This project was built and designed by Ben from Clean Cut Woodworks. It’s a seven-foot-long white oak dining table that blends traditional proportions with modern techniques for strength and elegance.
Ben walks through each stage of the build—from lumber prep to final assembly—highlighting methods that balance precision with practicality. Whether you’re building your first table or your tenth, this guide offers ideas you can adapt for other furniture builds too.
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Planning and Lumber Prep
Ben begins with a clear plan for a table that stands about 30 inches tall and spans 40 inches wide. The first step is preparing the legs, which are cut to rough length with extra material left for later trimming.
Because rough boards can be cupped or bowed, Ben avoids the table saw at this stage. Instead, he uses a bandsaw for safer, more controlled cuts on uneven stock. This keeps the operation smooth and helps avoid kickback when squaring up larger timbers.
Shaping and Tapering the Legs
Once rough cuts are made, the legs are squared using a jointer. This step ensures all four sides are clean, straight, and ready for layout.
Ben adds a subtle taper to the legs to lighten their visual weight. Instead of setting up a tapering jig, he freehands the cut on the bandsaw and then refines it on the jointer. It’s a smart method that avoids extra setup time while still achieving crisp, even tapers.
Building the Apron with Accurate Joinery
The apron provides the structural framework that holds the legs and supports the tabletop. Ben carefully measures and cuts the apron pieces to fit between the legs with a slight overhang planned for the tabletop.
To connect the apron to the legs, Ben uses a Domino joiner for quick, strong joints. This tool allows for perfectly aligned mortises on both parts, helping keep the frame square and tight during assembly.
Base Assembly and Glue-Up
Once the joinery is cut, the table base is glued and clamped. Ben checks for square and makes sure the clamping pressure is even across the frame.
Grain direction is also considered to minimize movement over time. With proper glue application and clamping, the result is a solid base ready to support a large tabletop.
Constructing the Tabletop
For the tabletop, Ben selects white oak boards with matching grain and color. These are cut to length and joined edge-to-edge using more Domino connectors.
The Dominoes help keep the boards flat during glue-up, which is crucial when working with longer panels. Alternating clamp placement—above and below the panel—helps prevent bowing during the glue process.
Once dry, the top is sanded in multiple passes, starting with a coarse grit and moving to finer grits. This prepares the surface for finishing and reveals the beauty of the white oak.
Securing the Top with Expansion in Mind
To attach the tabletop to the base, Ben cuts wooden buttons that fit into grooves along the apron. These buttons are designed to allow seasonal wood movement, sliding slightly in the groove as humidity changes.
Each button is set slightly below the surface of the tabletop. This setup ensures that the table can expand and contract naturally without cracking or stressing the joints.
Applying a Durable Finish
For the final step, Ben applies a finish to enhance and protect the wood. Rubio Monocoat is a popular choice for hardwood tables because it penetrates deeply while leaving a natural, matte finish.
One coat is usually enough, and the product cures quickly. After wiping away excess and allowing proper drying time, the table is ready for everyday use.
A Practical Project with Timeless Appeal
The completed table measures about seven feet long and comfortably seats six to eight people. Its clean lines, tapered legs, and smooth finish give it a refined look that fits a variety of interior styles.
Ben’s process emphasizes solid joinery and straightforward techniques, making the build accessible without compromising quality. Even if you don’t have a Domino cutter, you can use dowels or traditional mortise-and-tenon joints to achieve similar results.
This project is a reminder that building your own furniture can be both practical and rewarding. It offers a hands-on experience and a finished product that adds long-term value to your home.
Please support Ben by visiting his website: https://cleancutwoodworks.com/.