before you even consider getting…
We want you to be ready to take on your kitchen remodeling project confidently. Check…