How to Build a Trestle Table With Legs

Trestle tables are often built using premade sawhorses for legs.

A trestle table is a basic component of many woodshops, craft rooms and art spaces. The beauty of the trestle table is that the legs – often a sawhorse-like design – are movable, so the table is easily set up or packed away as needed. Building your own trestle table is not very complex, and if it is for a work space then you don’t even have to finish the wood before using the table.

Things You'll Need

• 8 planks 2-by-4 lumber, 35 inches
• Miter saw
• 2 planks 2-by-5 lumber, 30 inches
• G-clamps
• Drill
• 2-inch wood screws
• 1 sheet 3/4-inch plywood, 36-by-72 inches

Instructions

1. Miter both the ends of eight planks of 35-inch 2-by-4 lumber to parallel 15-degree angles using a miter saw.

2. Stand a piece of 30-inch 2-by-5 lumber on a 2-inch edge. Take two of the mitered 2-by-4 planks and press one end of each flat to the 2-by-5 lumber, 2 inches in from one end. The two mitered planks should mirror each other and form an “A” shape, minus the horizontal cross. Repeat with two more mitered planks 2 inches in from the other end of the 2-by-5 lumber. This will look more or less like a sawhorse.

3. Clamp the mitered planks to the 2-by-5 brace plank with G-clamps, then drill two countersunk pilot holes sized for 2-inch screws about an inch down from the ends of the mitered planks. Secure the mitered planks to the brace plank with 2-inch screws through the predrilled pilot holes. Repeat with another brace plank and four more mitered planks, to form the trestle table legs.

4. Position the leg units around 50 inches apart then place a sheet of 36- by 72-inch 3/4-inch plywood over the top of the legs. The brace of the legs should be parallel with the 36-inch side of the plywood table top.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want a more décor-friendly trestle table, paint or stain the legs and tabletop. A store-bought desktop or tabletop can substitute for plywood.

• To attach the trestle legs to the table top permanently, secure a 30-inch plank of 1-by-4 lumber flat onto the top of the brace. Place the table top over, then secure the table top through with screws through the 1-by-4 lumber into the underside of the tabletop.

Resources

• Everyday Handyman: Miter Saw Tip You Need to Know for the Perfect Cut