How to Make an 8' Dining Table

When we were first married we wanted to have the entire family over for Christmas dinner, but we didn't have a large dining room table. All we had was a small, inexpensive pine kitchen table. It did have one leaf, yet expanded it still only had room for four people. Without the leaf, it was a tiny table for two. My husband figured out a way to turn it into an 8' dining room table. We used it for years. Looking back, I really liked that table, and when we had guests over they never knew its secret. My in-laws used the table after we purchased an oak set, and they too enjoyed the large table, fooling their friends into believing it was something it wasn't. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

On the four corners of the particle board, use the pencil to draw a curved pattern on all four corners. Similar to the illustration with this article. You want each corner to be exactly the same. To assist in the drawing, trace a curved object.

2

With the saber saw, cut along the pencil marks. The end result will be a board with curved edges, similar to the illustration with this article.

3

Open the table, removing its leaf.

4

Lay the board on the table, placing the table in its center.

5

Go under the table, and use the pencil to draw two pencil lines on the board, along the straight edge of the center of the table, which is separated, where the leaf would fit.

6

Turn the board over, so the lines are now on the top of the table.

7

Place the two strips along the lines you've drawn. They should be on the side of the line closest to the center of the table.

8

Use the screws to secure the strips to the particle board.

9

Flip the board over, and place the strips you've added within the opening of the table. If properly installed, the strips of wood will keep the table top from slipping around.

10

Cover the table with a table cloth. Your guests will see the table legs, and never know the table top is just particle board.

What Size of Dining Set Will Fit in My 11 by 12 Room?

Selecting the right size of dining table requires careful planning. It is important to know the dimensions of the dining room and also the location of windows and doorways. Consider any furniture other than a dining table that you plan to use in the room. Once all the factors are added together, you will know how much space is left for a table. Does this Spark an idea?

Room Measurements

A dining room that measures 11 by 12 feet is considered moderately small at only 132 square feet. Before deciding the size of table that will fit in the room, first account for pathways and movement around the room. A minimum of 24 to 28 inches is needed for a seated person only with no passage behind. Allow 36 to 38 inches between the table and wall if space is needed to walk behind, or 48 inches from the table to a cabinet.

Accent Furniture

A total of 21 to 30 total feet of linear shelf space is needed to store dishes, glasses, cutlery and table linens used in the dining room. This may sound like a lot, but can be easily met with multiple shelves in a buffet or china cabinet. The measurements for a piece of accent furniture can vary, but many pieces are approximately 3 to 5 feet long by 15 to 21 inches deep.

Table Size

With pathways and accent furniture accounted for, a room measuring 11 by 12 feet can accommodate a table size of 36 by 48 inches up to 40 or 48 inches wide by 72 inches long. Each standard dining chair needs 24 inches of table width around an oblong or rectangular table to allow each diner adequate elbow room, so these table sizes will fit between four and eight people.

Saving Space

If the table and accent furniture you have do not allow enough space for comfortable movement, substitute a large cabinet for a smaller cabinet and a corner cabinet. Or consider utilizing vertical wall space with a tall cabinet that takes up less floor space. If you only entertain groups of eight once or twice a year, purchase a table with an extension or removable leaves in a smaller size for more comfortable use most of the year .

How to Build a Wheeled King Size Over the Bed Table

The standard dimensions of a California King-sized bed (the king-sized bed sold most often in the United States) is nine-feet wide by eight-and-a-half feet long by two-and-a-half feet high. These epic dimensions for the most luxurious of sleeping vessels makes it somewhat difficult to find an over-the-bed table on wheels that will fit its royal size. Building a table for this purpose is fairly easy and a novice carpenter can easily make a beautiful table in the home workshop. Using oak plank and veneer will give the over-the-bed table a rich look which is befitting of the king of beds. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Round the edges of the two-inch thick oak plank using the router. Then sand the top, sides and bottom using the medium-grade sandpaper and sander. Sand the leg posts using the medium-grade sandpaper, too.

2

Drill holes into the bottoms of the leg posts for the wheel casters using the power drill and wood bit. Attach the leg posts to the two-inch thick oak plank using the power drill and wood screws.

3

Stand the table upright. Paint a layer of wood glue on the table top. Get extra glue over where the screws for the legs are located. Place the oak veneer onto the table and press down firmly. Clamp the veneer onto the table top using the C clamps spread out evenly around the perimeter of the table. Allow to dry for 48 hours.

4

Remove the C clamps once the glue has dried and cured. Use the sander and fine-grade sandpaper to blend the edges of the table so the plank and veneer look like one piece of wood. Sand the table legs lightly for a smooth finish.

5

Stain the table and legs using the wood stain of your choice. Allow to dry overnight and then varnish the table with high-gloss polyurethane. Again, allow to dry overnight.

6

Turn the table on its side and screw the wheels and casters into the holes you created for them in Step 2. Turn the table right-side up and it is ready to use.

How to Buy a Used Pool Table

New pool tables can cost several thousand dollars. However, many well-maintained pool tables can last for years, if not a lifetime. That means it's likely that, with enough research and patience, you can find a good deal for a used pool table in good condition. It's important to research before buying. Websites and classified ads usually offer a wide variety of used pool tables.

Instructions

Used Pool Tables

1

Do some research. Even a used pool table is a significant purchase. Accordingly, it's important to take the time to do your research so that you can make an informed choice and avoid buyer's remorse. Think about what space you will use for the table, what size table fits your needs and what type of features you want your pool table to have.

2

Search for the right table at the right time--which can be a significant task in itself. Check newspaper classifieds daily. Websites such as Craigslist and eBay usually offer lots of choices for purchasing used goods. Buying local, on a site such as Craigslist, offers the advantage of seeing the pool table in person before purchasing.

3

Buy your used pool table. Once you have done your research and have your home ready, you can purchase your used pool table. If you buy locally from Craigslist, you will need a truck to go pick up the table. Doing so will save money on shipping.

Standard Size for Picnic Tables

Picnic tables come in all sorts of sizes. The traditional A-frame design with attached benches is usually made to seat either four or six people, while smaller-scale tables are produced for children. Octagonal and round tables are designed to seat up to eight adults. Does this Spark an idea?

A-Frame

Standard-size A-frames use five to seven lengths of timber for the table top and two to three lengths for the seats. A standard table top height is about 30 inches while the height of the seat top should be about 16-18 inches.

Children's

Children's picnic tables are made to a smaller scale than regular A-frame tables. They usually feature four lengths of timber for the table top and two lengths for the seats. Typical dimensions for a child's picnic table are 33 inches long by 38 inches wide and 22 inches high.

Eight Seaters

A newer design is the octagonal or round table with attached seating for up to eight. Table tops usually feature 10-12 lengths of timber or other building material while the benches commonly have three lengths. Typical dimensions for a circular table seating eight are 82 inches by 82 inches The seats are 30 inches high while the table is 44 inches high.

What Is Slatron on Pool Tables?

While real slate is the industry standard for top-of-the-line pool tables, inexpensive tables are often made with a synthetic substance known as slatron. There are several differences between slatron and authentic slate.

Identification

Slatron is composed of a layer of plastic that surrounds particle board. It is often considered the most durable of synthetic slates, though its quality is far below that of real slate.

Cost Factor

Pool tables made with slatron can be purchased for less than $1,000, while slate models can range into the thousands.

Warping

Pool tables made with slatron have a tendency to warp and any surface spills can hasten this problem. Since slatron's main component is particle board, the pool table bed can decay over time and cause it to warp.

Quality of Playing Surface

Slatron is not as heavy as real slate, so tables made with slatron are not as stable. Lighter pool tables can tip over when you lean on them with sufficient force. The rails of pool tables made with real slate are of higher quality than those made with slatron.

Life of a Pool Table

A good-quality slate pool table can last a lifetime, while one made with slatron will eventually warp and degrade.

Rules of Elliptical Billiards Table

You would only want to play actual billiards on a rectangular table, but playing imaginary billiards on an elliptical table yields some interesting mathematical insights and puzzles. Wherever you shoot the ball, the results are predictable and fall into a only few simple patterns. Proving some of these results would require calculus, but the rules themselves are intuitive and arise from the simple rule of reflection: that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

Angle of Reflection

The rule of reflection is that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. On a normal rectangular billiards table, a ball hitting the wall bounces away at the same angle reflected across a line perpendicular to the wall and intersecting it at the point of reflection. The same holds true on an elliptical billiards table.

On an elliptical billiards table, the ball hitting the wall at point P is reflected as if the wall is a straight line tangent to the ellipse at point P. A tangent line is a line whose slope is the first derivative of the curve at point P, and intersects the curve at point P. There is a unique tangent line for every point on an ellipse.

Reflection and Foci

An ellipse has two foci, F1 and F2. They lie on the major axis of the ellipse, the line which bisects it horizontally, and are equidistant from the origin. Line segments originating at the foci and intersecting the ellipse at point P form equal angles with the tangent line at point P. Therefore, a ball that passes through a focus will pass through the other focus after the first bounce. After the second bounce the ball will pass through the first focus again, and so on. If the ball continues bouncing, its path will come closer and closer to lying along the major axis.

If the first shot does not pass through a focus, the ball will never pass through a focus no matter how many times it bounces. In this case, if you trace the path of the ball the negative space of the resulting pattern will be a smaller ellipse, with the same foci as the original ellipse. The more times the ball bounces, the closer the resulting shape looks like an ellipse, and as the number of bounces approaches infinity the shape approaches being a true ellipse.

Periodical Paths

This is an exception to the rule stated above about a ball that does not pass through the foci describing an interior ellipse. In some special cases, such as where the first bounce is a line segment from a point where the major axis intercepts the ellipse to a point where the minor axis (the line of vertical symmetry) intercepts the ellipse, the path of the ball will describe a regular polygon. The ball will never deviate from this path no matter how many times it bounces.

When the Ball Passes Between the Foci

If the initial shot passes between the foci of the ellipse, every subsequent bounce will pass between the foci of the ellipse. After many bounces, the traced path of the ball will approximate a hyperbola, an hourglass-shaped figure, whose foci are the foci of the ellipse. At the limit where the number of bounces approaches infinity, the figure is infinitely close to being a hyperbola.

Circular Tables

A circle is an ellipse with foci at the same position. As in an ellipse, the path of a ball that does not initially pass through the focus will never pass through the focus, and if the path is not periodical it will describe an interior circle with the same center as the original circle. If the path of the ball is periodical, it will describe a polygon.

How to Draw a Kitchen Table

The kitchen table is the centerpiece of any kitchen, whether it's being used as a gathering place for family meals (or preparing those meals) or any number of purposes. The tables in many people's kitchens vary as much as the families that use them. Some are more contemporary, some modern. When it comes to drawing your own kitchen table (or the one of your dreams), simply keep in mind basic geometric shapes. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay your ruler out flat and horizontal in the upper middle of your paper. Use the ruler's edge as a guide to draw a straight horizontal line, sized according to how large or small you want your final table to appear. This line serves as the table's surface, the top edge farthest away from the viewer.

2

Slide the ruler down a few inches; since the final image is 3-D, the further the next line is away from the first line your drew, the more table top surface area is exposed. Slide the ruler down according to how much area you want visible, and then draw another horizontal line. Make this line longer on each side than the one above it.

3

Turn the ruler to a 45 degree angle with the right side angled up to the right. Slide the ruler over to the left hand side of the two lines you drew. Draw a 45 degree angled line that connects the two horizontal lines together, and then slide the ruler over to the right hand side, turn it so it angles up to the left, and draw another 45 degree connecting line. You should now have a trapezoidal shape on your paper.

4

Measure just slightly below the longest horizontal line and draw another, similar line just below it, and then add two small vertical lines that connect these two lines together. This gives the appearance of depth. Now you have your table top surface. Measure in just slightly from the right and left corners of the table top and draw a vertical line on each side, making the table legs.

5

Flesh out the legs of the table by drawing adjacent lines to these lines and connecting the two lines at the bottom with a horizontal line (they'll appear as very long, thin rectangles when done). Draw thinner rectangle legs just inside of these legs, making these shorter than the ones in the foreground, giving the appearance of distance.

6

After drawing your table with a pencil, you may get a more finished, defined look by going back over your drawing with black ink. You may also add any decorative details you like.

Everything You Need for a Basement Game Room

You want to have the gang over to play, but your basement boasts only an empty, boring room. You need to do some serious planning and shopping in order to get your game room ready. Does this Spark an idea?

Pool

Pool tables are available in many styles, felt designs and sizes, depending on your decor and amount of space, according to the Room Creation Ideas website. Consider adding lighting over the table, plus lamps or lights with dimmer switches in the rest of the room. Other additions include holders for the pool cues and tables and chairs. Pub-height chairs or stools with a pub table provide handy spots to stash your munchies and drinks while playing a round of pool, the website suggests.

Cards

Add a dart board to enhance your new game room.

If poker or other card games attract your attention, plan to install a poker table in your room, which can double for any type of card or board game, notes the Service Magic website. The table works even in a small space, the website adds.

Other Fun

If you have enough room, your design and gaming additions have few limits, according to Service Magic. Add a wet bar or small refrigerator for serving drinks and snacks, along with a couch and any decorations that fit your theme. Other gaming suggestions include darts, foosball, ping-pong, arcade games and a pinball machine. Toss in a television and invite the crowd.

Styles of RV Dinettes

Like many pieces of furniture in a recreational vehicle, an RV dinette has a dual function. The innovative construction lets you quickly turn the table and seats into a comfortable bed. The size and shape of your dinette, as well as its placement, is determined by the type of RV and, in some cases, by personal preference.

Class B Mini Motor Home Dinettes

Class B motor homes are the smallest, built usually on a van chassis. Dinettes in these are almost always placed across the back of the RV. In some models, a power sofa and side seats surrounding a table forms the dinette. By removing the table and extending the sofa the entire area converts into a bed. Some models offer two seats along the side of the van and a table in the middle. The table is removed to create a sleeping area with two twin beds. In some Class B's, such as the Roadtrek, the two front seats swing around to face two other chairs. A table, inserted into the floorboards on a long pole, sits in the middle and completes the dinette. In this case travelers have the option of eating in either the front or back of the RV.

Class C Motor Home Dinettes

The next step up in size is the Class C motor home. These are longer, wider and have more amenities. Some Class C motor homes also have slide-outs which increases the interior space when parked. Dinettes are typically placed along the sides of a Class C, either inside the slide out or on the opposite wall. Dinettes can be bench style, two side seats with a table in the middle, or in a U-shape with seats on three sides. Both styles fold down to make a bed. The table is lowered to fit into the seats and the back cushions cover the table to make a flat sleeping surface.

Class A Motor Home Dinettes

Class A motor homes are the mini mansions of the open road. Some are 40 feet long and can cost several hundred thousand dollars. Most have multiple slide outs and in almost all cases, the dinette will be placed in one of them. Placement is usually across from or adjacent to the kitchen area. The U-shaped dinette and the bench seat styles are both used. In some of upper end models, such as the Charleston Class A made by Forest River, free standing dinettes that look like a caf table and chairs are offered. These do not fold into a bed.

Dinettes in Trailers

The styles of RV dinettes used in travel trailers are virtually the same as in motor homes and are governed by the same rules. Both types of RVs have similar floor plans, slide-outs and come in various lengths. The smaller trailers tend to have dinettes similar to the Class B motor homes. The larger and more deluxe units, such as the fifth wheels (trailers where the hitch is attached to the inside of a pickup truck bed) follow the dinette styles and floor plans of the Class C and Class A rigs.

How to Paint a Kitchen Table & Chairs

You can quickly give your kitchen an updated look by painting your table and chairs. Select a color that coordinates with the walls or cabinets for an understated look. Yellow is a popular color for kitchens and complements most types of wood. For a dramatic effect, choose colors in bright or contrasting shades. Fire engine red will give your kitchen a contemporary, urban feel. Adding new seat cushions and table linens can also add a finishing touch to your newly painted furniture. The key to a high quality paint job is the proper surface preparation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Protect the floors with a drop cloth. Lightly sand the table and chairs if their surface is glossy or very smooth. Wipe off the furniture with a clean, damp rag to remove any grit, dirt or dust.

2

Prime the furniture with a compatible latex-based primer. Use a primer specially formulated for metal surfaces if your chairs or table are metal. Apply the primer with a brush, being careful to follow the direction of the grain of the wood. Allow primer to dry completely before painting.

3

Paint the furniture with a latex-based paint in a semi-gloss finish. Take care to follow the direction of the wood grain. Clean up any drips as soon as they happen. Apply two coats of paint, letting the first coat dry thoroughly before the second application.

4

Seal your paint job with a latex-based varnish, as kitchen tables are subject to regular wear and tear. Varnish will protect the surface and allow for easier cleaning.

5

Wash all brushes with soap and water. Smooth the bristles of your wet brushes back into shape and allow them to dry upright.

How to Cover the Kitchen Table With Flashing

When considering redoing the surface of that old wooden kitchen table, why not give it a metal surface instead of painting or sanding and revarnishing it? A sheet of flashing over the surface of the table will give it a modern commercial look and make the surface easier to clean after use. And although it will take a little effort, the process of redoing the table with flashing instead of painting or varnishing will take less time, too. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparation

1

Measure the length and width of the tabletop.

2

Measure the side edge of the table and add 1 inch to it.

3

Multiply the edge measurement by 2 and add it to the table top dimensions. For instance, if the side measures 1 1/2 inches, you will add 1 inch to that measurement (2 1/2 inches) and multiply it by 2 (5 inches total). Add that total to the measurement of the table top, so if the table top measures 3 feet by 2 feet, then your final dimensions will be 3 feet 5 inches by 2 feet 5 inches. This final measurement will determine the size for the piece of metal flashing you will use to cover the table.

4

Center the flashing on the table and on the underside draw a line with a marker or pencil that will help you to lay it correctly when you are attaching it to the surface. You might prefer to trace the entire table or only mark out one or two sides.

Attaching the Flashing

5

Apply heavy-duty adhesive to the surface of the table.

6

Lay the flashing on the glued surface of the table, using the guide(s) you drew to make sure it is centered the first time, if possible. The adhesive should start setting within 10 minutes, so you won't have much time for do-overs.

7

Wait 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flashing to adhere to the tabletop.

8

Cut each of the four corners of the flashing with the tin snips. Start at the point of each corner and cut diagonally in to the corner of the table.

9

Bend the flashing down over each side edge of the table. Doing this is very similar to wrapping a present. You should have enough extra to bend the flashing under the side edge so that the visible edge of your table covering will be smooth. You may find it helpful or even necessary to use the hammer to assist in bending the flashing, especially when you are folding it under the side edge.

10

Secure the flashing to the table with the screws using the power screwdriver. Place the screws so that they are about 1/8 inch from the edge of the flashing on the underside of the table edge. Put two screws in each of the shorter sides of the table and three screws in each of the longer sides of the table.

11

If there are sharp edges on the corners of the table, use the hammer to pound them down and smooth them out.

How to Decorate a Bedside Table

The bedside table is an oft overlooked and neglected space in a room. While they are usually resigned to holding pocket contents, random papers and the everyday alarm clock, bedside tables do not have to be boring or cluttered. By carefully choosing a few decorations and swapping out mundane pieces for more stylish elements, your bedside table can help pull the look of your bedroom together. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Designate other areas for the items that usually crowd a bedside table, such as reading glasses, books and magazines. Use a drawer, under bed storage container or shelf for these items instead.

2

Place a table that is large enough to hold your decor next to your bed. The last thing you want is for everything to end up looking crowded together. A bedside table that's too small can also lead to items falling off of it, creating a hazard. If you haven't bought your bedside table yet, purchase it after your buy your accessories. If you already have a bedside table you want to use, keep its size in mind when buying your decor.

3

Place up to four decorative elements on your bedside table. Common items to use are a lamp, photo frame, vase, clock or miniature statue. Choose the things you're most likely to use. For instance, if you use an alarm clock to wake up and need a lamp to read at night, those two items are essentials for your bedside table.

4

Ensure the decorations you choose match the rest of your bedroom; use your bedside table to tie together your room's color scheme or decorative theme. For example, if your room colors are mocha, lime and cream, using a lime vase with cream-colored flowers, mocha photo frame and cream-colored lamp would look cohesive.

How to Handle Table Height & Width From CSS & HTML

CSS, which stands for cascading style sheets, is a set of codes that specifies how a Web page is laid out. HTML tags, which are generally meant for underlying structure rather than layout and appearance, can still perform many of the same effects as CSS, including setting the width and height of tables. There are several approaches you can take to size tables on Web pages because more than one factor affects table size. One such factor is any element next to a table. Understanding how to set table size in Web pages allows you to create pages that meet your design needs.

Instructions

1

Open Notepad or other plain-text editor of your choice. Paste into it the following HTML document. The codes in this document tell your browser to display a blank Web page. You'll next add HTML tags to define a table.

2

Paste the following HTML tags after the opening tag you pasted in the last step. These tags tell your browser to create a table whose cells and outline have a border so you can see the table. The table's height and width are automatically sized to accommodate the size of the text in the cell.

Greetings.

3

Save the document, being sure to add the text ".htm" at the end of the file name, and to click "Any" for the file type.

4

Select the "Greetings" text, then type over it the following replacement text. The HTML "font" tag tells the browser to increase the size of the text that follows the tag to 24 points. By increasing the text size, the table will also expand in width and length to fit the larger text.

Greetings.

5

Press "Control" and "S" simultaneously to re-save your document, then press "F5" in your browser to reload the page. Notice that the table's dimensions have expanded to make room for the larger text. This effect verifies that one way to increase table size is by using HTML to change the text size within the table.

6

Paste the following tag between the "" and "" tags of the document in Notepad. The "style" tag invokes your browser's CSS interpreter, which reads the "table" entry that follows as an instruction to change the size of all tables in the Web page.

7

Resave and refresh the Web page in the browser as you did earlier. Notice that the table has grown to several times its original size. The CSS code you just added is responsible for this change.

How Big Should a Room Be to Use a Seven Foot Pool Table?

Don't underestimate how much space you need for your pool table.

Bigger Is Better

Chris Abaya, who runs the website Easy Pool Tutor, recommends that you add the length of a cue, plus 6 inches, as the perimeter around your pool table. Using the most common cue length of 57 inches, for a 7-foot table you need total space of at least 16 feet 10 inches by 13 feet 8 inches. This allows enough room for your whole cue, plus extra room for your stroke.

Smaller Can Work

If you have your heart set on a pool table but you can't knock out a few walls, just get smaller cues. Abaya says that if you use 48-inch cues, your room only needs to be 15 feet 4 inches by 12 feet 2 inches. You could also set up the table so that only one side has limited clearance, and use a "shorty" cue, as short as 36 inches, on just that side when necessary.

Bottom Line

A larger room is optimal. Some players find shorty cues to be awkward, and depending on how small the room is, even a 36-inch pool stick might bump the wall when you're trying to shoot. You also need to allow room for your pool cue rack and other accessories--not to mention fellow players.

How to Use the Diamond on a Billiards Table

On every billiards table are diamonds, or sometimes dots, inlaid into the frame of the rails. These diamonds are not just for decoration, but rather serve to assist you in choosing the proper angles for kick shots and banks. When used properly, you can calculate or visualize the precise impact point to send the cue ball or object ball to any other spot on the pool table. Since all billiards tables are manufactured to specific and consistent sizes, a perfect rectangle with the width being half the length, known as the "Diamond System," will work the same on any table, regardless of its size.

Instructions

1

Look at the whole pool table. Consider the location of the cue ball, the object ball and the pocket in which you want to sink the ball. A kick shot may be necessary because your opponents balls block a direct view of your target. A bank shot may be necessary because your opponents balls block access to an otherwise easy pocket.

2

Determine which diamond to use. Your goal is for your shot to successfully result in a reflection of the cue ball or object ball into the intended pocket. If you are attempting a kick shot, find the diamond that will make the cue ball bounce off the rail and hit your object ball. If you are attempting a bank shot, find the diamond that will make the object ball bounce off the rail and drop into the desired pocket. Remember that you need to aim the object ball into the correct diamond for a successful bank shot, and make sure the cue ball does not interfere with the path of the object ball after impact.

3

Slowly and smoothly stroke through the cue ball. Using no English whatsoever, knock it into the rail at the precise diamond location that will result in your intended path of travel. The speed and strength with which you strike the ball will vary on every table. It will also be affected by many factors such as the quality of the felt cloth, the cleanliness of the balls and the table, the weight of your cue stick and the condition of the tables rails.

How to Make Octagonal Wood Tables

Making an octagonal table is not much different from making a round or oval table, but the payoff is that octagonal tables are much less common, so your table will really stand out. If you're new to woodworking, then a smaller side table or coffee table will make a good starting project. You can learn some of the basic joints in carpentry, such as the butt edge joint, on this project. Those with more expertise can adjust the size of the project and make an octagonal breakfast table or kitchen table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut out a 40- by 40-inch square from the lumber sheet. Divide the square into quarters through the sides, marking with a cross through the middle of each side. Measure out 5 inches on either side of the midpoints. Trace a diagonal line between the 5-inch marks on adjacent sides of the square, cutting off the corners of the square. Cut along the diagonal lines to reveal an octagon with 10-inch sides.

2

Cut two block legs from the lumber measuring 15 by 20 inches and an undercarriage plank measuring 20 by 20 inches. Sand all the components of the table.

3

Mark a line along the middle of two opposite edges of the undercarriage -- it should be roughly 1/2 an inch up -- then make a mark every 5 inches on these lines. There should be four evenly spaced marks.

4

Measure up 1/2 inch on one end of a 20-inch side of the legs and make marks along those lines every 5 inches. When you hold the legs upright and abut them to the undercarriage, the marks on the legs should meet up with the marks on the ends of the undercarriage.

5

Drill a hole 1/4 inch deep and wide at each of the points marked on both the legs and the ends of the undercarriage.

6

Dip the dowel pegs in glue, then insert them into the holes in the undercarriage. Fit the holes in the legs over the ends of the pegs and pound the legs with the mallet to ensure that the pegs are all the way in the holes. The legs should be at right angles to the undercarriage. Check with a set square to ensure the legs are on true vertical, then clamp the legs onto the undercarriage to dry for two hours.

7

Remove the clamps and center the undercarriage, with the legs up, onto the underside of the octagon table top. Drive four evenly spaced screws through each side of the undercarriage into the table top to secure the legs and undercarriage.

8

Paint or varnish the table as desired. Use even brush strokes that go with the grain of the wood. Leave to dry for the amount of time stipulated by the paint or varnish manufacturer.

Ideas for Painting the Kitchen Dining Table

If it has come time to replace that old dining table, but it is not in the budget, a paint can renovation may be the way to go. A new kitchen table could sell for hundreds of dollars, not to mention the cost of getting it delivered. The table you already have is likely in good condition, with the exception of a few nicks and scratches. You can salvage a kitchen table without spending much money. Does this Spark an idea?

Two-Tone Paint Job

To create a shabby chic look, use two different colored paints. For a wood table, sand the tabletop and legs. Be sure to even out scratches. With some elbow grease, you can eliminate most stains. Use a wood conditioner before applying paint. Conditioner will help distribute the paint more evenly preventing certain spots from getting over saturated. Paint the tabletop in a natural color like brown, suede, beige or tan. If you have young children, you may want a darker color so that stains stay hidden. Paint the legs blue. It is best to stick with earthy tones rather than vibrant colors.

Fresh Coat

Some tables just need a fresh coat of paint to look like new again. It is important to avoid using a glossy finish because those paints will be more prone to peeling or sticking to the bottom of glass or hard plastic. Choose a color that is already in your kitchen but not prominent. If you have wallpaper with flowers that are primarily yellow, for instance, buy a paint matching the color of the green stem. To prevent peeling and scratches, coat the tabletop in a clear polyurethane finish. You must allow no fewer than 24 hours for your table to dry fully. Remember that the top layers of paint may dry sooner than the bottom layers.

Stencils

Get the entire family in on the job. Come up with a theme you want your table to have. Remember that you will not be painting your table often, so be sure you do not mind living with the designs you choose. Avoid topical themes like seasons and holidays. Fruit is a nice kitchen idea. Buy stencils of apples, bananas and melons at a craft or hobby store. Tape the stencil directly to the table so you dont have to worry about coloring within the lines.

Before you do anything to the table, however, make a rough copy of your work. Create your design on a blank piece of paper. Practice your design until you get it exactly how you want it before making it permanent.

How to Clean a Glass Topped Dining Table

The beauty of a glass top dining table, whether oval, round or square, may be ruined by the sight of dust, smudges and fingerprints. While these units provide a certain level of elegance and sophistication, they are also dirt-prone. Glass top dining tables attract a substantial amount of dirt and require constant cleaning to maintain their appeal. Cleaning a glass top dining table is simple, and requires only a few minutes to complete. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Remove any objects on the glass surface and store them in a safe place.

2

Spray some household glass cleaner on the glass top surface. Wait a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate dirt and stains.

3

Wipe the table with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth. Wipe the table in circular motions until dust, smudges and fingerprints disappear. Use more force on tougher stains such spilled drinks and food.

4

Alternatively, create a mixture of white vinegar and water solution, and then apply the mixture on the glass table. Wait a few minutes for the vinegar to penetrate stains, and then wipe the table with a microfiber cloth.

5

Add a little lemon juice to your glass table top if you don't have vinegar. Wait a few minutes for the lemon juice's acid to dissolve dirt, and then wipe the surface until it's clean.

Rules & Regulations for Billiards

There are a large number of different games to be played with a billiard table. All of them involve variations of sinking the balls in the pockets by striking them with a cue ball propelled by a wooden cue. Specific rules for each type of game are long and varied. This article is intended as a brief summation of standardized rules for all types of pocket billiards games, applicable regardless of the game itself. You can add specific rules for the game you are playing on top of them--they usually constitute the order in which the balls must be sunk, which player can strike which balls and particulars of scoring--but these guidelines should always be in place during a regulation session on a billiard table.

Features

Billiard tables must be of a uniform rectangular size and have pockets spaced symmetrically on the corners and in the center of the widest lengths. The tables themselves must be between 28 1/4 and 31 inches tall at the bed, with rails at least 1 inch in height and between 4 and 7 1/2 inches wide. It goes without saying that the table surface needs to be perfectly level. The pocket openings should be 4 1/2 inches wide for the corner pockets and between 5 and 5 1/8 inches wide for the side pockets. Balls must be of a uniform size, 5 to 5 1/4 inches in diameter and weighing between 5 1/2 and 6 ounces. Cue sticks need to be at least 40 inches long (there is no maximum length) and weigh no more than 25 ounces.

Features

Balls need to be racked using a regulation triangle, with the ball at the apex (the top of the triangle) placed on the foot spot of the table. Only the tip of the cue may strike or move the cue ball. If any other objects strike any ball in any way, it results in a foul, and the offending player must forfeit his turn (or his next turn if he has acted out of turn). It is also a foul if the cue tip touches any ball that is still in motion. The cue ball may only be struck once by the cue tip until all balls have come to rest. A player must have at least one foot on the ground when making any shot, and his footwear must be of a normal size and thickness. (No strapping phone books to your soles and calling them shoes.)

Features

For games involving called shots, the acting player must name the number of the ball she intends to strike and the pocket she intends to sink it in before she makes any shot. She doesn't need to specify how the shot will be made, nor does she need to account for any additional balls that may be sunk in the process. Failure to pocket a ball--regardless of whether called shots are in effect or not--results in the end of the player's inning. Whenever a player's turn or inning ends--either by fouling or by failing to sink a ball as dictated by the rules--the next player shall take his turn, with each player or team alternating as play progresses.

Features

A foul is incurred any time the cue ball fails to touch the object ball or if it is sunk in a pocket during the course of a shot. The player's turn or inning immediately ends, and further penalties may be applied depending on the precise rules of the specific game.

Features

Spotting the ball takes place whenever the rules of the particular game dictate it. The ball is placed on the foot spot of the table, or as close as possible depending upon the current position of the other balls. If more than one ball must be spotted, the second ball should be placed directly behind the first, in a line leading towards the nearest edge of the table. Any third ball will be placed directly behind the second, any fourth ball behind the third ball and so on until all spotted balls have been laid down. The player whose turn it is may then make a shot as normal.

Features

Occasionally, the balls may be disrupted by non-players or so-called "acts of God" such as earthquakes or spilled drinks. Regardless of the circumstances, if it was determined that the balls were moved inadvertently with no intention of altering the game, then the moved balls should be placed back as close to their original position as can accurately be determined. Play can resume as normal from there.

How to Donate a Kitchen Table & Chairs

If you are redecorating your home, you may choose to donate old furniture to charity. Charitable donations are good for a tax write-off as well as helping your fellow man. Finding the best place to donate a kitchen table and chairs is simple. You might not even need to drop off your table and chairs yourself. Many charities will come to your home to pick up large furniture donations. Finding out how to donate a kitchen table and chairs only requires basic research.

Instructions

1

Decide if you want to donate to a local charity or one of the major organizations, such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Major cities will all have local organizations or shelters that might be in need of a good table and chairs as well.

2

Check the phone book for the numbers of local charities and organizations that accept donations. Your neighborhood high school may need furniture for their drama department as well.

3

If you want to donate through Goodwill or the Salvation Army, both have national hotlines that you can call. Goodwill's number is (800) 664-6577 and the Salvation Army's number is (800) SAL-ARMY.

4

Call to schedule a pickup. Like the cable company, a charity will give you a window of time when they should arrive. Have your furniture clean and accessible for pickup.

5

Make sure to get a receipt for your donation. This documentation will ensure that you receive a tax break for your table and chairs next tax season.

6

Attach an itemized list of the furniture you donated to this receipt, including their fair market values. File this away with your tax paperwork.

How to Make a Dining Table Expand

If you love to entertain a big group for dinner but do not have the space to keep a full-length table on display year round, why not make an expandable dining table? An expandable table is a practical choice if your family is small but you entertain a lot of friends and family on special occasions. The table can be kept for regular daily use at its smaller size, with 4- to 6-person seating capacity, and then expanded later on to allow 14 or more people to dine together. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Expand Using Expandable Wooden Supports

1

Remove the wooden dining table top from the legs. This section is a tutorial for tables made of wood only. Go to Section 2 if you want to expand a dining table with top made of glass or ceramics.

2

Mark the center of your table, draw a straight line from top to bottom.

3

Cut the wooden dining table in half or along the line you just drew to ensure that it is centered. Use a table saw that can cut through a long length, adjusted to the thickness of the wood. Do this along the shorter length of the table if it is rectangular in shape.

4

Use a medium grit sandpaper to remove the splinters along the cut; sand until it is smooth. Then stain the edges with a finish to match.

5

Measure the length and width of the piece that would go to the middle, which will be the added leaf. The length should match that of the existing pieces if you are creating the leaves for a square or rectangular table. For round or oval table, measure the longest part, usually the very center of the table, which will be your basis for measurement.

6

Cut the piece of wood to be used as the table leaf. You can cut one piece at 30 inches wide or two pieces at 15 inches wide each. You can match the wood with the same type of material or use a 3/4-inch thick plywood and just stain it with the same finish later on. It is not really a must to match the wood grain and material because this piece will be hidden most of the time. You can cover it with tablecloth when in use to hide imperfections.

7

Measure the width of the expansion in the middle. Cut four pieces of 2 x 4-inch solid wood lumber based on the measurement leaving 4 inches on each side as overlap. These cut pieces will be used as wooden supports that glide in and out. Create a tongue and groove by carving the wood to allow the wooden sections to slide inside one another by a groove. Add metal tracks and track rollers for ease of operation. When the table is expanded, the gear glides out to expand, revealing the opening for the table leaf. Then, when you push the table back together, it should glide through smoothly to close.

8

Test out the expandable table and see how it operates. You may need to adjust the nuts and bolts for tightness or add more groove to allow for smoother gliding operation.

Expand by Creating a Bigger Removable Top

9

Create a removable table top that you can easily put on top of your existing table and then stow away when not in use. In this section you can expand the capacity of a glass top, ceramic top or wooden top table because you would not need to alter or cut the existing table. This type of technique is used by conventions centers, hotels and restaurants if they need bigger tables to accommodate bigger groups that want to be seated together.

10

Measure the width and length of the existing table. Based on this measurement, create a table top with added 18 inches on each side. If it is a square or rectangle, add 18 inches on all four sides. For round or oval table, add 18 inches to the whole circumference to create a bigger table top.

11

Transfer the measurement or dimension on a piece of plywood or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). Using MDF is ideal because it is light and easy to work with. The plywood is thicker and heavier but more sturdy.

12

Trace the shape of your new table top based on the measurement. For a circular shape, you can use a pencil tied to a piece of yarn. Measure the yarn same as the circumference of the table. Then holding the tip of the yarn in the middle, move the pencil around to draw the perfect circle. If it is too wide for you to handle, you can nail down the end of the yarn at the center of the wood, then move around while drawing the circle.

13

Cut using a circular saw or a jigsaw for round or oval tables; use a table saw for a square or rectangular table.

14

Use sandpaper to smooth out the edges.

15

Stain or paint the table top with the matching color of the other wood pieces on the existing table, or you can leave it unfinished if you are using tablecloth each time you entertain.

16

Try the table top for size and sturdiness. Depending on how large it is compared to the original table top, you may want to use additional support or clamps to keep it in place while in use to avoid toppling over. You may also use big strips of double-sided tapes or Velcro to hold it in place. Store when not in use.

How to Make a Floating Bedside Table

Floating bedside tables give the illusion of space. For the best result, build with solid lumber as much as possible. However, plywood works well too. When considering solid lumber, take note that the actual size of 1-by-12-inch lumber is -by-11 inches. This makes a difference because it affects the measurements for the project. Oak lumber stains easily and sands smoothly, making it the most popular choice for projects such as this one. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparation for Assembly

1

Set the 1-by-12-by-20-inch piece of oak lumber on a worktable. Measure from one long edge and make several marks at and 1 inches. Also, make several marks -inch from the ends.

2

Put the 1-by-12-by-15-inch pieces of oak lumber on the worktable. Measure from one end of each piece and make several marks at -inch. Make marks at and 1 inches from one of the long edges.

3

Connect the marks with the framing square. Drill pilot holes with a 1/16-inch drill bit between the lines of the length of the oak lumber and between the ends and the line. Keep the pilot holes at least 3/8-inch from the edges of the ends.

4

Cut the remaining piece of 1-by-12-by 20-inch oak lumber to 18 inches long with an electric miter saw. Set the fence of the table saw at 10 inches. Place the 18-inch piece of oak flat on the table saw and butt it against the fence. Run the lumber through the blade to produce a 1-by-10-by-18-inch piece of oak lumber. This is the back to the floating bedside table.

5

Set the fence of the table saw at 18 inches. Cut the -inch plywood across the grain. Next, move the fence of the table saw to 15 inches and run the piece of plywood through the saw in the same direction as the grain. This is the top of the floating bedside table and measures 18-by-15-by- inches.

Assembly

6

Apply glue to the ends opposite the lines of the 1-by-12-by-15-inch oak lumber. Stand the 20-inch piece of oak on the long edge without the lines. Stand the 15-inch pieces of oak on its long edge opposite the lines drawn on it.

7

Put the ends with glue on them between the line and the ends of the 20-inch piece. Secure them with the 8-penny finish nails through the pilot holes. Clean up excess glue with a damp cloth. You should have a U shaped frame with the remaining lines on the inside of it.

8

Next, apply glue to the 10-inch edges of the 1-by-10-by-18-inch oak lumber. Set it between the two 15-inch pieces and secure it with 8-penny finish nails. Clean up the excess glue with a damp cloth.

9

Stand the box created by the previous steps so the 10-inch back is facing up. Apply glue to three of the four edges of the top and place it on the lines drawn on the lumber. Secure it to the box with 8-penny finish nails. Clean up the excess glue with a damp cloth.

10

Make a mark on the wall representing the desired height of the floating bedside table. Place the carpenters level on the mark horizontally and draw a faint line. Locate two studs with the stud finder and mark them just above the horizontal line. Hold the table on the line on the wall. Secure it to the wall from the bottom side with the variable speed drill, a Philips head screw tip and 3-inch drywall screws.

How to Build a Round Picnic Table With Seats

Round picnic tables make a great addition to any garden or backyard. A round picnic table with seats can be built in a day. Although it does take some know-how, nearly anyone equipped with a step-by-step plan and the right tools and supplies is capable of building a round picnic table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Build a Picnic Table and Seats

1

Construct the table top by placing as many 60-inch by 1-1/2-inch pieces of wood on the floor side by side as necessary to reach a width of 59 inches.

2

Apply center support by placing a piece of 1x2 material across the center of the side-by-side pieces. Fasten this piece to the first piece of the table top with a 2-inch screw. From the opposite side, press all the boards together and fasten the other end of the support to the end piece with another 2-inch screw. Now fasten the center support to each board with 2-inch screws.

3

Fasten a 1-1/2 by 1-3/4 inch board at a distance of 25 inches from the outer edge. Use two 2-inch screws, one on each side of the center support.

4

Mark the center of the table top. Use a 60-inch long piece of scrap material to draw a line with a pencil from corner to corner. Draw a 59-inch circle by nailing the board's end to the center point and making a mark at the edge 29-1/2 inches from the center. Rotate the board around the nail while maintaining the pencil's position at the 29-1/2-inch pencil mark. Round the table by cutting along the line.

5

Build the legs by cutting 2x4 pieces 40 inches long and miter saw the ends to a 45-degree angle. Attach the legs to the center support with 6-inch long 3/8-inch lag bolts.

6

Build the Seats. Cut four 2x3x18-inch pieces and use a miter saw to cut the ends at 30-degree angles. Cut a piece of wood 13 1/2 x 32 inches, this will be the top of the seat. Now fasten two legs at a 60-degree
angle to each end of the 13 1/2 x 32-inch piece with 3/8-inch lag bolts. Repeat this process for each additional seat.

How to Construct a Waist-High Raised Garden Bed Table

Although gardening can be an incredibly rewarding task, the physical effort required by the art, including weeding, planting and mulching, can take a toll on the body. However, waist-high raised garden beds can make the soil and plants you are working with more accessible. This can be especially useful for young, elderly, disabled, and wheelchair-bound gardeners. By moving the raised bed concept off of the ground and onto a table, you can grow flowers, fruits and vegetables both in the garden or on your deck or patio. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay the 5-foot boards on their 1-inch widths so that they run parallel to one another and are spaced 3 feet apart.

2

Position a 38-inch board at each end of the 5-foot boards to form a rectangle. Align the boards so that the ends of the 5-foot boards are set against the faces of the 38-inch boards.

3

Drill two screws through each of the 38-inch boards and into the ends of the 5-foot boards at each corner to create a rectangular frame.

4

Stand a 6-inch stake upright in each inside corner of the frame. There should be a 2-inch gap between the top of the stakes and the upper edge of the frame.

5

Drill screws through the frame and into the stakes to secure them to the corners.

6

Set the sheet of plywood over the frame and allow it to slip between the frame boards. The plywood will come to rest on the stakes set in the corners.

7

Set screws every 6 inches along the outside of the frame to secure the plywood to the frame.

8

Stand the four posts upright and position one post into the inside of each corner over the plywood.

9

Drill holes through the frame and posts along the frame's sides where the posts and framework touch.

10

Slip a lag bolt through each drilled hole and secure the accompanying nut to attach the posts to the frame.

11

Flip the table right side up and rest it on the post legs.

12

Drill eight to nine scattered -inch holes into the plywood; these will serve as drainage holes.

13

Spread a piece of landscaping fabric over the plywood and use a staple gun to attach the fabric to the edge of the frame in 1-foot intervals.

14

Place the garden table into its new location.

How to Make a Table Cloth From a Bed Sheet

Tablecloths protect the finish of your tabletop from damage. A table is among the most used furniture inside your home and without protection, paint, varnish or other finishing material on top of the table can easily get stained, scratched or scorched. A tablecloth not only protects your table top from damage, it also serves as a decor that adds to the beauty of your home. However, tablecloths can be pricey, and sometimes it's difficult to find one to match the decorative vision you have for dining area. Save some money and feed your creativity by making a tablecloth out of a bed sheet. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay the bed sheet face down on the floor, then measure its length and width with a tape measure. Divide its length and width by two to get the center of each measurement, then draw a straight line along the center of its length and width. Find the point where the lines intersect, then mark the point with an "X." Use tailor's chalk to mark the bed sheet.

2

Locate the center of the table by following the same procedures used in locating the center of the bed sheet. If the table is circular in shape, divide the diameter of the table by two to get its center. Mark the center of the table with a "Y."

3

Place the bed sheet on top of the table. Move the position of the bed sheet so its longest side is parallel to the longest side of the table, if the table is rectangular. If the table is square, adjust the bed sheet so the shortest side of the sheet is parallel to one side of the square. Align the center of the bed sheet with the center of the table by placing the X mark on the sheet over the Y mark on the table top.

4

Look at the bed sheet hanging along the sides of the table and determine the length of tablecloth drop you wish to maintain around the table. Measure from the edge of the table down to the point where you wish to terminate the drop.

5

Trace the outline of the table onto the underside of the sheet by lifting the sheet along the side of the table to expose the edge of the table, and tracing the edges of the table onto the underside of the sheet.

6

Lay the sheet face down on the floor. Enlarge the outline you traced in Step 5 by adding the length of the drop you determined in Step 4 to each outer side of the outline. Starting from the outline and moving out toward the edge of the bed sheet, measure the number of inches equal to the length of the drop. Then, draw a new line parallel to the outline. Perform this procedure on each side of the original outline until you have completed the enlarged outline.

7

Cut the bed sheet along the enlarged outline to trim its size and shape, using scissors. Fold all edges of the bed sheet toward its underside by 1/2 inch, then sew the edges with a hemming stitch. Place the tablecloth on top of the table to see its fit.

How to Select a Bedside Table Design

The bedside table should be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Many home decorators devote a lot of time selecting the proper bedside table, working to carefully choose a piece that fits the theme of the room and provides convenient beside-the-bed storage. Because your bedside tables flank the bed, which is the focal point of any bedroom, it is vital to select pieces that match well with the rest of your decor and carry through themes you have established with other accent pieces. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Categorize the general aesthetic of the room. Review the other pieces that fill the room and determine which style they most closely fit. If your pieces are chunky and contemporary, your room is likely modern. If they are delicate and scrolled with floral inlays, you likely have crafted a more classic space. To ensure your bedside tables do not look out of place in the room, attempt to echo the feel of your existing pieces as much as possible when selecting the pieces. Failure to do so will result in your bedside tables looking more like last-minute add-ons and less like a part of a cohesive room design.

2

Survey your available building equipment. If you intend to craft your own bedside tables, consider what tools you have at your disposal. If you want rounded, intricate legs for your tables, you will likely need a lathe. If you don't have specialized tools, consider a more contemporary design with less detailing.

3

Measure the height of the mattress. Ideally, your bedside table should sit at the same height as your mattress top. This matching the heights allows for easy use of your bedside storage space and gives your room a put-together, well-planned feel. If your mattress is too high to pair with the bedside tables you desire, consider trading out your current box springs for low-profile ones to lower the height of your bed and allow it to more appropriately match up with your bedside tables.

4

Match your current wood hues. If other wooden pieces already fill your room, try to match your bedside tables to these tones as closely as possible. If this isn't possible, consider a painted bedside table so it doesn't look as if you attempted to match the wood tones but failed.

5

Add design accents that match with other room components. If you have glass on other room surfaces, consider a bedside table with a glass inlay to echo this component. Similarly, if you have metallic accents around the room, select a bedside table with metal elements to tie it to the other pieces. If you fall in love with a bedside table that doesn't share design elements with other room pieces, add accents to the table surface that contain these elements to more closely tie the piece to the rest of your room.

Putting Tile on a Wooden Kitchen Table

Customize a wooden kitchen table with a do-it-yourself tiling project to make a one-of-a-kind statement for your home. Purchase porcelain or ceramic tile to match the style of the kitchen decor. Create a simple straight-forward design or set up an elaborate pattern with different tile sizes and colors. Match the color of the tiling with colored grout that blends in or causes the look to pop with contrast. The finished project is a decorative, utilitarian table that is easy to clean. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the table to determine how many tiles will be needed for the project. Write down the table measurement to take on the tile shopping trip.

2

Buy enough tile pieces to cover the table. Shop for sales, color and size that will work best for the project. An alternative choice is a colorful mosaic made with broken tiles. Buy bullnose tile to finish the edging.

3

Place the tiles on the tabletop. Arrange the tiles until the design is appropriate for this project. If corners of the tile must be rounded, use tile nippers to carefully snip the pieces off.

4

Remove and stack each row of tiles to keep them in order of placement.

5

Spread mastik or tile adhesive onto a portion of the tabletop according to the package directions. Set the tiles onto the adhesive. Use a level when making rows of tiles to keep them aligned and even.

6

Apply grout to the table top according to product instructions. Let the grout sit until firm. Wipe the grout film that develops on the tiles away with a clean damp sponge. Continue to wipe film until it is gone.

The Best Table for Octagon-Shaped Dining Areas

The table that will work best in an octagonal-shaped space is the one that fulfills all the necessary functions of the dining room table, as defined by the occupants, while adhering to basic design guidelines. The shape of the dining area determines the shape of the table. The room may be one shape, but the area assigned to dining may be another. An octagon is an eight-sided figure and can fall under the guidelines of either a rectangle/oval or square/round shape. It is helpful to list the typical and maximum number of people to be seated at the table and to know the style of the room before purchasing a dining room table. Does this Spark an idea?

Oval Table

If the octagon shape is longer than it is wide, it is considered under the guidelines of a rectangle, and an oval table would be appropriate for the space. An oval is the most formal table shape, and if that is not the mood or style of the dining room, reconsider this shape table. Allow 24 inches of table edge per person while seated.

Rectangular Table

A rectangular-shaped table is also acceptable within an octagonal space that is longer than it is wide if the style is informal. This is the most common of dining room table shapes and is available in a myriad of design styles. Allow one person to be seated at each end of the table and 24 inches for each person per side.

Round Table

An octagonal space that is equal in width and length falls under the purview of round and square shapes. A round dining table can be a difficult table shape to accommodate, because it tends to occupy more square feet per person than rectangular or oval tables. It is considered a highly formal shape. Allow 24 inches for each person around the circumference of the table.

Square Table

A square table would be acceptable in an octagonal space that is equal in width and length. This table shape is informal and uses the most space per person of any table shape. It is becoming more popular in modern-style homes and is often seen built considerably higher than more formal tables, with corresponding chairs of extended height. Allow 24 inches for each person around the perimeter of the table.

Octagonal Table

An octagonal table that mirrors the shape of the space would be acceptable. An octagonal table of rectangular shape tends to be more formal than a basic rectangle or square table. An octagonal table that is more round is less formal than a round or oval table.

Two Tips

Extra leaves are an option for changing the shape of a table. For example, a square table becomes rectangular with leaves added.

For ease of service and clearing, when all the chairs are pulled back there should be at least 3 feet of space between the back of the chairs and any furniture or walls.

Brunswick Pool Table Disassembly Instructions

Brunswick pool tables are extraordinarily heavy when fully assembled, thanks in no small part to the slate playing surface and the solid wood structure supporting it. If you find yourself having to move a Brunswick pool table, it's best to completely disassemble it first, then move the table one piece at a time. You'll be far less likely to damage the table or the slate if you do.

Instructions

1

Sit beneath the pool table and you will be able to look up and see the bolts that attach the pool table's rails to the pockets, the slate and the leveling support. Use the socket wrench to remove the bolts you see on the perimeter underside of the table. Next, remove the staples that support the leather pockets using a pair of pliers

2

Lift the rails and the pockets off the table top after the bolts have been removed. Retain the bolts in a plastic bag so you can keep all the hardware components of the pool table together. The rails and pockets will come apart in 12 pieces. There are six pockets and six rails to be removed.

3

Remove the felt from the slate by pulling the staples out of the support wood beneath the slate using a pair of pliers. If you do not see staples, then the felt is glued on. If this is the case, simply pull the felt off the slate by pulling in an upward motion.

4

Look for any bolts or screws in the surface of the slate. These will appear as small round holes that may be filled with beeswax. Dig the beeswax out with the tip of a screwdriver, then remove the bolts or screws that hold the slate onto the table support.

5

Unbolt the wood support grid from between the sidewalls of the base of the table. The overall size of your Brunswick table will determine how many supports are used. On all tables, however, the supports interlock with one another and are bolted together where they interlock. Remove these bolts, place them in the bag and then remove the table supports one at a time.

6

With the help of an assistant, turn the table over so that its legs are sticking up in the air. This will expose the bolts that hold the table legs onto the outer frame of the table. Use the socket wrench to remove these bolts, then place them in the plastic bag. Remove the table legs and set them aside.

7

Remove the screws that hold the blocks onto the inside corners of the remainder of the table, then place them in the bag. As you remove the screws, the side walls of the table support will come apart. Be careful to prevent them from falling to protect the finish on the pool table wood. Once the side walls have been unscrewed from one another, the table can be safely moved to your choice of locations. Assembly of the table is the opposite of disassembly.

How to Build a Dining Room Table Top

Turn any great table base back into an eye catching dining room table. Whether the old top has gotten scarred, stained, or gashed into, it can be removed and a new fresh top set to take its place. With creativity your own style and customizations can be incorporated and turn your table into a one of kind piece, that can be passed on to future generations.

Instructions

Making the Top Piece

1

Take off the old top from the base by unscrewing the attaching screws or nails. Try to not damage the base since it will be used again.

2

Sand the base down to take off the old finish. This way it can be stained at the same time as the top so it will match and look fresh.

3

Pick out the wood boards that will make the new top. Try to find matching colors and grains.

4

Set boards up in order that matches up the best. Apply wood glue to the edges and push pieces back together.

5




Set up clamps to hold boards together to set. Try to keep boards as even as possible on a flat plane. Adjust the clamps as needed to make best flat surface. Allow to dry completely.

6




Take off clamps and run the new large board through a machine planer to get a smooth flat surface. If a machine planer is not accessible, use a hand planer.

Creating Design

7

Draw out desired design for table top. This can be painted, stained, or cut. Lay out a template over the table top to follow.

8

Cut designs into top of the table as wanted. They can be routed out as small recesses for a design or chiseled by hand for intricate designs. If using paint, draw out the design onto the table first with pencil, then use a paintbrush to paint in design.

9




Inlays can be placed in recessed areas if wanted. To do this, cut out small slots of wood of another color by jigsaw or hand chiseled. Sand down piece and use wood glue to insert wood piece into cut away area.

10

Sand all edges and surfaces until smooth.

11

Place top on base and center into place.

12

Use bolts or screws to attach top to base through the top of the base to the bottom of the new top.

13

Apply stain to base and top and allow to dry. Repeat until desired look is achieved.

14

Apply clear finish to entire piece. Allow to dry. Repeat a second coat.

Easy to Make Bedside Table

A bedside table is an essential to store a lamp and a glass of water and providing space for other nighttime essentials. You can build a bedside table in a style to match your bedroom decor, appropriately scaled for your space. In a small room, consider a bedside shelf mounted to the wall to keep your floors clear. If you have more space, you may want a more substantial bedside table with shelves and additional storage space.

A Bedside Shelf

One of the easiest bedside table options is a floating shelf. This is an inexpensive and quick project. Purchase two brackets with keyhole screw mounts at your local home improvement store. You should also purchase a 12-inch-wide board. This can be cut to the desired length at the hardware or home improvement center--24 inches works very well, but a shorter length will also work. Stain or paint and polyurethane both the shelf and brackets before proceeding.

Use a stud finder to mark the position of the brackets on the wall. Screw into place on the bottom of the shelf. Attach the mounted shelf to the wall.

Refurbishing

If you already own dated, worn or unattractive bedside tables, consider revamping the pieces you already have. You can also find inexpensive bedside tables at thrift stores or garage sales. Sand all surfaces smooth, removing any old paint and finish. Prime and paint as desired.

Add personality and style to your bedside table by decoupaging the drawer fronts with fabric or paper. A hard finish sealer such as Hard Coat Mod Podge can be applied to adhere the paper or fabric and then seal these surfaces.

Building a Bedside Table

If you are building a bedside table from scratch, you can choose from a variety of plans. In most cases, you will construct a four-legged table from 1 3/4-inch-by-1 3/4-inch lumber. Add cross supports from the same lumber and plywood shelves as desired. Make the top of your bedside table out of good quality veneered plywood and finish the edges neatly with trim molding.

Sand the entire piece once complete and stain and finish as desired. Use glue and wood screws to assemble your bedside table.