How to Build a Small Table

Small tables may be made from a variety of hardwoods, but if your table will sit outside, you should use wood that repels moisture and is not attractive to insects. Cedar, teak and redwood fit this category along with the added bonus of being naturally beautiful. It's a simple process to build a small table, especially if you have your wood cut for you at your local lumber store. The instructions listed are for a small slatted redwood table that is 19 inches long, 19 inches wide and 22 inches high. You can adjust the sizes to fit your space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place the three 6-inch-wide redwood planks side by side with a 1/2-inch separation between the planks. This will allow water to run off of your table if it sits outside. If you select cedar, teak or treated plywood to make your small table, keep the wood type consistent for all of the components because different types of woods age at varying rates.

2

Place the two 2-inch-by-2-inch redwood strips perpendicular across the width of the three planks. Put one strip 5 inches from the end of either side. These strips will join your table top together as well as provide support.

3

Make a mark in the center of each redwood strip as it crosses each of the three planks. Measure 3 1/4 inches from the tip end of the countersinking drill bit and mark it with tape. This will alert you when the holes are deep enough. Drill pilot holes over the marks with the countersinking bit before you attach the strips with decking screws. The screws will go in easier and the heads will rest beneath the redwood strip. The pilot holes should be drilled through the wood strip and into each one of the redwood planks. Insert a 3-inch decking screw into each of the three pilot holes on each redwood strip.

4

Attach one L bracket to the top of each one of the 4-inch-by-4-inch redwood strips with a 1-inch decking screw. Drilling pilot holes with a regular drill bit will make attaching the brackets easier. Attach the posts to the underside of your small table top, one in each corner.

5

Sand the small table with medium-grade sandpaper. Remove the debris. Sand the table again with light-grade sandpaper. Medium-grade sandpaper removes splinters and roughness, but it leaves scratches. Light-grade paper removes most of the scratches. Clean away the sanding debris, and apply a coat of exterior polyurethane for added protection.