Multiuse Table

This project can play many roles in your outdoor and indoor entertaining activities.

 

Multiuse Table
General Instructions

Cut all parts as you assemble the project, using the Cut List as a guide and adjusting as needed for fit. Attach all parts with glue and 6d finishing nails unless otherwise specified.

Step-by-Step
  1. Build the skirt assemblies. Note that you will construct two assemblies from the two halves of the table. Refer to Figure 1 for placement.
    • Cut the side skirts, end skirts and center braces, and label the pieces for reference.
    • Following the positioning and measurements shown in the side skirt layout in Figure 1, drill holes in the side skirts for the locking pins and leg assembly attachment.
    • Attach one end skirt to the end faces of a pair of side skirts; repeat for the other half of the table.
    • Attach two center braces to the opposite end faces of the side skirts; repeat.
    • Check both assemblies for square by measuring diagonally, and attach temporary braces to maintain the square angles.
    • Clamp and glue the center spacer to the outside bottom edge of one of the center braces.
  2. Build the legs, and install the stiffeners.
    • Attach two upper legs flush together, and then drill a 3/8-inch hole and a 1/4-inch hole through both pieces as shown; finish cutting per the upper leg detail. Repeat for the remaining upper legs.
    • Clamp the upper legs to a work surface. Using a router with a 1/4-inch straight bit, rout a 1/4-inch slot into each (see the upper leg detail in Figure 2 in the PDF download).
    • Clamp the lower legs to a work surface. Using a router with a 1/4-inch straight bit, rout a 1/4-inch slot into each (see the lower leg detail in Figure 2 in the PDF download). Also drill a 1/4-inch hole and cut a notch in each, as shown in the detail.
    • Sand, and finish as desired prior to assembling the leg pieces.
    • Apply self-adhesive sandpaper to the inside face of each upper leg assembly (see Figure 2, PDF, upper leg detail). Note: The sandpaper will help grip the lower leg in any position (especially when extended).
    • Attach lower legs to upper legs using hex bolts, fender washers, and bar knobs as shown in Figure 2 (PDF).
    • Attach upper legs to side skirts using hex bolts, flat washers, flat nylon washers, and crown hex nuts as shown in Figure 2 (PDF).
    • Clamp a framing square onto a leg assembly to hold it square with its side skirt. Then, using the 1/4-inch hole in the side skirt as a guide, drill a 1/4-inch hole through the upper leg for the locking pin. Repeat with remaining leg assemblies.
    • Temporarily thread a brass wing nut onto the locking pin to secure the legs in the folded-down position. Note: The locking bolt will secure the leg assembly when the table is closed for storage.
    • Use a 1/16-inch nylon washer as a spacer between the outer faces of a pair of upper legs and the inner face of the first stiffener, with the stiffener resting on the shoulder of the legs (see Figure 3 in the PDF download).
    • Attach the stiffener to the side skirts.
    • Attach a second stiffener to each side skirt and the face of the first stiffener so that the bottom edges of the stiffeners are flush.
    • Repeat Steps 2j-2l for the second leg assembly.
    • Attach the leg spacers to the lower legs at the locations shown in the lower leg detail in Figure 2 in the PDF download.
  3. Complete the top assembly, and add hardware. Note: See Figure 3 in the PDF download for placement.
    • Cut the top panels per the Cut List.
    • Scribe the long and short nosings, and miter cut to fit. Attach the nosings per Figure 3 in the PDF download.
    • Attach the top panels to the skirt/leg assembly, centering from side to side and aligning the edge of the top panel with the edge of the center braces.
    • Attach the two halves of the table using a piano hinge (refer to Figure 3 in the PDF, piano hinge/sash lock detail).
    • Attach the three sash locks under the tabletop, spacing them equidistant from each other. Be sure to place them proportionally for maximum stability. The sash locks will secure the tabletop in its extended position.
  4. Apply a finish.
    • Fill all nail holes, sand and finish as desired. See the photographs on page 6 if you plan to stain your project. For our painted version of the table, we used Valspar, formerly known as American Tradition, Homecoming Blue #4009-9, semi-gloss).
Cut List
Part Material Size (in inches) Quantity
side skirts (10-foot-long) 1 x 4 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 29 11/16 4
end skirts (8-foot-long) 1 x 4 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 22 1/4 2
center braces (8-foot-long) 1 x 4 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 22 1/4 4
center spacer 1 x 2 3/16 x 3/4 x 22 1/4 1
stiffeners 1 x 2 3/4 x 11/2 x 20 1/2 4
upper legs (8-foot-long) 1 x 4 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 15 3/4 8
lower legs (8-foot-long) 1 x 4 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 15 3/4 4
leg spacers 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 16 1/4 4
top panels (3/4-inch) plywood 3/4 x 28 1/2 x 34 7/16 2
long nosing (8-foot-long) 1 x 4 3/4 x 3/4 x 35 15/16 4
short nosing (8-foot-long) 1 x 4 3/4 x 3/4 x 30 4

Finished Dimensions

Height: 18-30 inches
Depth: 72 inches
Width: 30 inches

*Approximate length, long point to long point. Miter both ends to fit.

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Project Details
Tools
  • Table Saw (or circular saw with a straightedge guide)
  • Miter Saw (or miter box and handsaw)
  • Router with 1/4-inch straight bit
  • Band Saw (or jigsaw)
  • Drill/Driver and Bits
  • Power Sander and various grits of Sandpaper
  • Framing Square
  • Clamps
  • Tape Measure
  • Pencil
Lumber *
  • 1 (6-foot-long) 1 x 2, poplar
  • 2 (8-foot-long) 1 x 2s, poplar
  • 4 (2-foot-long) 1/2 x 3s, poplar
  • 4 (8-foot-long) 1 x 4s, poplar
  • 1 (10-foot-long) 1 x 4, poplar
  • 1 (48- x 96-inch) sheet of 3/4-inch-thick birch plywood
Hardware and Supplies
  • 4 (3/8 x 3) hex bolts
  • 16 (1 x 1 3/32 x 1/16) flat nylon washers
  • 4 (3/8-inch) flat washers
  • 4 (3/8-inch) crown hex nuts
  • 8 (1/4 x 3) hex bolts
  • 4 (1/4 x 3 1/2) hex bolts
  • 1 package (1/4-inch) fender washers
  • 8 (1/4 x 20) bar knobs
  • 4 packages (1/4 x 20) brass wing nuts
  • 1 (1 1/2- x 30-inch) piano hinge
  • 1 box 6d bright finishing nails
  • 1 (6-ounce) tube stainable wood filler
  • wood glue
  • 3 sash locks
  • 1 (10-yard) roll self-adhesive sandpaper
  • 1 quart stain or paint

*Availability varies by market.

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