Looking for a quick and practical woodworking project? This sitting table was designed and built by Chris from A Glimpse Inside, and it’s perfect for any garage or outdoor space. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a functional and stylish sitting table using just one sheet of plywood.
Materials
- (1) Sheet of 3/4″ Baltic Birch Plywood
- Wood Glue
- Brad Nails
- Adjustable Feet
- Paste Wax
- Polyurethane (for finish)
Tools
- Table Saw
- Orbital Sander
- Drill
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Clamps
- Foam Brush
- Crosscut Sled
- Stop Block
Step 1: Preparing the Plywood
Start by cutting your 3/4″ Baltic Birch plywood into strips. You’ll want to make 2-inch wide strips, but feel free to adjust based on your design preferences. Remember to mark the center of each strip to avoid nailing into that area later.
Step 2: Laminating the Legs
Now, take three strips and laminate them together using wood glue and brad nails. Alternate the direction of the brads as you layer them for added strength. Once the legs are dry, cut them to the desired height.
Step 3: Cutting the Trim
Cut the trim that will go around the tabletop. This adds a nice finishing touch and ensures everything looks polished. Make sure all the pieces are the same length using a crosscut sled and stop block.
Step 4: Assembling the Table
Join the legs to the aprons using pocket hole joinery. Be cautious about the direction of the pocket holes; they should face upwards to secure the tabletop. Use clamps to keep everything snug as you assemble.
Step 5: Adding a Shelf
For added functionality, you can include a shelf. Attach spacers with blue tape at even levels, then add a piece of plywood perpendicular to the aprons to create the shelf.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Apply a homemade wipe-on polyurethane finish to the tabletop, using equal parts mineral spirits, boiled linseed oil, and polyurethane. This will protect the wood and enhance its beauty.
Step 7: Final Reveal
Once the finish is dry, buff it out and apply a coat of paste wax to protect the surface. This will help any spills bead up and make cleanup easier.
Conclusion
This project not only provides a practical solution for your outdoor space but also makes for a heartfelt gift. Chris built this table for his grandfather-in-law, who needed a sitting table for his garage.