How to Extend a Pine Table

A pine table is a classic piece of country home furniture. If you have a pine table that you cannot part with, but it's too small for your needs, you may want to consider expanding the table by adding breadboard ends. Traditionally used to protect tables from warping or cupping, breadboard ends are mainly used as a decorative elements today. A breadboard end is a section of wood attached to the end of a table. The grain of the breadboard ends runs opposite the grain of the main table top.

Instructions

1

Set up a router to make a 3/8-inch deep cut. Route a one-inch wide groove on both ends of the the pine table top.

2

Route a one-inch wide groove on one side edge of each pine board. The groove on the board and the groove on the table end will fit together to form a flush surface.

3

Apply wood glue to the middle six to eight inches of the grooves that are on the ends of the table. Leave the remaining portion of each groove free of glue to allow the joint to naturally expand and contract.

4

Place each board so that the groove fits into the groove on the table to form a flush table extension.

5

Screw the boards in place on the under side of the joint, where the board and table overlap. Space the screws every three inches.

6

Wipe off any excess glue that oozes out of the joint with a damp rag.

7

Sand the pine boards with fine-grit sandpaper. Sand with the grain.

8

Position each cleat so that it is centered on the joint on the under side of the table, approximately six inches in from each side of the table. Screw the cleats to the table and board. Space the screws evenly every two inches.

9

Apply a matching wood finish to the breadboard end extensions. Allow the finish to dry prior to handling the table.