Minimalist Modern Dining Table
I spent about $250 building this beautiful designer table! It is solid wood, super sturdy and the perfect size to comfortably seat 6. I'm sharing in this post with step by step instructions, shopping and cut list and video tutorial.
Specifications
| Project type | Dining Table Plans |
|---|---|
| Room | dining room |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Estimated cost | $150 - $200 |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- 8 - 1x6 boards, 10 feet long
- 2 - 1x8 boards, 10 feet long
- 5 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
- 125 - 1-1/4" pocket hole screws
- 1-1/4" brad nails
- wood glue
I used kiln dried spruce for all of my boards. You can use pine whitewood boards, make sure they are kiln dried.
IMPORTANT: Bring your boards into a dry, humidity controlled environment for a few days before beginning to build.
Cut List
- 8 - 1x6 @ 77" long - tabletop boards
- 8 - 1x6 @ 29-1/4" long - legs
- 8 - 1x8 @ 29-1/2" long - legs
- 2 - 1x3 @ 76" long - longest point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degree bevel, ends NOT parallel - apron sides
- 2 - 1x3 @ ABOUT 43-1/2" long - Measure and cut to fit - longest point measurement, both ends cut at 45 degree bevel, ends NOT parallel - apron ends - this length will change if tabletop boards are ripped down
- 2 - 1x3 @ 74-1/2" long - inner supports
- 4 - 1x3 @ 14" - leg supports
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- kreg-jig
- drill
- circular saw
- compound miter saw
- nailer
- sander
Step-by-step Instructions
Tabletop Building
Start by drilling 3/4" pocket holes in 7 of the 8 tabletop boards, spaced along one long edge about 8-10 apart, drilling pocket holes on the less favorable side of the wood. Attach together with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws, using a flat surface and clamp to make sure the tabletop boards are joined perfectly. Keep boards flush to one end, leave discrepancies on cut lengths all on the other end. ALTERNATIVE METHOD: If you don't have a clamp table, you can build upright like I did in this video. CUT THE END WITH DISCREPANCIES: Once the tabletop has been built, measure 76" from the straight end and cut the tabletop end down to 76". This is done in the video.
Aprons
The aprons are made out of 1x3s, with the ends mitered to 45 degrees. Start with the long side aprons first, cut to match the tabletop length at longest point, beveled in at 45 degrees. Attach with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Then measure the shorter aprons and cut. Fit first. Then attach with pocket holes. NOTE: You can attach the corners together with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails. I opted to not attach 1x3s together at corners, in case my tabletop boards expanded or contracted.
Legs
Build the legs with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue. Alternative method - if you don't want any nail holes on the outsides of the legs, first attach the 1x6s to on of the 1x8s using 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws on the insides. Then attach the remaining 1x8 with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue. When you assemble the table, leave the side with the nail holes to the inside of the table. TIP: At this point, I decided to finish the entire tabletop and all the legs.
Measure and cut the 1x3 leg support piece so it is 6" wider than the 1x8 width of your legs.
Choose the most favorable 1x8 side of the leg. Attach the 1x3 flush to the bottom, 3" overhang on each side, to the bottom of the leg, using glue and 1-1/4" screws (can use pocket hole screws)
Leg Supports and Assembly
Position the legs inside the table. You can attach now if you are ready for final assembly. Position the long leg support pieces inside the table, flush to the legs, and attach with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws to the underside of the tabletop and to the end aprons. On final assembly, attach the legs to the inside support as well.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/minimalist-modern-dining-table