If you’re like me, you have surely wondered how to save space and make more room at home. If that’s the case, you’re going to love these foldable furniture.
Tables take up so much space, it’s crazy. This is why I’ve found folding tables to be a lifesaver.
Now, the size or shape of the table is not a big deal. We need all sorts of tables, depending on the purpose of use.
But if it’s simple in design, it’s easy to make folding table legs yourself. It’s also easier to carry around or throw in the backseat of your car.
Alright, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What are your options?
There’s no end to the number of designs and material you can choose to build your table legs with. So, first decide what you are actually going to use the table for.
You can choose from a variety of types of legs, depending on what you want. Maybe you need a camping folding table. Or you just want a table that you can carry around, like a detachable folding table.
Also if your table is compact, it doesn’t take that much space even when unfolded. You can tuck it into any old corner of your house.
Crossbar folding tables look quite different (and frankly, amazing) from regular furniture items. It is low-weight. So transportation is as easy as that. They are also quite easy to do by hand.
Common and popular folding table designs
Shape of top: square, round, rectangular, or oval.
Material: metal, wood, or combined.
Decision time
Before you start, be honest about your capabilities. What I’m saying is, if you’re not too experienced building stuff, choose a structure that won’t give you a hard time. Be kind to yourself!
The style of the table’s legs will vary depending on the size of the table. Are you going for a dinner table? Or will it be a small camping/fishing table?
If you want a table that comfortably seats 4-6 people then a cross-leg folded table is excellent. But, if you want a table that seats more than six, then you may need to go for a hinge-fold table.
Made a choice?
Great, now any design scheme for folding tables has two important parts: scheme legs and crossbars. Don’t forget to make adjustments to load capacity according to the dimensions you want.
Tools and Materials
Your choice of tools will, of course, change with your choice of material: wood, chipboard, aluminum. Wood is a better option for DIY projects, as it is easier to work with. I’d go for a chipboard tabletop because of their great quality.
Set of tools:
• Jigsaw
• Building level
• Paint brushes
• Roulette
• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper or sander
You need a bit of experience to use a sander. Keep in mind that using sandpaper will significantly slow you down.
As for the material, it all depends on the dimensions of the structure. For example, if you want a larger table, go for 30×50 mm bars instead of 20×45.
The length of bars may be different as well: 1.2m, 5m, and so on.
Also decide on the countertop thickness. For a larger construction, 40 mm will do.
Assembly
STEP 1: PREPARE THE BARS
I recommend you join the bars of the legs with self-tapping screws and M4 bolts. Choose a length for the joint according to the length of the legs.
You’ll need self-supporting screws to fix the foot supports, and then use bolts to connect the legs. Before that, cut out the required number of bars with a small margin.
STEP 2: SAND THE BARS
The size of the holes should be slightly larger than that of the legs. For example, for M4 screws/bolts you should make 5mm holes. Finish cutting the bars.
Next, use the sandpaper/sander to smooth it out. Also, it’s a good idea to put a protective layer on top, like a varnish.
STEP 3: DRILL THE HOLES
It’s time to drill holes in the bars. First, fix the foot supports, all four of them.
Hold the pieces together perpendicularly and drill a hole at the center of the bars. Tighten the self-tapping screws into the hole.
The location of the hole depends on the length of the crossbars connecting the legs.
STEP 4: JOIN THE LEGS
Are you with me ‘til now? Now it’s time to knock down the crossbar and the two legs.
Now you must join the two legs in parallel so that they connect but can also move together. Don’t tighten the screws too much! Otherwise, there won’t be a free rotation at the axis.
Instead, to prevent loosening, use lock nuts on the two sections of the cross-shaped joint.
To make it even more compact when folded, you can dismantle the bolted joint of the leg supports. That should be enough to remove the two bolts.
There you go, you did it! Pat yourself on the back, grab a drink, and sit back and enjoy your fine handiwork.
Tips and Warnings
The length of the table legs can vary, but typically they are 3 ft. for a table of standard height. Always wear safety glasses and gloves if you use a circular saw. It will protect your eyes from pieces of wood and other flying debris.
I know it looks sturdy, but don’t put too much weight or pressure on the table. It is easy to tip over a folding table. In a similar vein, don’t let children stand over it, for obvious reasons. Happy building!