Simple Round Table
Intro: Simple Round Table
This project was built with a round top from a broken table and two 2x4’s. The top in this project is 30 inches in diameter. However, the designed can be scaled up or down based on your top diameter and/or desired table height. See drawing and video for build instructions.
Drawing: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B21TbB8gGNQbeG96QVdsNGNKZHc/edit?usp=sharing
STEP 1: Tools/Materials
Tools:
- Saw
- Drill and bits
- Pocket-hole jig (optional)
- Sander
- Tape measure
Materials:
- Round table top (30” diameter used for this project)
- Two 8 foot long 2x4s
- Screws or Nails
- Glue
- Paint
STEP 2: Table Top
Find, buy or make a table top. This top was taken from a 1970’s round table. It took a little bit of sanding to remove the blemishes.
STEP 3: Upper/Lower Attachment
Cut the lower attachment pieces to 14.5” long. Chamfer the width dimension to a 60 degree angle. Chamfer the thickness dimension to 15 degrees. Cut the upper attachment pieces to 7” long. Chamfer the width dimension to a 60 degree angle. Chamfer the thickness dimension to 15 degrees – see pictures.
STEP 4: Upper/Lower Attachment Assemblies
Attach the lower and upper attachment sections together as shown. I used a pocket-hole jig to drill the connection holes. Think ahead at this point to make sure the holes are on the bottom (floor) and under the table top. Add glue to the joint before screwing together.
STEP 5:
Once complete, you should have two attachment assemblies
STEP 6: Legs
Cut the legs to 31” long. Chamfer the thickness dimension on both ends to 15 degrees – see picture.
STEP 7: Ready to Assembly Legs to Attachment Assemblies
STEP 8: Attach Legs to Upper Attachment Assy
Add legs to the upper attachment assembly. I tried using the pocket-hole jig for these connections but the connection didn’t feel secure enough. I scrapped that idea and used deck screws from the sides. If you implement this method, use a countersink bit so you can fill the hole later.
STEP 9: Attach Lower Attachment Assy
Attach lower attachment assembly to the upper attachment / leg assembly. Again, I used deck screws and glue.
STEP 10: Sand
Use wood filler to cover the screw holes and any gaps in the wood. Sand to remove wood filler and clean up the joint lines.
STEP 11: Paint
Paint or stain the legs and top to your desired color. I used white for the legs and green for the top.
STEP 12: Add Guide Hole for Legs
Drill a small hole at the intersection of the upper attachment assembly. This will be the center location for the round top.
STEP 13: Drill Alignment Hole in Top
Find center of round top. Measure the diameter. Use a string or tape measure set to the radius and draw a light arc. Move the string to another point on the edge of the table and draw another arc. The intersection of these two arcs is the center. Try a third arc to verify. Drill a hole at the intersection.
STEP 14: Attach Top to Leg Assembly
Use a nail or rod to line up the hole in the leg assembly to the hole in the round top. This will keep the top centered on the leg assembly. Drill pilot holes through the upper attachment assembly. Use wood screws to attach the leg assembly to the top. Make sure the screws don’t protrude through the top.
28 Comments
mtairymd 9 years ago
All - I said in the introduction that the design could be scaled up or down based on the table diameter and height. This might be a trigonometry / geometry challenge for some. Actually, I was lazy and modeled the design in CAD. Let me know if you can't figure out the dimensions for your design. I can provide an updated drawing based on your specs (diameter/height) - limited time only :)
andy.abrams 2 years ago
mtairymd 2 years ago
Randibhansen 3 years ago
mtairymd 3 years ago
bergs 9 years ago
I was looking to make children sized stools. This design seems very solid and cheap to make. What would the dimensions need to be for the upper and lower attachments assemblies assuming I wanted a height of 1' and a relatively small top. say 10" to 12" Dia.
mtairymd 9 years ago
This design doesn't work very well with really small tables. I gave it a shot. Note that I had to switch to 1x4s and use a 16" diameter top.
https://googledrive.com/host/0B21TbB8gGNQba1p6c0ZRTHIzZzQ/Round Table Small.pdf
dmackenzie6 9 years ago
mtairymd....great job. I love the design.....do you think it would work for a bar height table (42")? Would it be stable enough? If so, I would like to take you up on your offer to work out the angles using your CAD program?
krop86 9 years ago
I'd be interested in a 42" version too! It would be super helpful. Great idea and design!
mtairymd 9 years ago
First, the table is very stable. However, if I had to do it again, I would make the change "Make_This" suggested below - extend legs slightly beyond the bottom plane.
I had to work with the 30" diameter top since it was "free". My goal was to have the legs inside the diameter of the table (less than 30"). If you have the same preference, I don't think 42" in height and a 30" diameter will work.
I just did a little research on common sizes:
To seat 4 people: 36" - 44" diameter
To seat 6 people: 44" - 54" diameter
Do you have a preference on diameter? Also, please verify the exact height needed.
krop86 9 years ago
Thank you! I made two bar height Adirondack chairs and I've been looking for plans to build a small table for drinks/snacks. 44" diameter might be too big but thank you for doing that!
Also, where did you get your pocket hole jig from? I have a kreg jig but I didn't know there were others on the market.
mtairymd 3 years ago
DavidH299 8 years ago
I really like this project, and would like to adapt it for a very large dining table (72" diameter). If you have any tips for adapting this design up that large, I would appreciate them. I wonder if a 36" diameter design could just be doubled?
mtairymd 8 years ago
Thank you. I don't have the cad files anymore but I assume you could scale it - check the math first. I am a little concerned with stability using 2x4s on a 72" diameter. I think I would switch to 4x4s to be safe.
krsmes 9 years ago
mtairymd 9 years ago
That looks awesome. I love the glass top!
mtairymd 9 years ago
To dmackenzie6:
Here you go...
42" High, 36" Diameter
https://0b4ac59da8f8d03fecd1c84e53aa8499d08cf215.g...
dmackenzie6 9 years ago
mtairymd 9 years ago
The table shown above is 30" in diameter and ~ 30" tall - see pic.
Pocket Hole Jig was purchased from Harbor Freight. I actually like the quality.
http://www.harborfreight.com/http-www-harborfreigh...
mtairymd 9 years ago
Bar Height Version (42" high, 44" diameter)
https://googledrive.com/host/0B21TbB8gGNQba1p6c0ZR...