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Before you start this project, you can have your timber pre-cut at Bunnings. We had our ply panel cut to a manageable size so we could make our 600mm x 600mm markings. The dowel for the four table legs were cut to 600mm each.
Clamp the plywood to the workbench with some wood underneath to stop the bench from getting cut. Set your router to cut a large circle with a radius of 300mm. Then with your safety gear on, secure the point of the router arm and start cutting the circle.
Using the lines marked on the plywood, measure 200mm from the centre along each of the four lines. Mark these spots where the table legs will go.
Clamp the plywood to the workbench. Using a 3mm drill bit, pre-drill the four holes for the legs where you've marked.
Use the tape measure to find the centre at the top of the dowel legs. Mark the spot on all four legs.
Clamp the dowel to the workbench and drill holes in the centre of the dowel with a 3mm drill bit.
Clamp the table to the workbench. Apply PVA wood glue to the top of the dowel. Use 75mm bugle screws and the hex bit to fix each leg to the table.
Putty up the holes with wood filler. Let it dry and then sand with 180 grit sandpaper. Also lightly sand around the edges of the tabletop to remove any splinters.
Use the 120 grit sandpaper to sand the legs until they're smooth, which will give you a great finish.
To complete your table, use a roller to paint the top of the table with chalkboard paint. We also painted the top part of the legs to match. When you're painting, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and work in a well ventilated area with your safety gear on.
Now your chalkboard table is finished, your kids can get creative! All you have to do is wipe it over occasionally and it will last for ages.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
