A table at which we gather, discuss our daily lives with loved ones, share meals, and relax.  This table is the “Dining Table”.  Everyone needs some sort of table to eat at and nothing varies more than this one.  Every culture has variations but what remains constant is the utility of the table.  It has a purpose and is more than mere decoration.

Many will find that the dining table will be at the top of the list of first projects.  It’s often the project that gets one into woodworking.  You need a new table, and you think to yourself “I can build that”.  And you’re right.  The ease at which one can put together a basic table makes it accessible to almost anyone.  It’s a project that can be completed in a fairly short time frame and when done it can be put to use immediately and enjoyed by everyone that dines at it.

Of all the dining tables I’ve crafted over the years one of my favorites is the trestle table.  It stands out as a beautiful and functional design. The complete lack of any skirts under the top will give you and your guests a huge amount of legroom, which I especially appreciate being a tall guy.  It works equally well with chairs of varying sizes and shapes as it does with benches.   Over time I’ve refined the design and have ended up with the clean, simple, and robust piece you see pictured at the top of this article.  If you’re interested in building one I’ve got plans available here.  Check it out and let me know what you think.

Regardless of what style you choose the dining table is a fun project that will give you great satisfaction as you gather around it with family and friends.  If you’re considering building one but you’re not quite sure where to start then you’re not alone.   Below I’d like to offer a few thoughts I have on this type of project.  I hope that it may nudge you in the right direction, so you find yourself in the shop crafting that new masterpiece, soon than later. 

The two things that will have the greatest influence on your new table will be the budget and the tools available.  Fortunately, you have options in both areas.  Realistically you could make a table from framing lumber using a circular saw, router, and sander.   If you can push the budget a bit then I’d upgrade the materials before I’d upgrade the tools.  If you can afford even more then a few new fancy tools wouldn’t hurt.  If you can afford even more, well you see where this is going.  It’s a slippery slope.

Pick a design that’s simple for your first table.  Some designs can appear simple until you dig into them.  Avoid the temptation to “Go Big” for the first table.  Taking on something that is just too much may quickly take the wind out of your sails.  The goal is to have fun and spend more time using the table with family and friends than ignoring them while you spend every weekend for months toiling away in your shop.  

Pick a wood that isn’t too hard to work.  Notice I didn’t say easy.  There’s going to be a lot of effort put into this table and a species that machines well, sands fairly easily, and readily takes the finish you choose will make your life a lot easier.  A little forethought on this aspect of the project will pay dividends in the long run.  Search around your local area and see if you can find someone, with some wood laying around, they’re willing to part with for a good deal.  I’ve been through more than a few barns pulling dusty boards out of the rafters where they’ve been sitting for years.  This approach to material acquisition is extra rewarding when you find that stash you just otherwise couldn’t afford.

Choose a simple finish that will protect your table as much as possible.  Finishing wood can be a difficult process at times and nothing is more heartbreaking than spending a huge amount of time on a project, getting to the very end, then ruining the piece on the last step.  Trust me it’s not something you want to experience.  There are endless options when it comes to wood finishes so do a little research and get a good understanding of what level of protection you’re going to want on your new table.   Take into consideration the environment in which you’ll be applying the finish.  Some are very temperamental to temperature and humidity so choose a finish that will work well for your specific situation.

Taking the above into consideration before starting your new table will undoubtedly set you up for success.  Your first table will likely not be your last, so make it a fun experience and enjoy sharing your new creation with others.  Before too long you may find yourself sitting at that table with pencil and paper sketching out your next masterpiece.

Have fun, be careful, and remember “Make it Or Die Trying.