This project was built and designed by Mike from Oregon Makers. It features a pair of sleek, plywood-based hairpin tables that blend Mid-Century Modern and Industrial design, perfect for living rooms, offices, or minimalist interiors.
The focus here is on creating clean, finished edges on plywood and achieving a polished, high-contrast look. With careful prep, attention to detail, and simple materials, Mike shows how plywood can be elevated into something stylish and professional.
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Finishing Before Cutting: A Smart First Step
One of the standout techniques in this project is starting the finishing process before any cuts are made. This ensures that the plywood surface is perfectly clean and that the finish remains intact along all edges.
By applying stain and sealer to full sheets of plywood first, Mike avoids the common problem of unfinished or chipped plywood edges. This method also allows for a consistent sheen and color across all table parts, even after shaping.
Sanding and Surface Prep
Before applying any finish, the plywood is sanded with fine-grit sandpaper to remove rough spots and prepare the surface. Mike sands in both directions using 220 grit to smooth out the face veneers without damaging them.
Once the surface is clean, it’s wiped down thoroughly with rags. Instead of using a tack cloth, Mike prefers denatured alcohol, which evaporates quickly and doesn’t leave behind any residue that could interfere with the finish.
Staining for a Deep, Modern Look
To match a client’s cabinet color, Mike uses Varathane’s Carbon Gray stain. This product brings out the wood grain while delivering a dark, smoky tone that complements modern interiors.
Stain is applied generously with a foam brush to avoid streaks and ensure even coverage. Multiple thin coats are applied with drying time in between to control the depth of color and let the grain shine through naturally.
Clean Cuts After Finishing
Once the panels are finished, the plywood is cut down to its final size using a track saw. This tool provides smooth, straight cuts without tearout, which is especially important when working with pre-finished surfaces.
Instead of a standard rounded profile, the table edges are shaped to have a pillowed, softened look inspired by the curves of Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mike achieves this with a specialized router bit, giving the tables a subtle and elegant contour.
Building a Solid Base
Because the tabletop is made from ¾-inch plywood, extra thickness is needed to give the hairpin legs a solid base to attach to. Mike solves this by building a secondary plywood layer underneath.
This base layer is glued and screwed into place with pre-drilled holes to prevent splitting. The added support not only strengthens the table but also gives it a more substantial visual weight.
Light Sanding and Poly Finish
After base assembly, Mike gives the surface a once-over using a white Scotch Brite pad. This allows him to smooth the finish without cutting through the stain or sealer underneath.
Another coat of polyurethane is applied at this stage to build up protection and give the piece a subtle satin sheen. Strict attention is paid to drying time between coats to prevent clouding or unevenness.
Installing Hairpin Legs
With the finishing work complete, the final step is attaching the hairpin legs. These metal legs add an industrial contrast to the warm wood tones and provide stable support with a light footprint.
Mike uses alignment tools and layout lines to position each leg evenly. Once attached, the legs complete the look—clean, modern, and functional.
Why the Edge Detail Stands Out
The slight pillow effect on the edges gives the tables a handcrafted feel without being overworked. This detail sets them apart from mass-produced furniture and shows that plywood can be used creatively, not just structurally.
By shaping and finishing the edges carefully, Mike transforms basic plywood into something visually refined. It’s a simple move that elevates the whole project.
A Stylish Blend of Two Design Worlds
These tables blend Mid-Century simplicity with Industrial boldness. The combination of soft plywood edges and rugged metal legs creates a well-balanced piece that works in a variety of spaces.
The project also shows how woodworking doesn’t always require expensive hardwoods or complex joinery. With good design choices and strong finishing techniques, basic materials can still produce striking results.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Mike’s channel: