This project was built and designed by Jeff and Jon from Today’s Craftsmen. It’s a refined cherry trestle table that balances strength, style, and woodworking precision—an ideal centerpiece for any dining space.
Designed with durability in mind and shaped with careful tapering and traditional joinery, this table stands out as both a functional and aesthetic build. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or guidance, Jeff’s approach to this project offers valuable insights for woodworkers at any level.
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Design Overview
The trestle table is built from solid cherry, selected for its rich color and aging beauty. Measuring about seven feet long and just over three feet wide, the table is large enough for family gatherings but built with a visual lightness thanks to strategic design elements.
One key feature is the underside tapering of the tabletop, which makes the piece feel less bulky and more refined. Combined with a tapered trestle base and a sturdy central stretcher, this design achieves an ideal mix of elegance and stability.
Materials and Tools
While a full cut list isn’t covered in the summary, the major materials include cherry lumber for the tabletop and legs, wood glue for long-lasting joints, and hardware for structural support.
Key tools used in the build include:
- A power planer for edge shaping
- A bandsaw for curved joinery cuts
- A sander for smoothing surfaces
- A variety of clamps and layout tools for precise assembly
Jeff’s process shows that with a good workspace and steady attention to detail, a project like this can come together beautifully.
Preparing the Cherry Lumber
The project begins with breaking down the cherry wood. Boards are flattened and dimensioned to size, ensuring clean mating surfaces and consistent thickness throughout the build.
This step is all about laying the groundwork. Getting the lumber right early prevents headaches later when assembling large, interlocking parts.
Building the Trestle Base
Each trestle leg is made from thick cherry boards glued together to form a strong core. Jeff uses floating tenons to join the cross members and vertical supports, allowing for sturdy, clean joints that won’t distract from the finished look.
The legs are tapered toward the bottom, giving the base a lighter visual footprint while still supporting the full weight of the tabletop. All cuts are done with accuracy to ensure square assembly and a solid foundation.
Constructing the Tabletop
With the base complete, Jeff moves on to the tabletop. Several boards are glued up to create the surface, which is then trimmed to final dimensions and tapered along the underside edges.
This subtle design choice removes visual bulk, giving the table an airy feel despite its size. It’s a detail that separates this table from bulkier, more traditional builds and gives it a refined, modern silhouette.
Sanding and Surface Prep
After the main structure is complete, Jeff sands each component thoroughly. This includes rounding over edges, removing glue lines, and leveling any minor inconsistencies.
Cherry wood responds well to sanding, and the goal is to highlight its natural grain and color. A fine grit is used to prepare the surface for oil, wax, or another clear finish of choice.
Final Assembly
The last step involves carefully aligning and joining the tabletop to the base. Jeff double-checks measurements and clamps the parts in place to ensure everything remains level and square.
Once the table is assembled, minor touch-ups are made to fine-tune the finish and check for any gaps or inconsistencies. The result is a rock-solid, heirloom-quality table ready for years of daily use.
Why This Table Stands Out
This trestle table is more than just a piece of furniture—it’s a statement of craftsmanship. With floating tenon joinery, carefully shaped tapers, and solid cherry throughout, it’s built to last and age beautifully.
The thoughtful proportions and timeless design make it equally suitable for casual family dinners or holiday gatherings. Even better, the skills involved are within reach for many intermediate woodworkers, especially with guidance like this.
Try the Project Yourself
Free plans for this trestle table are available on the Today’s Craftsmen website, making it easy to adapt the design to your space and style. Whether you’re working in a full shop or a garage setup, the techniques Jeff uses are practical and repeatable.
If you’re looking to tackle a rewarding build that pushes your skills while delivering a stunning result, this project is worth your attention.
Please support Jeff and Jon by visiting their website: https://todayscraftsmen.com/.