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How to make a D.I.Y. wooden dining table
Overview
Using reclaimed timber to make a dining table ensures you have a unique piece of furniture and a conversation starter at home. This six-seat dining table has a rustic charm and style that you'll love. With some reclaimed timber, a few simple tools and some materials, you'll be surprised how easy it is to make.
Tools and materials
Tools
Steps
Pre-cut your timber to size
To make this project easier, you can get your table legs pre-cut to size at your local Bunnings.
Cut the 90mm x 45mm hardwood pine to the following lengths:
• 800mm x 2
• 710mm x 2
• 655mm x 4
Cut the 90mm x 45mm hardwood pine to the following lengths:
• 800mm x 2
• 710mm x 2
• 655mm x 4
Cut the reclaimed timber to square
When using reclaimed timber, you may need to remove any screws, nails and other fixings and hardware first. Then use a table saw to clean up the edges so they're straight.
Glue and clamp the timber
Lay the timber on sash clamps, which will give you the width of your table. Apply wood glue along the edges of the timber and tighten the clamps to bind them. You need to leave the glue to dry and cure thoroughly. Once the glue is dry, remove the clamps and chisel off any excess glue.
Cut the table ends square
Measure and mark the tabletop to the length you want. Then square the ends using the circular saw. For an even cut, use a straight edge clamp to help with this.
Sand the tabletop
Smooth out the tabletop with a belt sander, starting with 36 grit sandpaper on the surface and edges of the table.
Wax the table
For a great finish, use a rag to apply wax to the tabletop. This will protect the surface and enhance the colour of the timber. The timber will soak up the wax, so put on as many coats as necessary for your desired finish.
Sand the legs
If you had the timber for your legs pre-cut to size, all you need to do is use the belt sander and 120 grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges and markings on the timber.
Make the legs
Layout the timber in a rectangular shape, so there's an 800mm piece at the top, butt join a 655mm length of timber on each side, and then a 710mm length of timber at the bottom. Clamp the timber together. Drill a 5mm pilot hole and countersink. Then glue and screw into place with the 100mm bugle screws. Screw from the top of the 800mm into the 655mm lengths. Screw from the side of the 655mm lengths into the 710mm. Leave the glue to dry.
Sand the legs
To give the legs a great finish, again use the belt sander with 80 grit to remove any pencil marks you've made. Then use the orbital sander to remove the sharp edges on the legs for safety.
Stain the legs
Once the legs are assembled, give them a stain to enhance the natural grain of the timber. Use a rag to apply the stain but make sure you don't apply it too thickly. When using stain always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator mask.
Mark the position of the legs
Measure and mark for the 100mm cup head bolts that will go in the tabletop. Make sure they are positioned so that the bolts aren't near the tabletop joins or the screws near the ends.
Pre-drill for the legs
On the underside of the tabletop, pre-drill a 5mm pilot hole through the legs and into the table where your legs will go. Then finish pre-drilling the holes through the table. Flip the table over and use the 22mm spade bit to make an 8mm deep countersink hole for the cup head bolts. Lastly drill a larger 10mm clearance hole through the table and the legs to accommodate the bolts you'll be using.
Insert the bolts
Flip the table, so that the top is facing onto your workbench. Sit the tabletop on some timber offcuts and slide the bolts through from the top.
Secure the legs
Slide the legs onto the bolts and secure with nuts. Tighten these with a ratchet and socket.
Job done
Your recycled dining table is finished and it looks great. Put it in position in your dining room and you'll enjoy it for years to come.
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.