Builder's Studio: Dining Table Build with a Portable Pocket Hole Jig
In this episode of Builder's Studio, Tim explains how you can use a portable pocket hole jig to build a beautiful dining room table. We also discuss the various options available from Osborne Wood Products to provide additional support to your table. A range of components are used throughout this build, including the Square Farm Dining Table Leg (Part #1141) which is a stunning wooden table leg design. We hope this instructional video and our helpful tips make your next project simple and fun!
Assembly Instructions
Overall Dimensions: 24 ⅜” x 25” x 46”
Materials Used:
- Square Farm Dining Table Leg (Part #1141): 29" × 3 ½" × 3 ½"
Round version is also available
Custom Rustic Plank Table Tops (various sizes available)
- Tabletop skirting planks
- These can be extra wooden boards that you find
You can also consider purchasing a full table kit that comes with the skirting, tabletop, and table legs
Attachment screws (please note these may need to be substituted depending on the thickness of our table top)
You will need:
| • Pocket Hole Jig | • Pocket Screws | • Wood Glue |
| • Proper Safety Equipment | • Drill/Drill Bits | • Spacer |
Instructions:
Set the pocket hole jig at ½” for this build and place it on the long side of the table skirt board. Position it so that the first hole is back far enough. This will ensure that, if you install them, corner brackets will have enough clearance for installation and not get in the way of the pocket hole. Use a clamp to hold the jig down so that it does not move. Drill into the space within the pocket hole kit to carve out the pocket hole. Do several more for the rest of the board. They do not have to be perfectly spaced. NOTE: This only needs to be done on one side of the long-end of the plank. Do not make another set of pocket holes across the other side of the board.
Repeat Step 1 with the rest of the boards.
Set the pocket hole jig to ¾” (the attachment into the legs typically requires a longer screw) and place it on the end of the board. Set it a bit further back from the edge than what was done for the side of the boards. Clamp it down. Use the drill to create three pocket holes. Do this to the other end of the board.
Repeat Step 3 for the rest of the boards.
Inspect the table legs and decide which side will face the inside or outside. Pick the side with the characteristics that you prefer to face the outside.
At the top of the table leg, align the short edge of the skirt board vertically to the side of the table leg. Use a spacer to keep your skirting in place and prevent it from moving when drilling. The spacer can also be used to determine how far in from the edge of the table leg the board will be placed. Insert a screw into the pocket hole and drill it into the board to attach the skirt board to the table leg. Repeat. NOTE: The pocket holes should be facing upwards.
Take one of two skirt boards left and align it perpendicular to one of the boards attached to the table leg pair. The short edge of the board should be touching the side of the table leg just like in Step 6. Proceed to then use the drill to install the screws into the boards via the pocket holes. Then, grab the remaining table leg and attach it to the other table leg (in the same pair) with the board facing the same direction as the previous one.
Install the remaining pair of table legs to the other side of the skirt boards. Make sure that the correct side of the table legs is facing the board. This step may require some assistance to hold the table leg in place. It can also be braced against something sturdy so that it does not fall or wobble.
Next, with the planks from the Rustic Planks Table Top, apply wood glue inside the holes located on the side of the planks and insert the wood dowels. Start with the plank that only has holes on one side. Then, apply glue to the holes of the plank that have them on both sides. Align the holes with glue to the plank with dowels and insert it. Repeat this process for the rest of the planks, ending with a plank that only has holes on one side. NOTE: Before you begin, make sure each plank is facing the correct direction. The planks will have pocket holes on one side of its surface and this side should be facing the same direction for each plank.
Proceed to insert the screws into the pocket holes located on the surface and drill them in. This will secure the table top.
Apply finish to the table and let dry.
Put the table top face down and lay the table base face down on top of the table top. Check that your table base is centered to the tabletop.
Proceed to attach the base to the table top. Insert the screws into the pocket holes and install them using the drill.
You have now finished assembling your table!