DIY Folding Work Table

Crafters, handymen and busy families can always use a dedicated workspace for projects, even if there isnt extra room to put in a traditional table or workbench. The simple solution is a folding work table that opens for use and folds away for storage. For an interesting do-it-yourself weekend project, build a portable folding table, a permanently installed wall-mounted or built-in folding table, or a small folding table tray for smaller projects. A folding work table makes good use of small or unused spaces. Does this Spark an idea?

Portable Folding Table

Build a lightweight, portable folding table with two pieces of sanded plywood hinged together in the middle, folding legs, and a mounted handle for carrying. Get hardware at home centers or from salvaged furniture like card tables. Get plans and ideas from carpentry books at the library or online. Cover the tabletop with padded cloth for a more decorative surface.

Wall-Mounted Folding Table

For areas with ample wall space, but not as much floor space, mounting a folding table on the wall is a convenient solution. Build the size table needed using lightweight materials, hinge the legs and table edge that will fold down, and secure the table supports to studs in the wall for a practical and accessible work area.

Built-In Folding Table

More intermediate handyman and carpentry skills are necessary to make a built-in folding table, but are well worth the extra effort. Like built-in bookcases and cabinets, built-in folding tables provide a finished look to a practical piece of furniture. Some drywall and wall finishing skills can make the folding table fit into the wall instead of sitting on it. Cabinet doors can further camouflage the table.

Small Folding Table

Assemble 15 short planks of cedar with some screws and hinges for a great 36-inch by 24-inch folding table to use outside on the deck or patio. Build a set of four matching small folding tables to use at barbecues and outside parties or to give as a gift. Simple carpentry skills and tools such as a power drill, a hand or table saw, a sander or plain sand paper and a tape measure are all you need to make this practical table.

Folding Table/Wall Hanging

Build a table that mounts on the wall, with legs that fold flat to frame the edge of the underside of the table, mount a large picture on the bottom of the table and it can double as a framed wall hanging. Lightweight materials and an attractive paint job make this folding table/picture frame a really fun and unique do-it-yourself project.

Drop Leaf Work Table

Attaching a drop leaf work table to the side of a storage cabinet can create a pop up and store-away work surface to use anytime its needed. You can attach a table top the same size as the side of the cabinet with hinges and attach folding legs underneath with hinges and supports to complete the table.