How To Build a Table With a Storage Drawer

Do you need a small table for your home or work that has built-in storage space for stationary and other supplies? This article walks you through step-by-step instructions on building a simple wooden table with a storage drawer. All that is required in accomplishing this task are a few carpentry tools, plywood, wood stain or paint and hardware.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2-inch high-quality smooth-finish 8 feet long by 4 feet wide plywood
• Two 8-feet pieces of 2 by 4 lumber
• Two 6-feet pieces of 4 by 4 lumber
• Measuring tape
• Circular saw
• Sander
• Wood stain or paint
• 2 1/2-inch wood screws
• 1-inch wood screws
• Screwdriver
• One handle or knob

Instructions

Cutting The Pieces for Your Table

1. Cut a 5-foot long by 3-foot wide piece from the plywood with the circular saw for the top of your table.

2. Cut another 5-foot long by 3-foot wide piece from the plywood. Next, draw a 5-inch square on each corner of this piece and cut them out. These are notches for the legs.

3. Cut a 5-foot long piece from the 2 by 4.

4. Cut two 2-foot 10 1/2-inch long pieces from the 2 by 4.

5. Cut two 5-inch long pieces from the 2 by 4.

6. Cut the two 6-foot long 4 by 4s in half to get four 3-foot long sections for the legs.

7. Sand all rough edges off the cut pieces. Apply wood stain or paint and allow to dry.

Assembling Your Table

1. Gather the five 2 by 4 boards for the frame. Position the two 2-foot 9-inch long sections with the short edges on the floor parallel to each other 5 feet apart. Place the 5-foot long piece on one side of them to form three sides of a rectangle.

2. Screw the frame together by driving two 2 1/2-inch screws through the end of the longer piece into the shorter ones. You now have 3 sides of a rectangle 5 feet long by 3 feet wide.

3. Gather the two 5-inch pieces of 2 by 4 for the other side of the frame. Screw one piece to each end of the shorter sides like the 5-foot piece on the other side. Drive two 2 1/2-inch screws through the end of each 5-inch piece into the 2-foot 9-inch pieces. You now have a 4-foot 2-inch space in the center of this side for the drawer.

4. Lay the 5-foot long by 3-foot wide piece for the top of your table over the frame and line it up. Attach this piece by driving 1-inch screws down through it every 6 inches around the edges into the three sides of the frame.

5. Turn the completed section over. Attach the four pieces of 3-foot long 4 by 4 into each inside corner of the frame for the legs. Sit one 4 by 4 piece on end against each inside corner and drive two screws through the frame into them. Screw from both sides of the frame that touches each leg.

6. Place the remaining notched piece in between the legs over the frame. Drive 1-inch screws through it every 6 inches around the edges into the sides of the frame.

7. Turn your table over on the legs.

Cutting The Pieces for Your Storage Drawer

1. Cut a piece from the plywood 4-foot 1 1/2-inches long by 2-foot 10 1/2 inches wide for the bottom of the drawer.

2. Cut two pieces from the plywood 4-foot 1 1/2-inches long by 2 3/4-inches wide.

3. Cut two 2-foot 9 1/2-inches long by 2 3/4-inch wide pieces from the plywood.

4. Sand all rough edges off the cut pieces. Apply wood stain or paint and allow to dry.

Assembling Your Storage Drawer

1. Position the two 4-foot 1 1/2-inch long sections with the short edges on the floor parallel to each other 2 feet apart. Place the two 2-foot 9 1/2-inch long sections in between them to form a rectangle.

2. Screw the frame of your drawer together by driving two 1-inch screws through both ends of the longer sections into the shorter ones. You now have a rectangular frame 4-foot 1 1/2-inches long by 2-foot 10 1/2-inches wide.

3. Lay the large piece of plywood for the bottom of your drawer over the frame and line it up. Attach it by driving 1-inch screws down through it every 6 inches around the edges into the frame.

4. Turn the drawer over on its bottom. Attach the knob or handle in the center of one of the 4-foot 1 1/2-inch sides of the drawer.

5. Slide the drawer into the table.

Tips & Warnings

• Be cautious when using power tools.