The ENTIRE Dining Table including the legs were created using a single sheet of Plywood. The legs are NOT metal but painted black to create a industrial metal look. To top it off this table only requires TWO power tools to build (Power Drill & Circular Saw)! My friends over at Ryobi provided the tools for me to complete this project.
Modern Plywood Dining Table DIY
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Supplies
- Kreg Screws 2.5 Inch
- Kreg Screws 1.25 Inch
- Wood Screws 1.25 Inch
- Furniture Felt Pads
- Wood Glue
- Sand Paper
- Black Paint & Primer Mix
- Polyurethane
- Safety Glasses
- Ear / Sound Protection
- Disposable Gloves for Painting and Staining
- 1 Sheet of Plywood 4 x 8 ‘ 3/4 Inch Thickness’
- Optional: Birch Edge Tape
Tools
- Power Drill
- Circular Saw
- Orbital Sander or Hand Sanding Block
- Tape Measure / Ruler
- General Clamps
- Kreg Jig
Estimated Cost: $60 – $70
Instructions
Step 1: Cutting down the 4′ x 8′ Sheet of Plywood
I personally used 3/4 ” Birch Plywood from a local lumber store. It was $49.99 to purchase. This is the only building material you will need to complete this table.
Start by cutting your long 96″ strips out first (see diagram below). The order of cuts will be numbered. I used a circular saw and a jig I made to cut straight lines easier. If you have a steady hand and are skilled enough you can follow the laser guide. Creating a straight cut jig is super easy and I would definitely recommend it.
If you have a table saw, miter saw, and orbital sander this project will be easier, but you can get away with just a Circular Saw and Power Drill.
Cut List:
- 1.5″ x 72″ (2) –> Border Frame
- 1.5″ x 36″ (2) –> Border Frame
- 1.5″ x 19″ (2) –> Support Slats
- 2.5″ x 28.5″ (8) — > Table Legs
- 2.5″ x 21″ (4) –> Table Legs
- 2.5″ x 33″ (2) –> Table Leg Tops / Support
- 2.5″ x 46″ (2) –> Table Support
- 2.5″ x 4.5″ (4) –> Support Slats
- 2.5″ x 9″ (4) — > Support Slats
- 36″ x 72″ (1) –> Table Top
Step 2: Sand down edges
After making all your cuts. Some edges will be pretty sharp and have some splintering. Use 120 grit or higher sand paper to smooth out all the corners and edges. I used a sanding block to smooth everything out. If you have an orbital sander it would be easier.
Step 3: Build Frame around Underside of the Table Top
- 1.5″ x 72″ (2)
- 1.5″ x 33″ (2) OR 1.5″ x 36 ” (2) for Mitered corners
Optional: Cut corners at 45 degrees to create a mitered corners (This step is not necessary, especially if you plan to use Edge Tape.
Use wood glue and clamps to hold border framing down. Use 1.25 Inch Wood Screws at ~12 inch intervals.
Step 4: Building Table Legs
- 2.5″ x 28.5″ (8) -> Glue 2 pieces together to create thicker profile table legs, this will make the legs 1.5″ thick instead of 0.75″ thickness.
- Attach the 2.5″ x 33″ strip to secure the table legs in place using 2.5″ wood Screws (see in the diagram above). The Table legs sit in 4.5″ on both sides.
- Once assembled as the diagram above, use 1.25 inch wood screws to secure the leg onto the bottom side of the table top. The Table leg will sit 10.5″ from the edge of the table.
- ***I have not built the table legs as above but I believe it would be stronger and sturdier than the method I used in the video.
- Side Wobble UPDATE: I added some leg supports and the side wobble is completely resolved. I used scrap plywood and cut out triangles about ~2.5-3″ length. See below:
- 2.5″ x 21″ (4) -> Glue 2 pieces together to create a thickness of 1.5″
- Take these pieces and use the Kreg Jig to make 1.5″ Pocket Holes (2 on each end)
- Now take the 21″ piece and join them to the 28.5″ pieces using wood glue and 2.5″ kreg screws. Make sure to keep the pocket holes facing the ground. This way it will be hidden when the legs are on the ground.
- Sand all the sharp edges down
- Optional: Fill in the pocket holes with wood filler or kreg wood filler pieces.
- Repeat the steps again to make 2 table legs.
Step 5: Painting Table Legs
Take wood glue and fill in all the plywood edges and let it dry. This will close off all the wood pores before painting. I chose black paint and primer mix to create industrial look to the dining table. Most people will not even know that these are table legs are made from plywood!
All you have to do hear is hand paint your table legs, use spray paint, or a paint sprayer.
Step 6: Attaching Table Legs to Table Top
This part you will want to cut pieces out to fit. These will just be estimated cuts:
- 2.5″ x 4.5″ (4)
- 2.5″ x 9″ (4)
- 2.5″ x 46″ (2)
- 1.5″ x 19″ (2)
Attach all the support pieces to the bottom of the table as seen in the diagram above. Pre-drill holes, counter sink, use wood glue, and use 1.25 Inch Wood Screws.
Step 7: Sanding and Finishing Table Top
The table is almost done. Sand down the table top and make sure there is no sharp edges or splintering. I used Natural Danish Oil to finish the top.
Optional: Iron on Birch Edge Tape to the table top. This will hide the plywood layers. Some people like the plywood layer look some do not. This will add additional cost to the overall project.
Optional: Finish with Polyurethane for extra protection. Danish oil already has some polyurethane component mixed in that helps protect the finish.
I am a self taught do it yourself project / woodworker. I want to demonstrate that DIY project can be doable and simple. I hope to inspire others to try to build and create new things! Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and this blog for more DIY projects! Thank you.
| Disclaimer: I was given a Circular Saw & Drill from Ryobi Power Tools to complete this project. I did not purchase the Ryobi circular saw & drill used in this video.
Visit: RYOBI Nation at https://www.ryobitools.com/nation |
Use all power tools with caution. Do not copy what you see in the video / instructions without proper safety precautions.
