DIY Furniture Plans to Build a Smaller Monroe Dining Table

A Catalog Knock-Off Dining Table in a Smaller Size

The original plan for this table is a huge build perfect for entertaining, holiday dinners, or if you just want to build a large table but what if you love the table and have a smaller space? I’ve got you covered! The DIY furniture plans to build a smaller Monroe Dining Table, inspired by World Market, uses straight off-the-shelf lumber, and is also the perfect plan for any skill level! It has two leg columns underneath, tied together with one stretcher and also features a planked top with breadboard ends.

As with the original plan, I’ve included a template for the curved braces which can easily be cut with a jigsaw or a bandsaw. It can be built for around $50, and can be completed in a weekend!

Materials:

• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 2-1/2″ screws
• 1/4″ x 4″ lag screws (<– affiliate link!) with T-30 torx bit for a drill
• Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grits)
• Finishing Supplies

Lumber:

• 10 – 2×4 at 8′
• 1 – 2×6 at 8′
• 1 – 2×10 at 8′
• 1 – 4×4 at 8′

Cut List:

• 2 – 4×4 at 25-1/2″ – Leg Base
• 2 – 2×4 at 36″ – Leg Base
• 2 – 2×4 at 31-1/2″ – Leg Base
• 8 – 2×10 at 9-1/4″ – Leg Base Braces
• 1 – 2×4 at 41″ – Leg Stretcher
• 2 – 2×6 at 42″ – Ends and Center of Top
• 12- 2×4 at 48″ – Top
• 2 – 2×4 at 39″ – Top Supports

Notes About the Project:

• This table is a beast, so use caution when lifting the top (or the entire table, for that matter) and have a buddy around!
• It may be easier to thoroughly sand each piece prior to assembly.
• Finish the top and the base separately, then assemble.
• Contact me if you have any questions!

Step One

Cut the pieces for the leg bases. In the 36″ 2x4s, cut a 45° bevel in each end and sand so that the hard edges are slightly rounded over. Secure the 2x4s for the bases to the 4x4s using glue and the 1/4″ x 4″ lag screws. The screws for the top may have to be countersunk to allow for the top. (Use a Forstner bit at the same diameter as the head of the lag screws to pre-drill a shallow hole.)

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the braces. There are four pages to the template – the pages are taped together with the registration marks aligned, then cut out and traced onto the wood.

The templates can be found here: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4.

Cut out the braces using a jigsaw or a bandsaw. Position the leg braces so they are centered on the 2x4s and 4×4 that make up the leg base, securing in place with 2-1/2″ screws. The screws can be driven from the underside of the 2x4s, and toe-nailed through the braces into the 4×4.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the leg stretcher. Instead of drilling pocket holes on one wider flat surface of the stretchers, drill one pocket hole on each edge at each end which will allow the stretchers to be secured from the top and bottom with the pocket holes being hidden. DO NOT USE GLUE so that the stretcher can be removed from the leg bases if the table needs to be disassembled.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the top and drill pocket holes in each end of the 2×4 pieces. Assemble the top as shown, using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the top supports, and cut a 45°bevel in each end of each piece. Secure the supports to the underside of the top, as shown, using glue and 2-1/2″ screws.

Step Six

Position the leg assemblies upside down on the underside of the top. Secure in place using 2-1/2″ screws through the 2x4s in the base into the underside of the top. DO NOT GLUE THE TOP TO THE BASE in case the table needs to be disassembled.

This plan is the perfect choice for any skill level, and can be completed in a weekend! If properly finished (or constructed using exterior-rated wood), this would be a fabulous table for outdoor entertaining! Have questions about the DIY furniture plans to build a smaller Monroe Dining Table? Leave a comment below!