How to Make a Drop Down Table Top Attached to a Wall

A wall-mounted drop-leaf table is a real space saver whatever its purpose. A drop-down table can be used anywhere a flat surface is needed on an occasional basis, to be tucked out of the way the rest of the time. Breakfast nooks, craft rooms, home offices, tiny dining spaces, laundry rooms -- even kids' rooms are all spaces that can benefit from a drop-down tabletop attached to a wall. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Find the studs in the wall where you plan to use for your drop-down table with a stud finder. Studs are usually every 18 inches.

2

Mount the 2-by-4-inch flat against the wall, so the upper edge is 28 inches off the floor for standard dining height. Drill pilot holes and screw into the studs in at least two points. This is the tables mounting cleat.

3

Apply the continuous hinge to the 1-by-4-inch board and the 30-inch edge of the plywood with 3/4-inch wood screws joining the two pieces so the ends line up smoothly and the pieces are butted tightly together.

4

Attach a 2-inch hinge to each 2-by-2-inch leg on one face of the piece so the hinges bend is at the legs end.

5

Align the 28-inch-long table legs so the 2-by-2-inch ends are matched up with the corners of the 30-inch-square plywood opposite the continuous hinge. The 2-inch hinges on the legs should be facing the continuous hinge. Screw the hinges into the bottom of the tabletop with 3/4-inch wood screws.

6

Fold the legs flat against the bottom of the tabletop. Fold up the 1-by-4-inch piece. Stand the tabletop assembly on end, with the 1-by-4-incyh flap on top.

7

Slide the assembly over to the cleat so the edge of the 1-by-4-inch flap overlaps the 2-inch cleats edge. The tabletops bottom should rest against the floor.

8

Drill pilot holes at both ends of the 1-by-4-inch flap and every 5 inches between. Secure it to the cleat with 3-inch wood screws, countersunk into the wood just a bit. Fill the screw holes with wood putty and smooth off.

9

Lift up on the bottom of the tabletop. The legs should unfold as you raise the tabletop. Paint or stain as you wish.