Introduction: How to Build a Durable Party Table

About: BGSU Interfraternity Council President

Purpose: The purpose of this set of instructions is to assist you in building a high-quality portable party table.

Set up: You will need a dry open space with access to electricity.

Step 1: Material and Tolls

Tools

  • Hand Drill count
  • Jig Saw
  • Wood Router
  • Tape Measure
  • 1/2" Drill Bit
  • Sand Paper/ Power Sander
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Paint brush
  • Paint Stirrer
  • Plastic Scraper/ leveler
  • Exacto Knife

Material

  • Painters Tape
  • Paint of choosing
  • Primer
  • 3 Quarts Epoxy
  • Pencil
  • Plastic Measuring Cup
  • 3 count - 3" metal door hinges
  • 8 count - 1/2"x5" metal bolts
  • 4 count - 1/2"x7" metal bolts
  • 12 count - 1/2" washers
  • 8 count - 1/2" lock washers
  • 8 count - 1/2" butterfly nuts
  • 4 count - 1/2' nuts

Lumber

  • 2 count - 4'x3'x1/2" 5 Ply Wood
  • 4 count - 2"x4"x4'
  • 4 count - 2"x4"x3'6"
  • 6 count - 2"x4"x2'9"

Step 2: Step 1: Constructing the Table Top Frame

For this first step you will need:
  • Box of Carpenter Screws
  • 3 count - 3" metal door hinges
  • 4 count - 2"x4"x4'
  • 4 count - 2"x4"x2'9"
  • Hand Drill
  • Tape Measure
  • Pencil

Process:

  • Attach the two 2"x4"x4' and the two 2"x4"x2'9" lumber with carpenter screws (as shown) making a 4'x3' rectangular frame. (1)
  • Repeat previous step leaving you with two 4'x3' rectangular frames
  • Attach the two new rectangular frames at the 3' side using the 3, 3" metal hinges (as shown) making a new frame 8'x3'. (2)

(hint) Make sure your new frame can easily fold in half making the two sides lie flush together. This is important for the upcoming steps and the overall quality of your table.

Step 3: Step 2: Attaching the Legs

  • For this step you will need:
  • 4 count - 2"x4"x3'6"
  • 4 count - 1/2" x 5" bolts
  • 4 count - 1/2" washers
  • 4 count - 1/2" lock washers
  • 4 count - 1/2" nuts

Process

  • Drill one 1/2" hole at each of the four courners (Refer to figure in step 1) (4)
  • Attach one 2"x4"x3'6" legs using one 1/2" x 5" bolt, 1/2" washer, 1/2" lock washer and nut at each of the 4 corners of your frame. (Refer to figure in step 1) (4)
    • Be sure that your legs are being installed so that your table folds inward as to allow your legs to fold into the table.
    • When tightening your nuts, be sure to have them tight enough to stay on the bolt but not too tight as to restrict the legs from folding in.

Step 4: Step 3: Atatching Frame Supports

For this step you will need:

  • 4 count - 2" x 4" x 3'
  • 4 count - 1/2" x 5" bolts
  • 4 count - 1/2" x 7" bolts
  • 8 count - 1/2" lock washers
  • 8 count - 1/2" washers
  • 1/2" drill bit
  • Hand Drill

Process:

  • Drill the eight 1/2" holes as shown. (Refer to figure in step 1)
  • Attach the four 2" x 4" x 3' using one 1/2" x 5" bolt, 1/2' washer, 1/2" lock washer at each leg as shown.
  • Attach the four 2" x 4" x 3' using one 1/2" x 7" bolt, 1/2' washer, 1/2" lock washer to the table top frame.

Step 5: Step 4: Attaching Leg Supports

For this step you will need:

  • 2 count - 2" x 4" x 2'9"
  • Box of carpenter screws
  • Hand Drill

Process:

  • Attach 2" x 4" x 2'9" horizontally about half way up the legs using carpenter screws. (5) (Refer to figure in first step)

Step 6: Step 5: Installing/ Routing the Top Surface

For this step you will need:

  • 2 count - 4' x 3' x 1/2" ply wood
  • Drywall screws
  • Hand Drill
  • Wood router
  • Sander

Process:

  • Anchor the top two pieces of ply wood to the two 4' x 3' rectangular frames as shown in figure from step 1 (6)
  • Rout the newly installed table edges leaving a curved edge all the way around the top of the table (7)
  • Sand the sides of the top frame where the ply wood surface meets it to give it a smooth flush finish.

Step 7: Step 6: Prime and Paint

For this step you will need:

  • Primer
  • Painters tape
  • Painters tarp
  • Paint
  • Paint Brush
  • Pencil
  • Exacto Knife

Process

  • Lay painters tarp under table.
  • Prime all exposed wood surfaces (table top,sides, legs, etc.)
  • Once primer has dried start working on your design
  • Lay painters tape where design will be.
  • Draw/ cut design out of the tape.
  • Peel up the tape on desired areas where paint will be showing
  • Paint
  • Peel up the excess tape once paint has dried

Step 8: Step 7: Epoxy Coating

For this step you will need:

  • 3 Quarts Epoxy
  • Plastic measuring cup
  • Rubber gloves
  • Paint stirrer
  • Plastic scraper/ leveler

Process:

  • WEAR GLOVES
  • Mix epoxy Part A and Part B in plastic measuring cup. Stir 3 Minutes or until new solution is clear.
  • Pour Epoxy evenly over table
  • Spread with scraper
    • Make sure not to have any bubbles before letting dry
    • You will have about a 20-25 minute work time before epoxy will cure too much to work with
    • 74 hour curing time
    • Make sure area is clear of dust before leaving table to dry

Step 9: Step 8: Touchups

For this last step you will need:

  • Exacto knife.
  • Wash cloth
  • Sand Paper

Process:

  • Inspect table for any cosmetic imperfections
  • Use knife, sand paper or wash rag to fix imperfections
    • Be carful not to touch up too much. You may make mistakes you can not go back and fix.

Step 10: Step 9: Enjoy

These tables can withstand just about anything you can throw at it. You worked hard on it. Enjoy it.