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.