By The table that has been purchased as a “work table” will never be as good as the table you build yourself. Any table can be used for storage, but if it is going to actually serve its purpose as a working surface it needs certain characteristics… It must have a smooth surface on which to work and it must be able to take some abuse.
Instead of covering your table with a cloth tablecloth, consider building your own table from scratch. Here’s how:
1. Build two box-like structures out of 2x4s (one placed on top of the other). Use 1/2 inch plywood or particle board for the sides and top. Attach cleats along each end of both pieces before attaching them to each other (at an angle), creating one table top.
2. Screw the cleats into the boards at about 18″ apart, making sure that they are all even.
3. Cover table with 1/4 inch adhesive-backed plywood (the best table surface is made by your local fabric store). Be sure to apply it in the same direction that table will be used. You can also use regular plywood or MDF, but it’s harder to clean and does not hold up well under abuse!
4. Attach table legs to underside of table using 2x4s and L brackets (screws will pull out over time if you don’t use L brackets). Use either metal or wood table legs (choose table legs that match the table top finish and table base materials).
5. Attach table leg levelers in each corner of table (for use in uneven floors).
6. Use 3/4 inch dowels with sheet metal screws to attach table foam to table surface. The dowels can be covered with matching fabric strips or even painted if you like!
7. Cut, screw, and glue 1×2 or 2×2 long boards (16-24″) into place on one side of your table for easy storage of paper towels, masking tape rolls, pens, scissors etc. Make sure that they fit securely into place so they won’t fall over when bumped by accident!
8. Cut table legs down with table saw to create table height that fits your needs.
9. If table is going to be used inside a room, add an extra table leg at the center of table so it will not rock or wobble when in use.
10. Add table leg levelers to table base when table will be used on an un-even surface. A table with levelers can also be used in a garage, in the sand at the beach, even in the snow!
Do not paint table top until you are finished with assembly and sure everything is in working order. Painting table top before its assembled may damage the table top finish.
Once your new art table is built it will last for years! When you get tired of this color, just sand it down, prime, and paint again! And if any part gets chipped or broken simply replace that part instead of having to buy a whole new table.
Whether you are an art teacher or a student trying to make the best of a small space, there are plenty of ways to maximize your table area! A table-top workspace with proper storage is a key. Use these ideas to help you do more with less space.
FAQs:
What can I use to cover table top?
You can use either 1/4 inch adhesive-backed tabletop, or a 1/2 inch tabletop with matching edging material. You can even find table tops made from recycled paper products!
How do I attach table top?
Use 3M Super 77 spray adhesive which is recommended for upholstery and auto trim. Or you can use Liquid Nails for Lumber on the underside of the table where joint meets joint to create a permanent bond. Do not glue tabletop directly onto particleboard as it may cause your table to warp or buckle over time.
Can I paint my table top instead of covering it?
Yes you can paint you new art table if you are not worried about the table top being dented or scratched. Many table tops are made from recycled paper products, so be sure to check before buying table coverings!
Conclusion:
An art table can be a very helpful addition to any school, home, or office. A table that will last for years is more of an investment than just a table you will need to replace over time. Do not skimp on the table top material! Plywood with matching edging is best. If you are planning on making this table for your own use, plan ahead and design the table to fit your specific needs. Make sure it has proper table casters for easy movement around your home or room, and be sure to build in plenty of storage space for paints, brushes etc., so they are easily accessible whenever you need them. Once completed feeling free to paint the table’s surface however you like!
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