This work table made of birch ply and galvanized plumbing pipe is perfectly utilitarian.

Step 1: Materials

i gathered all these things from Lowes for around $90. both utility and aesthetics were a concern, which is why i opted for the nicer birch ply top and sturdy hardware. you could certainly make this table for less money and with some found materials.

top
- (1) 3/4" thick, 2' x 4' piece of birch ply (due to space constraints i opted for this pre-cut piece)

legs + hardware
- (4) 1" diameter x 36" length galvanized steel plumbing pipe (threaded at both ends)
**if you intend to use this piece of furniture more as a desk than a work table, you'll probably want to get 30" length pieces of pipe. 30" is the standard height of most manufactured work desks.
- (4) 1" diameter threaded flange
- (16) 3/4" stainless steel screws (i think they're size 14?)
- (4) black rubber floor protectors

Step 2: Attaching Hardware

time to attach the 4 flanges to the bottom of the table.

- lay the birch ply on a flat surface (or floor).
- arrange the flanges so that there is one on each of the 4 corners of the wood surface.
- measure 1" inward from each edge (horizontal and vertical) of the corner, using this mark to adjust the position of the flange.
- mark the curved outline of the flange as well as the position of the 4 screw holes.

- pre-drill all 16 screw holes about 1/2" deep to ensure that the birch ply doesn't crack when you attach the flanges.
- attach flanges with stainless steel screws using pencil marks and pre-drilled holes as a guide.

Step 3: Attaching the Legs

- while the birch ply with its newly attached hardware is still on the floor, simply screw the threaded galvanized pipe into the threaded flange.
- once all 4 lengths of pipe are attached, check each one to make sure it's screwed all the way in to its flange

Step 4: Rubber Feet

- now it's time to wrestle the rubber floor protectors onto the exposed, threaded end of the pipe
- these floor protectors come in a couple different diameters, so make sure you get the 1 1/4" size

Step 5: Seal the Top

- flip what is now your upside down table, check for stability, and voila!

- finally, i sealed the tabletop with 2 coats of Watco Danish Oil Finish (in natural). this is a good, clear, finish that helped accentuate the grain of the birch ply while also providing a protective barrier