For all of you out there who like to do things yourself, here is a way to build a table without any help. You can use it for your deck or even your dining room. Tables are used in so many facets of our lives and can be placed pretty much anywhere. 

Here we’ll teach you how to build a wood table that can survive out in the weather or your home.

How to Build A Table From Wood

The process is pretty simple, but it does take a bit of know-how when it comes to the tools that you’ll be using. Make sure you use protective equipment whenever you use power tools.

You don’t want to come out of this project with one less finger. That would be less than ideal. First, we’ll describe what you need to accomplish the task, where you’ll be working, and how to build it.

What you’ll need

First off, you need a good set of power tools. You’ll need a drill that can hold both drill bits and screw bits. These are your standard drill and can be found at almost any tool outlet store. You’ll also need a hand lathe and a sander. These tools are for the surface of the table.

You’ll also want a hand saw or circular saw. You can get by with just a hand saw because of the small number of cuts you’ll need. After you have all of your tools, you’ll want to pick up a box of 2.5-inch screws to put it all together.

If you choose to put your table outside, then you’ll need weather-resistant wood, sealer, and stain. If you’re setting your table inside, then you can pick up standard wood and some stain.

A good workplace

The best way to set up your workplace is to grab a tarp and set it in a spacious area. This place could be your garage, deck, or just someplace outside.

This place can be just about anywhere as long as your location is clean and can have power to it. Set yourself up with the right amount of shade if you’re working outside.

The Steps to Build Your Table

There are a few steps to put your table together, but it is not as challenging as you could imagine. First, you want all of your puzzle pieces ready before you start making the cuts.

Then after it’s all ready, you can put the table together. Once that is done, all that must be done is finish work to make it look as beautiful as you imagine.

Prep the material

First, you want to prep your material. Make sure there are no tags still stapled to your wood. Use your sander to remove any splinters from the edges of the wood. Lay out your wood and make a small drawing of what you want your table to look like when it is done.

The design that we will be working with today is a side by side table top made with 2 x 4 boards. You will need three cuts for every foot that your tabletop will have.

Make your cuts

Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to make your cuts. Use your tape measure and mark where you need to cut with a checkmark. Do this on the other side of the board and use a straight edge to mark your line.

Set the board on a surface that keeps it at least three inches off of the ground then use your saw to cut. Follow this process with all of the boards and sand off the cut edges.

For your legs, you want to make sure that the four cuts are the same (one for each leg.) If they are not, then your table will wobble.

Put it together

Now all you have to do is put the table together. Start by standing your legs up and attaching a cross beam to them with the screws. Remember to always pilot hole drill where you’re going to screw before you put the screws in.

The cross beams will be attached to the legs on the short sides of your table. Do this for both sides, and you will have the legs of the table ready.

With the two sides standing, then start attaching tabletop boards. These will connect to the cross beams longways, making the table whole.

With this done, it will put the whole puzzle together. With the tabletop screwed in, you’ll then want to smooth it out. First, use a hand lathe to smooth out the edges. This process will take a while to do, so take your time and pay attention to detail.

Once your table is pretty close to flat, use the sander to smooth the whole thing out. Hit every corner and surface to make sure the table has no splinters. With your table now smooth, start applying the wood stain.

This process may take a few coats, depending on how dark you want to make your table. After the table is sufficiently stained, you will have to use the sealer to ensure the table is perfect for outside.

These sealers are generally glossy and will make your table look professionally done.

That’s Your New Table!

That’s how to make a wood table! It’s a pretty simple design but works for many occasions. This table will last through many years of wear and tear and will support whatever need you have for it.

Did we help you learn how to build a table out of wood? Let us know in the comments below!