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Gifts & Small Projects

Pub Table

Step-by-step build — 11 steps. Also available as a print sheet.

  1. 1Make the Foot Rails

    Cut four Foot Rails to size from 2 x 2 boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 1 1/2" material, drill pocket holes in these pieces where shown.

    Pub Table — step photo 5

  2. 2Cut the Legs to Size

    Cut four Legs to size from a 2 x 2 board, as shown in the cutting diagram.

  3. 3Make the Aprons

    Cut four Aprons to size from 1 x 4 boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then, with your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes where shown.

    Pub Table — step photo 6

  4. 4Start Base Assembly

    • Begin assembling the table base by creating two assemblies that each consist of two Legs, one Foot Rail, and an Apron.
    • Position the Foot Rail between the Legs, as shown, and then attach it using 2 1/2" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
    • Then position the Apron and attach it to the Legs using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
    • Repeat the process for the other assembly.
    Pub Table — step photo 7

  5. 5Complete the Base

    • Now you can bring these two assemblies together to complete the base.
    • Attach the final two Foot Rails using 2 1/2" course-thread pocket hole screws.
    • Then position the final two Aprons, and attach them to the Legs using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
    Pub Table — step photo 8

  6. 6Make Corner Blocks

    • Cut four Corner Blocks from 1 x 4 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. These will be used to reinforce the table base. Note that both ends of each Corner Block are beveled at 45°.
    • Drill four 1/8” pilot holes through each Corner Block where shown.
    Pub Table — step photo 9

  7. 7Install the Corner Blocks

    Attach the Corner Blocks to the Base using 1 1/2" flathead wood screws, as shown.

    Pub Table — step photo 10

  8. 8Make the Top Boards

    Cut six Top Boards to length from 1 x 6 boards, as shown in the cutting diagram. With your pocket hole jig set for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in five of the Top Boards, as shown. You don’t need to drill pocket holes in the sixth Top Board.

    Pub Table — step photo 11

  9. 9Assemble the Top

    • Now you can assemble the top.
    • Lay out he Top Boards as shown, and then attach them together using glue and 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws.
    • Once the glue is dry, sand the top smooth.
    Pub Table — step photo 12

  10. 10Attach the Top to the Base

    With the top complete, you can attach it to the table base, as shown, using 1 1/4" coarse-thread pocket hole screws. Make sure that the top overhangs the table base equally on all sides.

    Pub Table — step photo 13

  11. 11Sand and Finish

    Once your table is assembled, you can give everything a final sanding. Then apply the stain or finish of your choice.