How to Make a Wall Mounted Dining Table

Installing a wall-mounted dining table is a versatile option for any home. It can be mounted at average table height, counter height or bar height, which allows you to customize it for your needs. Wall-mounted tables save floor space and can be mounted with a hinge bracket that allows it to be folded down when not in use. Options are nearly limitless when it comes to what material to use for the table top, including wood, mdf, stainless steel, laminate countertop or used table tops. Desks and work stations can also be created using these wall-mounted methods. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparation

1

Determine what size you would like your table to be. The size of the table top will dictate how it will be mounted to the wall.

2

Prepare the table top. Laminate, stainless steel and used or antique table tops in good condition will not require preparation because they are already finished. Cut laminated wood or MDF to size and sand the edges, then wipe down with a cloth to remove the dust. Stain or paint to achieve the look you desire. Used table tops in poor condition may require refinishing.

3

Choose the placement of the table top. Average table height is 30 inches, counter height is 36 inches and bar height is 40 inches. Be sure the table location will allow for seating on the three exposed sides of the table top.

4

Mark on the wall to show where the bracket will be mounted. Remember to subtract the thickness of the table top to accurately mark the placement of the bracket.

Install the Fold-down Table

5

Place the bracket on the wall to dry-fit its location. Use a pencil to mark the holes where the screws will be located. For the best stability, place the brackets so that the screws will be going into wall studs. Folding brackets are available in 12- and 16-inch lengths and it is not recommended to use a table top more than 4 inches longer than the brackets, so the maximum table top length that can be used with a folding bracket is 20 inches. Tables longer than 20 inches should be mounted to the wall using the method described in the Install a Fixed Table section, below.

6

Pre-drill the holes for the screws. Put a bracket in place, then insert the screws and tighten them. Repeat with the second bracket.

7

Attach the table top to the bracket. Be sure to use screws that are the correct length so they do not come through the top of the table.

Install a Fixed Table

8

Locate the wall studs; use a pencil to mark their location.

9

Cut a piece of 2 by 4 to 4 inches shorter than the table top. Hold it up to the wall and use a pencil to mark the screw placement -- you will use two screws to attach the 2 by 4 to each stud.

10

Pre-drill holes for the screws; insert the screws and tighten.

11

Attach the table top to the 2 by 4 using screws from the underside of the 2 by 4. Use wood screws that are long enough to go through the 2 by 4 and a portion of the table top, making sure they will not go through the top of the table.

12

Cut table legs to size, if necessary. Options for table legs include used table legs, 4 by 4s and stair newell posts. To find the necessary table leg height, measure from the floor to the underside of the table near the wall where it is mounted.

13

Finish the table legs as desired. Whether you paint or stain them, be sure the table legs are completely cured prior to attaching them to the table top.

14

Attach a table leg to each of the two outside corners of the table top. Insert screws at an angle on at least two sides of each table leg, to ensure the screws will sink into the bottom of the table top.