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How to make a dining table

By Bunnings magazine /

Wooden dining table with rattan chairs.

Overview

A dining table is a furniture piece that stays with you for years. If you can’t find exactly the size or style for your space, or if you simply want the satisfaction of creating your own room-defining piece, this budget-friendly D.I.Y. project is a stylish solution that’s surprisingly easy to do.

Set aside a weekend or two to put it together, then sit back and celebrate your efforts with a meal at your new custom table.  

Steps

1Round out the panel edges

Working outside or in a ventilated area with the panel upside down, use a trim router to round-over the edges, holding it with your right hand and pushing forward to work anticlockwise. If you don’t have a trimmer, round over the edges with 120-grit abrasive paper.

At 2400mm long and 900mm wide, the standard panel is perfect for a dining table. But if it’s too long for your room, have it shortened in store. 


2Sand down all faces

Turn the panel right-side up to round-over the top edges, working around anticlockwise. Use 180-grit abrasive paper to sand all over the panel, including under the edges, working lengthways along the grain. Repeat with 240-grit abrasive paper for a smooth finish. Wipe over all surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust. 

3Apply varnish and sand

Turn the panel upside down and use a mohair roller to apply a coat of varnish, leaving to dry. Flip the panel right-side up and varnish over the top and around the edges, leaving to dry for at least 12 hours, then sand lightly with 240-grit abrasive paper. Repeat to apply two more coats, leaving to dry between coats. 

4Assemble panel and metal frames

Work in the location the table will remain. Place the panel upside down on a drop sheet or clean cardboard. Position the metal frames 400mm from the ends and centred, with equal distances from the sides, then mark the holes and remove.  

5Secure frames

Use a 4mm bit to drill pilot holes for the frames. To avoid going through panel, wrap tape around the bit, 25mm from the end, as an indicator. Reposition frames and secure into the holes with 30mm timber screws.

Green Bunnings hammer
Pro tip: when working with hardwood, use a drill to make holes and an impact drill for screwing.

6Support frames with angle brackets

Place angle brackets against the inside of the legs. Mark and drill pilot holes into the panel with a 4mm bit, securing with 30mm timber screws. Secure brackets to the legs through the holes with 30mm metal screws.  
Green Bunnings hammer
Pro tip: use an extended driver bit with the impact drill to work in the tight angles.

7Secure brackets and attach furniture pads

Position the stayed brackets against the outside of the legs, mark and drill pilot holes into the panel, securing with 30mm timber screws. Secure brackets to the legs through the holes with 30mm metal screws. Attach furniture pads under frame to prevent floor damage and turn the table into position. 

8Want seating with that?

Take a look at our guide on how to make D.I.Y dining table bench seats.  

Photo credit: John Downs

Inspiration from the Bunnings Workshop community

Hardwood dining table

Riley built this dining table using six pieces of Australian Messmate timber and custom steel legs.

View project
Timber table in a living room surrounded by dining chairs
Health & Safety

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.