How to Make a Simple Folding Table

Simple Folding Table

Folding Table are versatile and practical pieces of furniture that can be easily folded and stored when not in use. Folding table allows you to quickly adapt your space to different needs and occasions. Whether you are hosting a party, working on any project or need a temporary workspace, folding table can be a valuable solution.

Creating a simple folding table can be a practical and space-saving DIY Project. Here is a basic guide to make a small fold-able table using commonly available materials and tools.

Materials Required - 

Plywood - (L*W*T) - 20"*15"*18mm = 1 Pc

Pinewood square bars - (L*W*T) - 12*1"*1" = 4 Pcs

Pinewood square bars - (L*W*T) - 9"*1"*1" = 2 Pcs

Pinewood blocks - (L*W*T) - 3"*3"*1" = 2 Pcs

Pinewood block - (L*W*T) - 6"*3"*1" = 1 Pc

Laminate Sheet (Optional) - (L*W*T) - 2'*1.5*18mm = 1 Pc

Edge Bend Tape (Optional) - https://amzn.to/3MrDPAZ

Screws 1" & 2" - https://amzn.to/40is8SA

Wood Glue - https://amzn.to/48ZhxQA

Nuts, Bolts & Wahsers - https://amzn.to/47fHMRi

Sand Paper - https://amzn.to/40aiFNf

Stain (Optional) - https://amzn.to/3Fps2Pw

Boiled Linseed Oil (Optional) - https://amzn.to/3SkQQQm

Tools / Machine Required - 

Drill / Driver Machine - https://amzn.to/3RCjlZL

Wood Cutter machine - https://amzn.to/46pgszB

Table Saw (Optional) - https://amzn.to/3LzPCwp

 

Twist drill bits - https://amzn.to/3tHKksJ

Countersink bits - https://amzn.to/471yKHk

Bit Holder - https://amzn.to/3MdliIg

Try Square -  https://amzn.to/3QuP25Y

Measuring Tape - https://amzn.to/46AjtO5

Hand Saw - https://amzn.to/3ZNiNlJ

Files - https://amzn.to/3LTBaQ2

Screwdriver - https://amzn.to/3F8SRYk

Plier - https://amzn.to/46ocTdo

Spanner - https://amzn.to/45lKD9Y

Vice - https://amzn.to/3LRdw6Y

 

 Let's Make it - 

Determine the size of the tabletop you want and mark it on the plywood and it in size on table saw (optional) or by using wood cutter machine. 

In my case I cut plywood for table top size (L*W*T) - 2'*1.5*18mm = 1 Pc. Stick laminate sheet on the surface of table top of the same size.

Cut Pinewood lumber to make legs of the table and other supporting arm for legs. Lumber should be 1" thick because we need Pinewood square bars - (L*W*T) - 2'*1"*1" = 4 Pcs

Cut 4 pieces of legs from 2' long lumber piece on table saw. You can also use wood cutter machine (Circular Saw) or hand saw.

Plane the sharp edges and corners of all 4 legs using hand plane.

Measure and mark the middle of the legs and drill 8mm hole using twist drill bits. Also drill on corner of all 4 legs to attach them to the table top using Nuts and Bolts.

Cut 2 Pcs of pinewood block of size 3"*3"*1". Stick them under side of the plywood table top that we cut earlier. Use 2" wood screws to secure them properly. Stick these pine wood block 2" away from the corner. Before attaching them onto the table top, drill hole in the middle of the block. To drilling the holes in the middle carefully measure and mark the center of the block using ruler and pencil. Use 8mm twist drill bit to drill hole.

Use 3" long Bolts with respective Nuts and washers and insert in the middle of the legs that we previously drilled. 

Also Insert those Bolts in the corner through 3"*3"*1" pinewood block that we attached underneath the table top.

Tighten bolts with nut using respective spanner. Do not tight extremely because we need table legs to open and close smoothly. We'll need Pinewood square bars - (L*W*T) - 12"*1"*1" = 2 Pcs. Stick 1 pinewood bar at the top and between 2 inner legs using wood glue and 3" screws, and stick 2nd bar at 3" near the down of the inner legs. See the picture below.

Stick a Pinewood block - (L*W*T) - 6"*3"*1" = 1 Pc at the opposite corner in beneath of table top to stop inner legs to open all the way long. 

Now put the table on its legs on flat surface and mark straight line on each legs by putting 18 mm plywood on flat surface alongside the each legs. This is for the legs, so that we can cut table legs at the level of flat surface and table can be stable on a flat surface.

It is time to finish you folding wooden table. You can use any stain, edge bending tape at the corner or you can put boiled linseed oil finish varnish or paint, whatever suits you.

Now your fold-able wooden table is ready to use. You can use it to put thing on it whenever you need and put it under the bed when you think you don't need it.

To better understanding of this woodworking project please watch the YouTube video. For more interesting video projects related to woodworking go and check out our YouTube channel.