Extra-long Simple, Cheap and Easy Console Table support?

Submitted by maman on Thu, 10/28/2010 - 03:07

I have changed the dimensions on my console table to 27" high, 12" deep, and 80" long.  Do I need extra support in the middle of this table for the added length?  How would I accomplish this?  

I would like to change the solid top piece to three 1x4s laid side-by-side, with the breadboard ends.

I'm having to screw the majority of this table, since the nailing wasn't going well at all.  So, it's taking longer, but I guess it will be very sturdy!

Forums

Tsu Dho Nimh

Fri, 10/29/2010 - 14:34

I suggest you make a couple of easy projects first, like the $10 ledges or the crate boxes. That gets you familiar with squaring things, measuring, screwing, drilling, and nailing.

Then do the extremely visible table. It's simple, but that means there is no way to hide any goofs.

 

To reinforce the side supports, the easiest way is to cut two of them and glue and screw them together. Treat it like one piece of wood. This means you will have shorter end supports.

You may need to double the stretcher too, if the plan has one.

maman

Sat, 10/30/2010 - 19:29

table is almost built, but still need to attach top. Instead of 1x12 for the top, I planked two 1x2s, a 1x3, and two 1x4s and I think it looks beautiful. Still wondering if the 80" table top needs any additional support, since Ana's plans call for only 48".

tnslb

Sun, 10/31/2010 - 03:28

I think it just depends on what you'll be using it for.  If it's merely a decorative table for behind the couch, I can't see it needing to be hella-strong, you know?

 

When you planked the top, what did you do for the bottom layer of the top, since the original plans call for 2 tops being cut and sandwiched together?

maman

Sun, 10/31/2010 - 19:45

okay, then. No supports!

I ended up adding 1x4 breadboard ends (I think that's what Ana called it when you "cap" the end of the boards with another). I was just going to leave it as a single layer, but then I liked the look of the double layer so much that I chose to run 1x4s down each side of the table underneath the planked boards, stopping just short of each end and adding a 1x2 to cap those boards. My table will really only be visible from the ends and the top, so I was concerned with making the ends attractive.

The Arrow brad nailer I bought kicks back no matter how firmly I press down, so I ended up "Kregging" almost the entire table. So, it remains a Simple & Cheap Console Table for me, but not so Quick.

For my very first project, I was FLOORED that my measurements when I checked for square were the SAME!! I couldn't believe it, and I wanted to whoop joyfully to someone. Whoop!

Now I need to learn how to stain.

tnslb

Mon, 11/01/2010 - 08:17

I'm really interested to see it, I hope you're taking lots of pictures as you go!

 

For learning to stain, do the least-visible areas first ;)