How to Build a Massive Modern Mission Style Dining Table

By EliazarPlatt

Rate: (3 Ratings)

The simple, elegant lines of mission furniture easily catch the eye. Here's your opportunity to build an inexpensive, modern version of a mission dining table that seats 10. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • 2 4-by-8 sheets of plywood
  • 1 10 foot long 6-by-6 inch beam
  • 4 10 foot long 2-by-4's
  • 2 8 foot pieces of 1 inch molding
  • Compound miter saw
  • Countersinking wood screws
  • Pocket hole jig/kit
  • Drill
  • Table saw
  • Clamps
  • Brad nailer
  • Glue
  • 1 1/2 inch real wood edge banding or veneer
  • Stain or paint
  • Lacquer

Step1
True mission style requires mortise and through tenon joints. Modern mission has a little more leeway (and mortise and tenon joints don't mesh well with 2-by-4's).
Step2
Make these cuts:
6-by-6's: 4 pieces at 5 inches by 5 inches by 28 inches (legs)
2x4s: 4 pieces at 3 inches by 1 inch by 38 inches (short rails)
2 pieces at 3 inches by 1 inch by 52 inches (long rails)
8 pieces at 3 inches by 1 inch by 20 inches (styles)
Make sure you cut evenly from opposing sides to remove the routed edge. Hold off on the molding. Do not cut the plywood. Sand all surfaces.
Step3
diagram Attach two legs together with the short rails using pocket screws. Center the rails on the legs (leaving 1 inch on either side). The top rail should be 2 inches from the top of the legs. The bottom rail should be 4 inches from the bottom of the legs. Attach 2 styles to the top and bottom rails, 9 inches from the legs. See image.
Step4
diagram Attach the two long rails together using the remaining 4 styles. Attach the first style 9 inches from the end. Move over another 3 inches and attach the next. Move over another 16 inches and attach the next. 3 more inches and attach the last.
Step5
top view Center the long rail frame on the short rail frames. Attach using pocket screws.
Step6
Attach the moulding to the legs using glue and brads. Miter the moulding at 45 degrees on each end so that 2 pieces will connect at 90 degrees. Line the pieces up with the rails and wrap around the legs touching the rails on both sides. Do this on the top and bottom of all legs.
Step7
Place one piece of plywood on top of the frame. It will be flush with the outside of the legs and there will be an 18 inch over hang on both ends. Screw down into the legs (3 or 4 screws each) with countersinking screws.
Step8
Lay down a layer of glue across the top of the plywood.
Step9
Place the second piece of plywood on top of the first. Make sure it is flush on all edges with the first piece. Clamp. Add a few screws (from underneath) for extra support.
Step10
Edge band or veneer the edge of the plywood pieces. Make them appear as one piece.
Step11
Stain or paint (if you really want to enrage mission purists) to your liking. Apply two or three coats of lacquer sanding lightly between each coat.
Step12
Invite 9 friends over. After they help you move the table (it's pretty heavy) you can all sit down to a nice dinner.

Tips & Warnings

  • Use a lighter stain on the top and legs. Use a darker stain on the rails, styles and moulding.
  • Never paint or stain in a room without ventilation.

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eHow Article:  How to Build a Massive Modern Mission Style Dining Table

eHow Member: EliazarPlatt

EliazarPlatt

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Category: Home & Garden

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