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There's a neat trick at the center of this build: laying 1x3 strips flat on the table first, then setting the 1x12 tabletop on top of them before attaching the sides, automatically raises the tabletop 3/4" off the base without measuring a single spacer. It's a small thing, but it's the kind of shop trick worth remembering for other builds where you need a consistent small reveal.
Everything else is straight cuts and countersunk screws — no curves, no joinery beyond butt joints. This is a good first build for a kid old enough to help hold parts and drive a few screws under supervision, since there's nothing on it that requires much force or precision to get right.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Pine, 1x12, 4 ft |
| 1 each |
| Pine, 1x3, 8 ft | 2 each |
| Self-tapping wood screws, 1-1/4" and 2" | 1 box |
| Wood glue | 2 oz |
| Wood filler | 1 each |
| Paint and finishing supplies | 1 each |
Overall cost: $. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| TabletopPine | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 18" |
| BackPine | 1 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 19 1/2" |
| Sides (elevation strips)Pine | 4 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 11 1/2" |
| LegsPine | 3 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 19 1/2" |
| Bottom front and backPine | 4 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 18 1/4" |
Buy 3 boards at 8 ft.
1 board
2 boards
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Lay two of the 1x3 strips flat on your work table, then lay the 1x12 tabletop on top of them — this raises the top 3/4" automatically, with no separate spacer to measure. Predrill pilot holes and screw the side strips to the tabletop with 2" screws and glue (or 1-1/4" pocket hole screws if you'd rather use pocket holes).
Predrill and screw the front piece on with 2" screws and glue.
Attach the back to the top with 2" screws and glue.
Predrill two holes along the top edge of each leg, then attach to the tabletop assembly with 1-1/4" screws and glue.
Attach the bottom front and back pieces between the legs with 1-1/4" screws and glue, tying the legs together for stability.
Fill every screw hole with wood filler and let it dry completely — you may need a second coat to fully fill some holes. Sand with 120-grit sandpaper, then vacuum and wipe down with a damp cloth before priming and painting.
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