How to Build a Dropleaf Table

Solve your space problem easily with a drop leaf table. Building your own table ensures that it is the exact dimensions you need for your room or hall. When the need for the extra space arises, simply pull the drop leaf up and slide the bolt under the drop down leaf forward. The most difficult part of the do it yourself project is installing the drop leaf hardware. Fortunately, the hardware manufacturers supply installation instructions. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Drill two pilot holes 3/8-inch from one end of each of the two 18-inch pieces (sides) with the 1/16-inch drill bit. Apply glue to the ends of the 26 1/2-inch piece (back) and secure it between the 18-inch pieces with the finish nails. Clean up the excess glue with a damp cloth. This is the apron.

2

Stand the four 29-inch pieces (legs) in the two corners of the apron and at the opposite ends of the sides. Mark the apron for pilot holes to secure the legs to the apron. Drill the pilot holes for the legs with the 1/8-inch drill bit followed by a countersink bit (countersink holes 3/8-inch).

3

Put some glue on the legs where they meet the apron and secure the legs to the apron with the drywall screws. Clean up the glue as before. Place the two pieces of plywood on the worktable.

4

Cut pieces of the edge band 2-inches longer the each of the four sides of the plywood with a utility knife. Hold the pieces against the edge and secure it with the hot iron. Fold the ends of the edge band over the corners to break them off. Sand the edges of the edge band with a sanding block and 100-grit sandpaper to fit it to the plywood edges.

5

Center the apron/leg assembly on the 20-inch plywood. Set the 16-inch piece (drop down leaf) against the edge of the 20-inch piece without the apron. Install the drop leaf hardware to the two pieces according to the manufacturers instructions.

6

Set the 28-inch piece of lumber on top of the apron pieces and behind the front legs. Mark it for pilot holes as you did with the other apron pieces. Drill pilot holes and countersink holes as before as well. Secure the piece to the legs, and then secure the apron to the tabletop with the L brackets.