How to Make an Inexpensive Holiday Table

In this article, you'll learn how to make a large dining table from inexpensive materials, so you can seat all of your guests together. We made this table to use for our holiday parties.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 2 Sheets of OSB or Plywood (1/2" thick)
• 4 Firring Strips (1x3 or 1x4)
• 1" to 1 1/4" screws
• 3 small folding or card tables
• Tablecloth
• Drill
• Tape Measure
• Circular Saw

1. Determine the size
   
   You will need 24 inches max per person around the table. In this example, the table is 10 feet long and 4 feet wide. This gives 28 feet around the outside, so it can easily seat 14 to 16.
   
   Since normal sheets of OSB or plywood are 4' x 8', I suggest a 4 feet wide table and then between 10 and 16 feet long.
   
   If you need an 8 foot long table, just use one sheet and two tables.
2. Gather the materials
   
   Get the OSB or plywood at a home center. I perfer OSB, since its very cheap. Also buy the firring strips there. You can use just about any material the is one inch thick.
   
   You can use either small platic folding tables or card tables.
3. Cutting the wood
   
   Cut the plywood (or have it done) to half the length of the table. If your table is 10 feet long, cut each sheet to 5 feet.
   
   Leave 2 of the firring strips 8 feet long, so they can span both sheets of OSB. Cut the rest to go around the edges of the table.
4. Assembling the table - diagram 1
   
   Place the folding tables to one is at each end and one in the middle of where you want the table.
   
   Set the plywood sheets on them as shown. Make sure the center table is supporting both sheets equally.
5. Assembling the table - diagram 2
   
   Screw the firring strips around the edge of the table on the under side. These do two things: hold the plywood pieces together, and strengthen the table. Once in place, these will give the table a solid feeling.
   
   A couple of clamps help a lot here, or you can get someone to hold them for you.
6. Assembling the table - diagram 3
   
   Here is a sideview of how the table is set up.
7. Set the table

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when using power tools, and follow all manufacturer's instructions.
• If you are not comfortable cutting the sheets of plywood, you local home center should be able to do it for a small fee.
• Use eye protection