Mission style dining table

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Difficulty

Intermediate

This mission-inspired table is sturdy and practical, and is made of standard lumber sizes.

I was looking to make a table for my kitchen - we have a very confined space and so I wanted a narrow, long table. I love the mission style and had seen a great table that was so far out of my price range! I had previously refinished a table inspired by Korrie from Red Hen Home (http://redhenhome.blogspot.com/), and I loved the look of the typographic top, so I wanted to add that feature to it, but anyone could leave that part out and still have a beautiful table.

This table is created with 4 x 4 legs, 2 x 4 bracing and 1 x 4 and 1 x 2 inch lumber. The top was created from a piece of 3/4" maple furniture grade plywood, with a 1 x 2 edging.

Although my table is fairly narrow and long, you could make your table top any size, by altering only the table top and the lower support rail.

27.5 wide x 57.5 long x 31 tall

Preparation

Shopping List

1- 4x4 10 feet long
2- 2x4 8 feet long
2- 1x4 8 feet long
4- 1x2 8 feet long
1- 3.5" wide base molding - 8' long
1- 3/4" screen molding - 8' long

Common Materials

1 1/4 inch screws

1 1/4 inch finish nails

2-1/2" Pocket Hole Screws

Elmer's Wood Glue

Elmer's Wood Filler

120 grit sandpaper

primer

paint

paint brush

Cut List

4 pieces 4x4 - 29" long
4 pieces 2 x 4 - 17" long
6 pieces 1 x 4 -16.5" long
1 piece 2x4 - 49.5" long
2 pieces 1x4 - 26" long
1 piece 3/4" plywood 26x56
2 pieces 1x2 57.5" long
2 pieces 1x2 27.5" long
2 pieces 1x2 - 56" long
2 pieces 1x2 26" long
16 pieces base molding 5.5" long
16 pieces screen molding 5.5" long
2 pieces screen molding 3" long

Cutting Instructions

1 x 2s will be cut with 45 degree miters to fit tabletop as noted in directions.

screen molding and base molding pieces will be mitered to fit as noted in directions.

Tools

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Assemble the top:Beginning with the table top: cut 45 degree ends on the 57.5 and 27.5 long 1x2s, glue and nail to frame the plywood top, flush with top. Fill holes and gaps with wood putty, sand.

Step 2

Cut 45 degree ends on the 26" and 56" 1 x2s, glue and nail to fit inside the edges of the box you just made, this will create an apron for the table top. Fill nail holes and any small gaps with wood putty, sand smooth.

Step 3

If you wish to create a typographic design on the table top, project an image (I found this one at http://thegraphicsfairy.com/ ), trace with pencil and then use a fine brush and black acrylic paint to fill in. Let dry thoroughly, then sand lightly to age the graphics, being sure not to sand too much off. Stain to desired shade, then apply 3-6 coats of a poly varnish.

Step 4

The base: Trace 2" diamonds 3" from top and bottom of 1x4 slats, placing the diamonds between the slats as shown in the photographs. Use a jigsaw and cut them out, then sand smooth.

Step 5

Step 6

Using kreg jig, attach each unit between 4x4s, 5" from bottom, using 2 -2.5" screws on each 2x4. Check for level. Repeat for other side. Use 1x4x26 across top, glue and screw to top, centering. For decorative molding: on bottom of each leg, attach the base molding, mitering to fit and attaching with glue and nails. One inch above the bottom rail, attach screen molding, using glue and nails, mitering to fit.

Step 7

Attach 2x4x49.5" from bottom 2x4 on each side, centering on 2x4, glue and screw with 2.5" screw from outside. Check again for level.

Step 8

Attach 3" pieces of screen molding along bottom rail to cover screw heads, using glue and nails. Fill all gaps and holes with wood putty, sand thoroughly.

Step 9

Prime and paint base if desired, or you can stain.

Step 10

To attach top to base: Use glue and screw upwards from underneath, using 1 1/4" screws.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Project Type

Dining Table Plans