Vintage Storage Dining Table

Attach the box parts with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket screws and glue, or 2" screws. Keep outside edges flush and square. Tip: if using pocket holes, mark all the locations across the whole plan and drill before any assembly.

Add the drawer guides, taking a second to ensure the drawer area is square — you'll have only 1/4" of total play around the drawer, so it must be true.

Attach the top of the storage box to the sides, keeping it square.

Draw your end patterns carefully. They don't have to match the source, but the two ends must match each other — cut one, use it as a template for the other, clamp the pair, and sand until identical. Attach them to the center storage area with screws and glue.

Make the top from joined hardwood boards (pocket-holed on the underside) for the best result, or from a half sheet of hardwood plywood cut to 47" x 33" and wrapped with an edge-to-edge 1x2 frame for a sturdy, decorative edge. Round the 2x2 top supports smooth and attach them to the underside per the diagram.

Set the base under the top so it fits right over it, and attach by screwing through the box sides into the 2x2 supports with 2" screws.

Keep the drawer simple — a 1x4 box with a plywood bottom. Check it fits the opening. Rub the drawer bottom with candle wax for a smoother slide.

Position the drawer face over the box, shimming for an even 1/8" gap all around, and attach with 1-1/4" finish nails, then reinforce from inside with 1-1/4" screws. Attach the hardware to the face first so you don't have to drill through a second layer of 1x to reach the hardware screw. Sand and finish.