How to make a country table. Do-it-yourself table: we make wooden and folding tables by studying the drawings and step-by-step instructions Do-it-yourself table on two legs

The table is an indispensable piece of furniture in the kitchen. Today, manufacturers for the manufacture of tables use a huge amount of materials. You can also count at least two dozen options for legs for the kitchen table.

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How much should be?

In the classic version, the kitchen table has four legs. Basically, these are traditional models with square and rectangular countertops. A table with three legs almost always has a round shape. It can be a small coffee table or a full dining option. A table with two legs for the kitchen can be made in several forms, but most often there are models with two X-shaped legs or stable legs made of solid wood.

materials

Chrome plated metal

Metal legs are one of the most common types of kitchen table supports. The exceptional strength of the material ensures their reliability. Such legs are considered stable not only because of the solid construction, but also due to the plugs that are installed to prevent slipping on the floor. Manufacturers and craftsmen who decide to make a table with their own hands, metal legs attract the attention of low value and durability. The coating of such supports can be different, they can be painted or chrome.

Forged metal

Tables with forged legs have a number of advantages. First, they are very durable and never need to be repaired. Secondly, the model with iron legs has maximum stability, it is almost impossible to tilt or turn it over. Thirdly, tables with forged legs are quite versatile, easily fit into any interior and do not conflict with interior items that do not have forged elements. Fourthly, forged legs are quite easy to care for and there are no special recommendations for their maintenance.

Wooden

Natural wood tables are a classic and the oldest tradition of our country. Such furniture always looks very beautiful and expensive. Wooden legs for the kitchen table can be of various shapes: round, square or carved. Models with carved or chiseled legs are the most beautiful and elegant, and the overall impression of furniture often depends on the skill of carving craftsmen. The wood is varnished and sanded, as many layers are made as necessary to obtain a beautiful smooth surface.

Plastic

Plastic legs are in high demand due to their low cost. In addition, furniture legs made of polyurethane are of high quality and reliable, captivating with beautiful carvings. Legs made of this material are perfectly combined with all countertops, regardless of the material from which they are made. Polymeric materials are absolutely not susceptible to moisture and fumes. Another advantage of polyurethane legs is their low flammability, which prevents the rapid spread of fire in the room in the event of a fire.

Designer finds

The most common version of legs for fashionable kitchen tables is chrome-plated legs, which are in perfect harmony with retro style, minimalism and high-tech. If you look for the latest design developments of tables and supports for them, you can find a rather unusual execution of them. For example, the supports may be too wide or, conversely, extremely narrowed. Often the shape of the supports in the designer's fantasy suddenly becomes curved or decorated with artistic decoration.

Particular attention is given to the legs if they are under a transparent table top. In this case, all the splendor of beautiful legs is perfectly visible visually, so a creative approach to their execution is required. A metal box with a cross section bent at an angle of 90 degrees, which plays the role of a central support, can act as a support. The luxurious design is obtained by using four gracefully curved legs, similar to the paws of insects.

Openwork intertwining metal legs give the tables a special luxury. They can fill almost all the space below it or part of it, be in the form of a geometric figure or depict the leaves of a plant.

Extravagant models that fit well into a modern interior are kitchen tables with X-shaped legs made of square-section timber. The legs tilted at an angle and converging at a point in the middle look most harmonious.

Pledge of strength and stability

Experts know that unprofessionally set legs are the cause of table swaying and tilting. While adjustable feet can correct the tilt, 99% of a table's quality depends on proper assembly.

There are two popular ways to mount legs: mounting with surface plates and mounting using T-nuts.

Mounting with surface plates

  1. If you purchased legs without fittings installed in them, you will have to do it yourself. To do this, you should have eye and eye bolts for large tables and threaded dowels for small tables.
  2. Eyebolts and eyebolts should be checked on a test plate to ensure that the screws will be of a compatible size.
  3. Install the eye and eye bolts inside the table legs, and mark the center of the leg with a marker or pencil. Then you need to make a hole in the leg and tighten the bolt tightly into the top of each leg.
  4. Turn the countertop on the wrong side or put it on its side.
  5. Mount the plates at all four corners of the table top with four screws.
  6. Then you need to screw the upper part of the bolt with an eye and an eye into the plate. Screw in until fully tightened.
  7. After installing all four legs, place the table on the floor and make sure it is level.

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Mounting with T-nuts

This method can be used if in the future you are going to decorate the front surface of the table and use it to update the interior in the kitchen.

  1. You will need T-nuts, eyebolts and eyebolts.
  2. At the same distance, four holes must be drilled in the table top.
  3. Make sure the holes match the size of the T-nut.
  4. Next, insert the nut with a hammer into the hole from top to bottom through the countertop.
  5. Install four eye and eye bolts to match the size of the T-nut in the table leg. Measure and mark the exact center at the top of the leg. Drill a hole with a drill and screw the eye and eye bolt into the leg.
  6. Twist the leg into the middle of the base until they connect to the top.

Tables with folding legs are versatile pieces of furniture. The main plus is that they do not take up too much space during operation and storage. Sometimes it is difficult to choose the right option: what is offered in the store is either of dubious quality, or the price does not suit you. In this case, you can make a folding table with your own hands. How, we will consider in the article.

Table functionality

A folding table made of wood is very durable, in terms of convenience it is not inferior to ordinary furniture. It can be used as writing, dining, for activities with children or for needlework. If you think over the decor, it will successfully fit into the interior of the room. As an option, you can make a table with folding legs with your own hands, which will take up little space during transportation.

Another plus: it is ideal for small spaces, if necessary, it can always be folded and hidden in a closet, thereby freeing up space in the room. Some models easily fit in the trunk of a car, which is very convenient - you can take it with you while traveling.

And you don't have to buy. It is not at all difficult to make a folding table made of wood with your own hands. The article presents drawings and describes the main stages of work.

This is a simple design. The most important thing is to prepare all the components and process them with high quality. The dimensions indicated on the drawing give an idea of ​​the dimensions of the entire structure and individual elements.

Beginning of work

First of all, the dimensions of all the details for making the table with your own hands are calculated. You can choose any scheme and drawing of a folding table - it all depends on your capabilities and preferences. In this case, you will need a countertop and blanks for the legs. As the main material, you can use not only wood, but also glass, metal, plastic or cork panels. So, you should have a table drawing (for example, such as is presented later in the article):

As the simplest option, wooden boards fastened together are suitable. If desired, you can use a solid countertop. Often folding table legs are made of iron, but at home it will be much easier to work with wood. The following is a list of required elements (letters are indicated in the diagram).

It is important to correctly calculate the thickness of the legs for the countertop so that they can easily withstand its weight and do not sag. A large dining table will need more supports. And they will be larger in diameter. You should also install additional horizontal beams between the upper mounts and the tabletop. Table assembly step by step:

You can buy wood, boards and other material necessary for work at a hardware store. You can cut the boards for folding table legs with your own hands if you have a workbench, a circular saw or a hand saw. Always wear polycarbonate goggles and a respirator when operating the saw. If there is no saw at home, then in most stores the wood will be cut to the required length.

Wood processing

An important stage in the creation of the table is the processing and finishing of the material. Care should be taken to ensure that the tabletop is combined with the legs in style. Folding legs can be made of wood or metal. The tree must be processed before starting work. First of all, roughness is removed from the surface, which can be scratched or injured. This is easiest to do with a planer or sandpaper.

wood coating

Then the wood is covered with a special varnish that allows you to keep the material in its original form and protect it from moisture and mechanical damage. As an option, you can use water-repellent varnishes, they are considered a fairly reliable tool. If you accidentally spill water or another drink, the surface of the countertop will remain unscathed.

Today, the choice of varnishes and paints is very wide: from transparent to dark, matte and the brightest. In addition, a properly selected varnish will make the table an attractive piece of furniture.

Blueprints

The first step is to prepare a drawing of a folding table. It will be much easier to create furniture with your own hands if you follow the instructions. Do not place the legs too close to the center or edges. Place them in such a way that they do not protrude beyond it if the table is folded. Mark the location of each leg with a pencil on the back of the tabletop. The legs should be located symmetrically, at the same distance from the edge.

What should be considered if you are making a folding table with your own hands? On the diagram, the legs can not be drawn in detail. The main thing is that the attachment points are indicated. The table supports do not have to be strictly vertical, there are various design options. They can be directed diagonally and intersect at an angle of 90 degrees, like an ironing board, for example.

Wooden or metal beams in the role of legs can be fastened in pairs. This option is considered more stable than having single supports. In addition, at an angle of 30 degrees to their upper part, additional fasteners can be sent, which will be a fixing element.

Mounting on brackets

What is the best way to fasten brackets when making a table with your own hands? Folding legs are best secured using brackets with flat parts that have holes for screws. The main part of the element is a spring rod, which is used to fix the table legs when they are extended.

Take measurements of the top of each leg. When extended, the upper half of the mechanism, attached to the tabletop, must be flat relative to the upper plane of the support. Mark the bracket screw holes on the leg and table top with a pencil. First fasten part of the bracket to the leg, then screw it to the tabletop plane. Double check all measurements before drilling holes for screws in the legs or table. Also check that each leg can bend along the table top and perpendicular to it when extended.

Completion of work

Lay the table flat on the floor to align each leg, following the holes you drew with a pencil. First, make holes to secure the brackets to the table. Attach the bracket segment to the leg and then to the bottom of the table. Repeat the same steps for each leg: measurements, alignment, fasteners.

Install special rubber or fabric caps on the ends of the folding table legs. With your own hands, this procedure is quite simple to perform. This precaution will protect the floors from scratches and damage.

Woodworking Tools

Each craft uses its own tools. The quality of the finished product depends on the correct choice. The most commonly used for the manufacture of wooden objects and furniture - a hammer and nails. Hammers with a claw on the back are very handy. It balances the blow and helps to remove the wrong hammered nail.

Screws are a good alternative to nails. They are often used to secure folding table legs. With your own hands, all the work can be done even with a simple screwdriver. For faster work, it is recommended to use an electric screwdriver.

You will need a good knife and chisel to work wood or cut through it. A stationery knife with a disposable blade is used for drawing patterns and trimming unnecessary details.

The chisel is usually beveled on both sides, in some models the bevel is only on the side of the cutting edge. In principle, you can work with anyone, it all depends on your desires. The chisel must be carefully beaten with a hammer so as not to damage the structure of the tree. To check whether the table turned out to be even, you should use the level. It will show how much the surface is tilted relative to the horizon.

Table decoration

An important point in the process of creating furniture, of course, is decor. The easiest way to design is painting. A wide range of paint and varnish products from various manufacturers is on sale. It is important to choose not only the right shade that will be in harmony with the interior, but also the quality. It is better to choose an option that dries quickly and has no smell. For application, you can use a paint brush or roller.

For a more original finish, you can resort to hand-painting or unusual coloring. A variety of stripes, cells and other geometric patterns are created using paper tape or a stencil.

Beginners are often afraid to spoil the product with poor-quality staining, because they have never done this before. Alternatively, you can use spray paint. It is enough just to shake it and spray the paint over the surface of the table.

Over time, plain tabletops get bored. In this case, you need to change something. But it is not necessary to repaint or buy new furniture. You can try decoupage or choose a new tablecloth.

A wooden leg for a table can be not only a functionally necessary furniture element, but also become its real decoration. The most interesting and creative ideas for decorating wooden legs will be discussed in our article.

Material Advantages

Wood is a material that has been preferred since ancient times. And this is no coincidence. It is easy to process, which allows you to give the finished product a wide variety of shapes. Another advantage of wood is safety for human health.

For the manufacture of furniture supports, different types of wood are used:

  • Oak is considered the most durable. He is not afraid of high humidity, temperature changes, does not rot. For processing such wood, special equipment is required, which leads to a high cost of the finished product. Over time, the oak acquires a deeper color.
  • Walnut is also resistant to moisture. Its advantages are easy polishing and high strength. However, in order for the tree to retain its impeccable appearance for a long time, treatment with a special agent that prevents the occurrence of rot is required.
  • A beautiful shade belongs to beech. The tree is very durable, but not moisture resistant.
  • Tropical wenge wood is another popular option. The finished product is resistant to mechanical stress, so it retains its impeccable appearance for a long time.
  • Mahogany has high characteristics. The only drawback is that the cost is too high.

Production process

Wooden legs for tables are made in several ways:

  • Using lathe the workpiece is mounted on a support. The machine cuts out the desired shape while the workpiece rotates around the axis at high speed. The advantages of such legs are ease of production and, accordingly, the low cost of the finished product.
  • Milling method allows you to make original and very beautiful products. The milling machine outputs the pattern and shape according to the parameters entered into the program. This method is relevant when processing expensive wood species, where chips and marriage are unacceptable. With the help of multi-axis milling machines, carved legs are made that look very impressive and luxurious.
  • Despite the widespread use of modern technology, manual labor did not sink into oblivion. Until now, craftsmen carve amazing interior items from wood. Manual labor is labor intensive and time consuming. Therefore, such products are quite expensive.

Design features

All family members gather at the dinner table. He is a symbol of the family hearth. The number of wooden legs at the table can be very different:

  • One support. A characteristic feature of the design of such models is massiveness. Indeed, in order for the tabletop to remain stable, the leg must be powerful and large. This option looks good on round and oval models.
  • two supports. Ideal for an oval shaped table. The design is stable, as the legs end with an extension that increases the footprint. As a rule, two legs are connected by a jumper. It can be located both at the top and at the bottom. Models that are equipped with a carved jumper look especially impressive.
  • Four pillars. This is the most common option. The legs of such tables can be original, with carved inserts. A special niche is occupied by laconic tables, in which the legs are rectangular bars, devoid of any decorative elements. This technique is relevant for high-tech, country styles.

Stylistic decisions

The shape and style of the legs can be very diverse. The most popular are:

  • Cabriole. In shape, such a leg resembles a wave with two bends. The leg is as if formed by two arcs located opposite to each other (one smoothly flows into the other). Roundness, grace are the characteristic features of the cabriole. Style was an indicator of luxury and wealth in the 18th century.

  • Empire. Style came to us from antiquity. Its feature is the presence of a relief ornament. Often the legs of the tables are made in the form of paws of fabulous creatures - griffins or female figures. For manufacturing, you need dense wood that does not give chips.

  • Victorian era. These products are very beautiful. They often contain plant elements. Elongated forms, symmetrical ornament, gilded decor are the main features of the style.

  • Geometric style. Its basis is the correctness of forms and simplicity. The conical leg can be supplemented with a ball or a triangle. Sophisticated decor, carved elements in these models are missing. Such a table is perfectly combined with the interior of a modern apartment. Geometric elements perfectly emphasize the styles of minimalism and hi-tech.

  • Combined style. Designers often use several styles when creating their masterpieces, which gives the product a special flavor. Geometric shapes go well with carved decorative elements and curved lines.

Design options

Using various decor methods, you can turn the table leg into an exclusive, which none of your friends and acquaintances will have:

  • With the help of a chisel or other sharp object, patterns and ornaments are cut out on the surface. This technique is called carving.
  • Chisels, mother-of-pearl and ivory are essential for inlay work.
  • Individual elements of the legs can be covered with gold leaf, copper or bronze.
  • Lacquer is used as a wood coating. Often several layers are used. For antiques, their number can reach up to 200.

Stylish design tricks

Especially popular are design developments that are distinguished by non-standard and originality:

  • To give the living room an unusual, but at the same time modern look, a round table made of glass and wood will help. The transparent tabletop rests on three double wide legs of irregular shape. Glass gives lightness, airiness and at the same time allows you to see the pattern of wood.
  • An interesting technique is the use of bright colors. If the legs of the glass table are made to match the kitchen interior, they will become a color accent that is in harmony with the facade of the furniture. Randomly arranged, they will give originality.
  • Coffee tables are an essential attribute of any living room. Besides the fact that they have a beautiful appearance, their advantage is functionality. Niches, all kinds of shelves allow the owner to place various useful little things inside the table.
  • Tables in which the tabletop smoothly flows into the legs look especially interesting.

Wooden legs are able to turn the table into a real work of art. At the same time, designers use the most incredible forms.

How to do it yourself?

Handmade furniture is exclusive. Plus, the flight of fancy is not limited. Therefore, you can experiment make a stylish original little thing with minimal effort:

  • The sketch must first be transferred to paper. You can use your own version or apply what you see and like. Do not forget that the length of the legs of the dining and coffee tables is different. The simplest form of legs is bars.
  • After measuring, proceed to the purchase of material. Buy a little more wood than you calculated.
  • Finished legs must be polished so that the surface is absolutely smooth and does not injure the skin. Use varnishes and impregnations that protect against moisture.
  • It is not necessary that the legs at the table should be traditional. Use small long bars. Fold them in a chaotic manner, fastening them with self-tapping screws or wood glue. Place a glass top on top of the structure. The combination of glass and wood will give an amazing effect.

If you think that making table legs is difficult, know that it is not. A simple hand carpentry tool, not much coordination between hand and eye, and these guidelines will help you create traditionally beautiful table legs for your furniture. The photo on the left shows Cabriole Legs made of walnut, but with the same success, any dense hardwood can be used for their manufacture. Before taking on the actual production, I prepared 8 bars measuring 25 x 50 mm and gluing them together I got 4 blanks (legs) measuring 50 x 50 mm.

Selection of good wood for table legs.

It is better when the leg blank has a large supply of lumber. Always use a solid stock on stock, at least 1/4” wide and 4” longer than the finished Cabriole Legs, unless you plan to paint them. Otherwise, poor selection of fibers will spoil the appearance of the leg. Pay great attention to the selection of the structure of the wood and the direction of the fibers. The first step is to determine the size of the legs. Table legs come in a variety of sizes, but most often manufacturing starts with basic sizes 10/4”-16/4”. It is better when you prepare the blanks of the supports, do not touch them for several days, until the final formation of the blank. After you have decided on the size of the finished leg, you need to make your template. 3D View or S-Curves Fortunately, the 2D template makes it easy to mark and cut a 3D profile on a band saw. All that's left to do after the band saw is a bit of handwork to fine-tune the shape of the leg. The shape of the base template is made of plywood (chipboard) with a thickness of 1/4”. The template should be the same width as the Cabriole Legs and 4” longer than the finished leg length (28”).

Template layout.

Draw Freeform Curves

Now it's time to draw freehand curves. Do not hurry. Draw graceful arcs and don't be afraid to wipe or draw new ones. Draw the lines that remain with the tip of the pencil very bold. Use thin lines to sketch them out, which are easy to erase when you don't like the drawing. The back and front lines of the leg are slightly curved. A common mistake is to draw these lines straight.

Template making.

Once you've finished sketching out the leg, it's time to cut out the template with a bandsaw. Necessarily, it is needed for the final formation of the template.

Align the sawn edges of the template with sandpaper along the sketch line. By smoothing the contours of the lines, you can fine-tune the curved lines. Remember that this is a template and it requires a special approach to itself.

We transfer the Template to the Blank.

Before marking from the template to the leg, once again check the direction of the fibers and the structure of the wood, at the end of each leg, indicate with an arrow on which of the two sides the marking will be applied. Put all the blanks in one place and in one direction, this will help to avoid confusion in the future.

Lay your foot on a flat surface and use a pencil to transfer the outlines of the template to the indicated two sides of the foot. Check that the template has been migrated correctly.

Define a control point on the edge of the workpiece. From the top edge of the workpiece, measure the distance, usually to the point of greatest deflection of the line, and on both sides, measure the distance from the point to the curved lines. The same indicators indicate the correct transfer of the template dimensions. This distance will be needed in the future, when we form the leg. In the same place, on both sides, we leave a small jumper (bridge).

Cut out the shape of the leg.

Cut out the profile of the front and back of the first side of the leg with a band saw. Be sure to leave the bridges intact.

When the front side and back of the leg were cut out, many of the line markings on the second side of the leg were removed. These lines will be needed when we cut the second side. Attach the template and draw the lines.

Turn the workpiece 90 degrees and cut the second side of the leg. Notice how the bridges support the base of the leg while cutting. Cut out carefully. The goal is to remove as much material as possible, as cleanly as possible. This will reduce the amount of manual work later.

The bridges are cut off after the leg profile has been fully formed.

Here are the legs for the table after the cuts on the band saw. As you can see, the products have curves and a general shape, they just need some refinement. Here's where things get interesting.

Draw Model Lines

We mark on the first side of the modeling line, they will be needed for the final formation of the leg. Make marks with a pencil from the middle of the ankle at the bottom of the workpiece. Hold the pencil at a distance equal to half the thickness of the ankle. Use your middle finger as a depth gauge and draw a line that is parallel to all four edges on the profile. There is no need for precise marking of model lines. Remember that these are just recommendations.

The marking of model lines on the second side is carried out in the same way as on the first side.

Heel Shape

Formation of the heel of the foot. First, file the four corners with a hand saw. Cut around.

Remove the remains of the cut wood with a chisel. A rasp and sandpaper will help smooth the contour. Setting the workpiece in a vise with wooden jaws is a great way, it keeps the foot in one position and does not hurt the foot.

With a wooden table-top at the minimum financial expenses.

The house has been rebuilt and renovations are in progress. The kitchen was also ready at that time. The question was about the kitchen table. Stores were looking at wooden tables. Normal tables with a wooden top (not chipboard) cost from 3,000 rubles. After looking at the whole thing, I decided to make a table with my own hands.

To make the table I bought:

  1. type-setting wooden furniture board 60cm wide and 3m long (there was no less),
  2. wooden beam 4 x 4 cm,
  3. 4 table legs. (they are sold in furniture fittings stores),
  4. screw nuts for fastening the legs.

Everything about everything took 1500 rubles.

The dimensions of our future table are 60 cm by 160 cm (half of the furniture board), based on the size of the kitchen), so the cost of the table was set at just over 1000 rubles.


Having cut the tabletop to the size of the table, I set about sawing the ends of the timber at 45 degrees.

The beam is necessary to stiffen the countertop. We start it around the perimeter of the table from the bottom side. Without a bar, the tabletop will sag.

We apply the blanks of the bars to the countertop and check whether everything fits together without gaps.

We fasten the beam to the countertop with screws.


On the reverse side of the tabletop we mark the places for attaching the legs and holes.



We drill holes in the countertop for the screws. Drill diameter - 10 mm. Screw nut diameter - 12 mm.
To facilitate the screwing of the nut, you can set the stroke with a tap to 12mm. The pitch of the tap is equal to the pitch of the thread on the screw nut.

We do all this with four legs.

The table is ready and stands on legs. Let's start sanding and varnishing it.

I cleaned the table with sandpaper, first 80, then finer - 150. I made the edges of the table and bars a little rounded. Somewhere irregularities moonlighted.



After careful polishing, I proceeded to varnish the table.

We had a matte varnish (we took it earlier to cover the floor). After applying the first layer, let the varnish dry. After drying, the pile rises. Again we pass with fine sandpaper and cover with a second layer of varnish.

If necessary, after the second layer, we also sand it with sandpaper and varnish the table, as I did.


The table is ready!

Instead of metal legs, you can also use a square beam or ready-made balusters, which are sold ready-made.

Probably when I make another table, I will use balusters. They come in different sizes. It is desirable to use balusters with a diameter of more than 70 mm. They are also fastened with screws.

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