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Drop Leaf Round Storage Table

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Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 09/12/2012 - 10:40
Difficulty
Intermediate
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About Project

How to build a drop leaf storage table with free, simple, step by step plans from Ana-White.com

Good luck building your own drop leaf storage table and please share photos with us when you are done! Can't wait to see!

For years now, I've been wanting to make this table.

It's inspired by the Pottery Barn Shayne Table, but mine is a little smaller to fit my smaller space, and also optimized for lumber cuts. And I put caster wheels on mine.

You see, we have this itty bitty dining room - which is just right for my itty bitty family of three. But our family of three can expand exponentially with one relative popping in to say hello and ending up staying for dinner. This happens quite often.

With this new table, we can go from seating for a few ...

To seating for quite a few more

By just pulling the leaf up.

And then it's quick and easy to go back to the small table that is much easier to walk around.

I don't know why I've waited so long to build this table. Once I drew the plans up and started working, it was only a few hours to build it! And using leftover 1x16s from my closet, the total cost of this project was about $50!

Here's a breakdown of costs

2 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long - $24
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long $4
2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long $3
1 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long $5
Set of 4 2" caster wheels - $4
2 - Sets Drop Leaf Table Supports - $7
2 - Sets Basic Hinges - $2

$50 bucks! Beat that with a stick ... uh, I mean board!!!!

Enjoy the plans!

Dimensions
Dimensions shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

2 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long
1 – 1x4 @ 8 feet long
2 – 1x3 @ 8 feet long
2 – 1x12 @ 8 feet long
1 – ½ sheet ¾” plywood
2 - sets of basic hinges
2 - Drop Leaf Support 8 inch Pair
4 - 2" caster wheels

Common Materials
1-1/4" Pocket Hole Screws
Elmer's Wood Glue
Elmer's Wood Filler
Cut List

4 – 2x2 @ 26 ¼”
2 – 1x4 @ 15 ¾”
4 – 1x3 @ 15 ¾”
2 – ¾” Plywood 15 ¾” x 28”
2 – 1x4 @ 28”
4 – 1x3 @ 28”
4 – 1x12 @ 42”

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

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Start by building two ends. Super easy. Keep the insides flush, hiding the 3/4" pocket holes to insides, and joining with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws and glue.

TIP: Drill 3/4" pocket holes facing upward on insides of top aprons for later attaching your tabletop.

Step 2

Drill 3/4" pocket holes all the way around both shelves. Attach to legs as shown in diagram.

Step 3

Then add your side trim with 3/4" PHs and 1 1/4" PH screws, attaching the shelves also to the corresponding trim.

TIP: Drill 3/4" pocket holes facing upward on insides of top aprons before attaching to table for later attaching your tabletop.

Step 4

What I actually did here was build my tabletop with a row of 3/4" pocket holes/ 1 1/4" pocket hole screws down the center (and glue) and attached to tabletop. Then I attached the two leaves, so the tabletop is a giant square. Then I drew out the arch shape I liked and cut with a jigsaw.

Here's a video on cutting arches with a jigsaw. Just be very careful to make sure your jigsaw blade isn't beveling as it cuts the wood, and go slow. Use a very sharp, appropriate blade. And remember, you can always take more wood off later! Practice, practice!

Step 5

Step 6

I also posted a step by step tutorial on how I finished this table here.

Step 7

Add the caster wheels to bottom. I actually did the bolt kind - but a word of caution - I did have some trouble with my caster wheel bolt colliding with the pocket hole screws from the bottom shelf trim, so you may want to opt for the plate kind instead.

Step 8

And we waited two weeks for these to come in the mail and they were worth it! They are called Drop Leaf Support 8 inch Pair and no, they are not rock solid, but they are plenty sturdy for our purposes and install in seconds! I recommend installing them about half way down the table apron - you may need to do a little trial and error to get things just right.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Project Type
Table Plans
Room
dining room
Style
Farmhouse Style Furniture Plans

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