Build a Ballard Designs Inspired Tatum Trestle Counter Table

A New Knock-Off Dining Table – DIY Furniture Plans

This quick to build table is very inexpensive and is a great way to showcase your awesome building skills! The DIY furniture plans to build a Ballard Designs Inspired Tatum Trestle Counter Table is built using 2x4s, 4x4s and a double layer of plywood for the top making for a super fabulous counter-height table! This table is the perfect project for those new to furniture building and can be completed in a weekend!

Materials:

• 2-1/2″ screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 3″ screws
• 4 – 5″ x 3/8″ lag screws
• 2″ wide edge banding
• Contact cement
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Tools Needed:

• Miter saw or circular saw
• Table saw (to rip plywood – most home improvement centers will do this for you)
• Drill
• 3/8″ drill bit for the lag screws
• 3/8″ socket wrench for the lag screws
• Iron and cutter for edge banding
• Sander

Lumber:

• 2 – 2×4 at 6′
• 2 – 4×4 at 8′
• 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×4 at 30″ – Top & Bottom Supports
• 4 – 2×4 at 5″ – Bottom Support Feet
• 1 – 4×4 at 30″ – Leg
• 8 – 4×4 at 13-13/16″ – Bracing
• 1 – 4×4 at 29″ – Center Bracing
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 30″ x 48″ – Top

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Notes About the Project:

Mending plates can be used on the outside of the joints of each leg assembly for a more industrial look to the table!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the top and bottom supports, as well as the bottom support feet. Cut a 45° bevel in each end of the support pieces as well as one end of each support foot.

Secure the feet to the bottom support using glue and countersunk 2-1/2″ screws. Refer to the drawing for placement.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the legs. Secure the legs to the center of each bottom support using glue and countersunk 3″ (or longer, if desired) screws.

Secure the top support to the top of the leg as indicated in the drawing using glue and countersunk 3″ (or longer, if desired) screws.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the bracing and cut 45° angles in each end. Secure the bracing pieces to the top and bottom supports, and legs as shown in the drawing securing in place using glue and toenailed 3″ screws.

Step Four

Cut the piece for the center brace. Mark the position for the center brace on the legs and pre-drill the holes for the lag screws using a 3/8″ drill bit. Insert the lag screws and secure the center brace using the 3/8″ socket wrench. The lag screws can be spray painted prior to securing them to the leg assemblies.

Finish the leg base as desired.

Step Five

Cut the plywood pieces for the top. Apply contact cement to one face of each piece and let it dry. With a helper, flip one piece over and position on top of the other piece. Make sure the pieces line up before letting the contact cement surfaces touch. Press down on the pieces to make sure the surfaces make contact. Apply edge banding to the exposed edges of the plywood.

Finish the top as desired.

Step Six

Position the top face down on a flat surface. Position the the leg base assembly upside down, on the underside of the table top then secure in place using glue and countersunk 2-1/2″ screws.

With the holidays coming up, this table is a quick solution to adding extra table space for entertaining! Have any questions about the DIY furniture plans to build a Ballard Designs Inspired Tatum Trestle Counter Table? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2016-10-19 08:00:47.