This project was built and designed by Tom from Alley Picked.
It’s a one-day build that combines portability, clean design, and smart joinery to create a folding table that’s both functional and refined.
The entire build is made from poplar—an often overlooked wood species that offers the perfect balance of light weight and structural strength.
With just basic tools, some careful layout, and thoughtful finishing, Tom creates a table that’s easy to carry, smooth to fold, and elegant to look at.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Tom’s channel:
Why Poplar Was the Right Choice
Poplar tends to be underrated in the woodworking world, often used for internal furniture components or painted trim.
But Tom makes the case for poplar as a great option for functional furniture like this folding table.
It’s lightweight, has consistent grain, and machines well. That makes it ideal for a table that’s meant to be moved around and used frequently, especially when portability is key.
Prepping and Shaping the Material
Tom begins by cutting and sanding all the pieces down to size, using an 80-grit belt sander to remove mill marks and saw blade scars. This early prep helps ensure a smooth final finish and cleaner glue or wax application.
The edges of the supports and legs are rounded using a simple trick: a compass set to half the width of the board is used to mark the curves.
These rounded ends aren’t just decorative—they’re also where the folding action takes place with dowel pivots installed later.
Designing the Folding Function
What sets this build apart is its folding mechanism. Rather than screwing down through the tabletop, Tom drills pilot holes from underneath, keeping the top surface completely clean.
He uses two drill bits: one for the full-depth pilot hole and a second, larger bit to recess the screw head.
This small detail improves both strength and appearance while allowing disassembly if needed.
The table legs are built in pairs—inner and outer—with horizontal braces connecting each set. No diagonal bracing is used, giving the table a cleaner silhouette and easier folding motion.
Installing the Dowel Hinges
Folding tables live or die by the placement of their pivot points. Tom carefully measures and drills dowel holes so the legs can rotate smoothly when folded flat or opened for use.
To keep the dowels from rotating within the leg holes, he drives a nail through the leg into the top of each dowel.
This locks them in place while still allowing smooth leg movement, a small but important design consideration.
Wax Finish for Look and Performance
Instead of opting for stain or polyurethane, Tom finishes the project with wax. This gives the poplar wood a subtle sheen while also helping moving parts—like the folding legs—glide more smoothly.
Using compressed air, Tom removes all sanding dust before applying the finish. For application, he uses a specialized waxing brush with a pointed, tapered shape. This allows him to work wax deep into corners and recesses for even coverage.
The wax used is a custom blend Tom calls “Slip and Shine,” which he also offers for sale on his website.
The finish enhances the soft green and brown hues of the poplar, bringing out natural grain variation that looks better than you’d expect from such an affordable wood.
What Makes This Table Stand Out
Tom’s table isn’t just a fast build—it’s a thoughtful one. Every detail, from the rounded leg ends to the under-mounted screws, is designed to improve usability without adding complexity.
The poplar wood keeps the weight low, the dowel hinges create a smooth folding action, and the wax finish protects the surface while allowing parts to move easily. It’s a great example of how planning and simplicity can come together for a satisfying result.
Helpful Tips for Similar Builds
Tom offers several takeaways for woodworkers thinking of building a folding table:
- Use poplar or another lightweight wood if portability is a goal
- Mark and sand early to speed up final finishing
- Measure dowel and hinge positions carefully—these affect performance
- Choose a finish that complements your table’s function, not just appearance
- Consider avoiding surface screws for a cleaner tabletop
This project shows how a few smart design choices can turn a basic material into something surprisingly elegant.
Lightweight, Functional, and Easy to Build
Whether you need an extra work surface, a camping table, or just a project to hone your joinery and finishing skills, this folding table fits the bill.
Tom’s efficient approach, combined with thoughtful design, proves that simple builds can still feel high-end.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Tom’s channel: