How To Extend Dining Table With Plywood: A Personal Experience

When my family started to grow, we needed a bigger dining table to accommodate everyone during family dinners. But buying a new table was out of our budget at the time. That’s when I discovered the idea of extending our current dining table with plywood. After some research and trial and error, I successfully extended our dining table and now I’m sharing my experience and tips on how to do it.

Step by Step Guide

Materials Needed:

Plywood sheet
Saw
Sandpaper
Wood screws
Drill

Steps:

Measure the length and width of your dining table.
Cut the plywood sheet to match the dimensions of your table.
Sand the edges of the plywood sheet to smooth rough edges.
Place the plywood sheet on top of your dining table.
Align the edges of the plywood sheet with the edges of the dining table.
Using a drill, screw the plywood sheet to the dining table from underneath.
Make sure the screws are tight and secure.
Sand the surface of the plywood sheet to smooth rough surfaces.
Finish the surface of the plywood sheet to match your dining table.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Choose a plywood sheet that matches the color and texture of your dining table.
Measure the dimensions of your dining table accurately to avoid any mistakes.
Use a saw with fine teeth to avoid jagged edges.
Make sure the plywood sheet is thick enough to support the weight of your dishes and food.
Use wood screws that are long enough to go through the plywood sheet and into the dining table.
Consider adding a tablecloth or placemats to cover the seam between the plywood sheet and the dining table.
Experiment with different finishes for the plywood sheet, such as paint or stain.
Use the extended table for larger gatherings or events.
Remove the plywood sheet when not needed to maintain the original look of your dining table.
Consider adding a storage bag or cover for the plywood sheet when not in use.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Cost-effective alternative to buying a new dining table.
Customizable to match the existing dining table.
Easy to remove and store when not needed.

Cons:

The seam between the plywood sheet and the dining table may be visible.
The extended table may not be as sturdy as a new dining table.
The extended table may not be as aesthetically pleasing as a new dining table.

Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I’m happy with the results of extending our dining table with plywood. It was a cost-effective solution that allowed us to accommodate more people during family dinners. The seam between the plywood sheet and the dining table is visible, but it’s not a big deal for us. However, I wouldn’t recommend this solution if you’re looking for a long-term dining table solution or if you have a high-end dining table that you don’t want to alter.

FAQs

Q: Can I extend any type of dining table with plywood?

A: Yes, you can extend any type of dining table with plywood as long as the plywood sheet is thick enough to support the weight of your dishes and food.

Q: How much does it cost to extend a dining table with plywood?

A: The cost will depend on the size of your dining table and the cost of the plywood sheet. On average, it can cost anywhere from $50 to $200.

Q: Can I remove the plywood sheet when not needed?

A: Yes, you can easily remove the plywood sheet and store it when not needed.