Heavy Duty Table

by tomatoskins

10K1315

Intro: Heavy Duty Table

Sometimes you need a heavy duty table that doesn't cost much and can be put together quickly. This table created from scrap 2x4s is just that. It may not look like a family heirloom, but it can take anything you throw at it. This simple design can be scaled in any direction to accommodate anything from a large workbench, to a smaller night stand. The table outlined in this instructable was made to hold my 30 gallon fish tank and it can easily hold the 300 pounds.

STEP 1: Tools and Materials

Tools:

Saw
Drill

Materials:

2x4's
Screws
Polyurethane

STEP 2: Top

Select your best looking 2x4's for the top of the table. Cut them so that together they are the size you are looking for. Lay the best looking face down so we can assemble them in the next step.

STEP 3: Assemble the Top

Use clamps to hold the 2x4's in place. Assemble the top using 2x4's perpendicular to 2x4's along the table top. The 2x4's on the end need to be 6 inches shorter than the table is deep. Any 2x4's running in the middle of the table should only be 3 inches shorter than the table is deep. Use two inch screws to hold everything together.

STEP 4: Attach Legs

The length of each leg should be 1 1/2 inches shorter than the desired height of the table.

Attach each leg using 3 inch screws connected to the shorter 2x4 supports on the bottom of the table top.

Use a square to ensure accuracy.

STEP 5: Secure End Cap

Attach end caps to give strength to the legs. Use the square again to verify that the legs are straight.

STEP 6: Attach Shelf End Cap

Attach second end caps further down the leg to give strength and somewhere to attach the bottom shelf to.

STEP 7: Attach Bottom Shelf

Using the end caps, attach vertical 2x4's to form the bottom shelf. This will give an additional storage location as well as added rigidity to the table.

STEP 8: Sand, Finish, and Enjoy

Sand the table and apply whatever finish you prefer. I used water based polyurethane to protect it from any possible water spills.

5 Comments

muadibe 6 years ago

I love this table. My sister in law asked me to make her a small low table for the garden, just high enough to put her drinks on when lying on her lounger. This will be it. Thank you for the inspiration.

tomatoskins 6 years ago

Be sure to share a picture here when you're done. I'd love to see it!

deluges 6 years ago

Where's the whale aquarium that goes on top of it ? ;)