Builder's Studio: Board Game Table

In this special episode of the Builder's Studio, we show you how to build this DIY Board Game Table! This is a super easy way to create your own place for game nights and can easily convert to a standard dining table when not in use!

Products used in this video:

• Osborne Custom Table Base Kit
• Ennio Dining Table Legs (Part #232668)
• 96" 4x1 True Stock Lumber (Part #39641)
• 48" 4x1 True Stock Lumber (Part #34841)

Assembly Instructions

Overall Dimensions: 31 ⅞” L x 31 ⅞ " W x 30”

What we used:

• Four (4) Ennio Dining Table Legs (Part #232668) included with a Custom Table Base Kit (we requested a 36” x 36” square base kit)
• 96” 4x1 True Stock (Part #39641) or 48” 4x1 True Stock (Part #34841)
• Attachment hardware
• 2x2 plywood sheet (½” pine)
• 1 ¾” screws

Other items needed:

Wood glue Drill Measuring tape Clamps (regular wood clamp and a strap clamp) Mallet Screwdriver and drill

Wrench Miter saw or circular saw Felt fabric Spray adhesive (mask recommended) Stapler and staples

Instructions:

1. Assemble the table base kit and legs.
   a. Dry fit all pieces together to ensure a proper and clean fit.
   b. After dry fitting, apply glue evenly inside the mortise and around tenons.
   c. Join the mortise and tenon pieces together by hand-fitting and then slightly tapping with a mallet. Start with one leg and the short side of the apron. Once secure, attach the other leg to the structure. Complete this for both sides of the table.
   d. Use a long wooden clamp to hold the legs and apron pieces in place. Tip: Use a thick cloth or a piece of scrap wood in between the clamp and legs to avoid damage.
   e. Use the 2 ½” screws to attach the short skirt pieces to the legs using the pocket holes.
   f. After everything has dried, join the two long sides of the apron to the legs simultaneously. Use a clamp to keep the structure secure.
   g. Ensure the frame is square and install screws using the pocket holes.
   h. Install wooden corner braces to the legs by lining up the threaded insert with the hole in the center of the brace. Add a washer and screw the threaded bolt down into the threaded insert. Use a wrench to tighten. Use the 1 ¼” screws to attach the brace to the leg through the pre-drilled holes. Repeat four times.
   i. Your base is now complete. Pocket holes are also pre-drilled to aid in the attachment of the apron to your top. Screws for this assembly are not included so make sure that you select screws that are the correct size for the top and will not go through it or be shown.
2. Next, cut the pieces for the top rail. We used two of the 96” 4x1 true stock pieces. Our table base has a 31 ⅞” width so we want the longest rail piece to be the same length.
3. Use a miter saw with a 45 degree angle to cut four boards at 31 ⅞”, measured at the outside edge of the miter. Once these boards are cut, glue them together to create the rail. Use a clamp (we used a band clamp) to secure the square together while the glue dries.
4. Grab the plywood that will be used as the top/playing surface. We used a 2x2 pine plywood sheet that was ½” thick and cut to the same size as the inside of the rails created in the last step. We grabbed black felt fabric to create the playing surface.
5. Pick out the smoothest side of the plywood and use that as the top. Place the plywood on the fabric and cut any excess. Remove the fabric.
6. Spray the top of the plywood with spray adhesive. We recommend wearing a mask for this step.
7. Lay the fabric over the top of the plywood and apply pressure to ensure the glue sets in. Flip the top over and fold the fabric over. Make sure it is tightly folded and staple the fabric to the board.
8. Cut the remaining true stock into four 15” long pieces (with no angle). We will be attaching these to the bottom of the square railing.
9. Flip the square railing over so the bottom is facing up. Place the 15” stock pieces on each side of the rail (approximately centered). Predrill screw holes to prevent cracking or splitting the wood. Use 1¾” screws to attach the stock pieces to the railing (we added three screws in each piece).
10. Flip the rail back over and lay the playing surface inside to ensure everything fits.
11. Remove the playing surface and place the rail upside down. Place the table base upside down on top of the rail. Using the pocket holes intended for a table top, attach the table base to the square railing.
12. Finish the legs, base and rails before attaching the playing surface.
13. Add the playing surface to the center of the top and your game table is ready!

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