How to Make a Table From Used Lumber
Putting together a table of your own design can be a very rewarding task. There is nothing like creating your own specific look and with your own hands. Recycling what would otherwise be thrown away, and giving new life to wood otherwise be discarded.
What you will need:
Used 1x6 lumber, table saw, table leg brackets, sandpaper, measuring tape, drill, wood screws, wood sealer, brush
Making a table from used lumber:
- Measure the area you want to put the table to determine the size you will need the table to be, including height and width.
- Make a sketch of the table and include your dimensions in your sketch. Being able to visualize the look of the table, the end result, will be important as you start to put things together.
- Cut the wood based on the measurements and the designs that you put together. The table saw can be used effectively to cut down the 1x6 pieces, making them 1x3 pieces. The others should be cut into the length needed for the table. This will make up the top.
- Cut the boards that are full length into pieces of varying size, depending on specific needs. This also creates variety in the table design. Keep like pieces together so they can be assembled easier when the time comes.
- Place the wood parts together to make sure that they will fit together and there are no jagged edges. Make sure everything works well when it is put together, and make any changes as necessary.
- Put together the table top. Make sure that the adjacent sections have holes, where applicable, to connect them.
- Cut braces for your table. These should be two or three of the 1x6 boards. The braces should be three inches shorter than the table's width. Attach the braces under the table.
- Cut the table's legs, using the measurements you have already put together.
- Attach the table legs to the table top, using the leg brackets. Make sure there are holes in the top of the table to match the ones in the leg brackets. Screw in the brackets.
- Sand the top of the table, making sure to remove any splinters that remain.
- Seal the table with a coat of wood sealer, using a paint brush. Allow the wood to dry.