Round Modern Dining Table Base

round modern dining table base
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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 Build your own round modern dining table with free plans from Ana-White.com

A couple years ago, we built a round dining table for our main family table, and we LOVE it!  It has served us so well, feeling cozy with just our family, but easily adapting to more guests - just pull up a chair.

farmhouse dining table

But the base wasn't quite right for our family.  We have a 1 year old who feeds herself.  Food falls everywhere.  And it's hard to clean under the openings in the legs.  And why on earth would I paint it white???  

So I decided to keep the same tabletop, but change out the base to something simple and easy to clean around that is NOT white. Two 2x6 boards later ....

Build your own dining table top

We couldn't be happier with how it turned out and love the simple design that will make our life easier.

 

Video Tutorial

You can watch this table being built in our video tutorial here:

 

What About the Tabletop?

We built our own round dining tabletop in this post (with video tutorial) and it has held up well and been nothing but awesome for us.  It wasn't hard, but was definitely time consuming and made a big mess.

So if building a perfect round tabletop seems intimidating (or more mess than you want to sign up for), don't worry!  You can buy an unfinished round tabletop on Etsy for marginally more than materials.  

 

Pinnable Image

If you have a second to pin, we greatly appreciate pinning and it helps our website out.  Here's an image you can use:

diy modern round dining table

Dimensions
round dining table dimensions
Dimensions for 48" and 60" tables

Preparation

Shopping List

For 48" Base

  • 2 - 2x6 @ 8 feet or stud length
  • 24 - 2-1/2" pocket hole screws

For 60" Base

  • 2 - 2x6 @ 10 feet or stud length
  • 24 - 2-1/2" pocket hole screws

 

Divide the cuts evenly between the two boards.

You will also need screws for attaching the tabletop.  If your tabletop is 1-1/2" thick you can use the 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.

Cut List

Cut List for 48" Table Base

  • 4 - 2x6 @ 28-1/2"
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 23" 
  • 4 - 2x6 @ 8-3/4"

Cut List for 60" Table Base

  • 4 - 2x6 @ 28-1/2"
  • 2 - 2x6 @ 34" *
  • 4 - 2x6 @ 14-1/4" *

*I added one inches to the 60" table base from the diagrams, because I felt like it needed to be slightly larger to reduce potential tipping.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander
General Instructions

I recommend presanding all the boards first.

Carefully cut out the 2x6 boards on the compound miter saw.

Drill two 1-1/2" pocket holes on both ends of every board except for the four leg boards (28-1/2" length).

Instructions

Step 1

Attach the longer 2x6 boards to the legs to create a rectangle.  Use 2-1/2" pocket hole screws and glue.

Step 2

Attach the shorter remaining pieces to the remaining legs with 2-1/2" pocket hole screws.

Find the center of the rectangles from step 1 and attach the C pieces to it with 2-1/2" pocket holes and glue.

Step 3

Attach base to the tabetop underside.

Comments

Anzura

Mon, 10/05/2020 - 19:40

Went hunting table bases for my glass round at all the usual stores and online. Everything is crazy expensive! Made this for $50 and it turned out great! Will put clear rubber bumpers on top for the glass to sit on.
Cut list for the 48" base adds up to more than 16'. I took off 1/2" from all cuts except legs. Also, I suggest adding the smaller pieces to the first rectangle before you attach second set of legs or else you won't be able to get drill in to pocket holes. That will make sense when you see it in person.

ileneshopper

Mon, 02/01/2021 - 05:18

Hi, I finished this table base yesterday and I absolutely love it. This is the first time I’ve ever made anything like it on my own. I have a traditional table now that I want to take apart and repaint so I can use the old top with the new base. Can you explain how to attach the old top to the new modern base. Please be basic :)... this is all new to me. Thanks!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!