Kits to Build End Tables

For an intermediate level woodworker, a furniture kit is ideal. You do not have to make the individual parts; instead, you just have to assemble them. After assembling the parts, you can finish the furniture however you choose. You also can save money by building a piece of furniture from a kit rather than buying the piece already made -- plus you have the satisfaction of having made the piece yourself. There are a variety of end table kits, from very inexpensive to heirloom quality.

Heirloom Quality

Heirloom-quality furniture is the most expensive but also the highest in quality. These pieces should last for many years, so you can pass the pieces down to your heirs. They are made of hardwoods like maple or oak. All the parts are precision-made so they fit together perfectly, with no gaps at the joints. Many companies produce kits for heirloom-quality furniture. For example, the Bartley Company specializes in heirloom-quality museum reproductions of antique furniture.

Moderate Quality

There are many moderate-quality end table kits. These kits have a good fit in the pieces, but they use lower-quality wood such as pine, alder or paulonia. Also, they don't use complex mitered joints, according to Plymouth Furniture. These kits can help you build a piece of furniture that looks professional, but at a lower cost. For example, the Room Doctor sells preassembled but unfinished pine end tables

Budget Quality

Budget-quality furniture is usually made out of pressboard composite. This is sawdust mixed with glue and pressed into boards. The furniture is adequate, but it probably won't last for a long time. Pressboard is prone to bending under weight and can disintegrate with long-term usage. If you want a quick piece of furniture as a temporary unit, choose a budget-quality end table kit. One manufacturer, Sauder Woodworking, makes many items from pressboard, which Sauder calls engineered wood.

Skills and Tools

It is easier to make an end table from a kit than from scratch, but you still need some skills and tools. You probably need screwdrivers, wood glue and a rubber mallet. Keep a damp rag handy to wipe off excess glue before it dries.

Finishing

After you build your end table, you need to finish it. You can stain the table. First, sand the table very smooth with fine sandpaper, then apply your stain and allow to dry. After the stain is dry, apply the top clear coat. You also can paint your table or apply a faux finish. Especially with a faux finish, you might want to practice your technique on some scrap lumber before you tackle the table.