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Gather your supplies
• Top slats (6) 140 x 19 x 2100mm clear pine
• Cleats (8) 90 x 19 x 850mm clear pine
• Spacers (2) 10 x 10 x 90mm pine offcut
• Rails (6) 90 x 19 x 850mm clear pine
• Legs (6) 90 x 19 x 730mm clear pine
You’ll also need
Large builder’s square; drill and bits; external PVA; 35mm external countersunk timber screws; sandpaper; Cabot’s Stain & Varnish (we used Indian Tea); Dulux 1 Step Primer, Sealer & Undercoat; Dulux Aquanamel (we used Lexicon); 75mm hinges (4); 8mm rope
Reference diagram
Here’s how
Step 1 Lay top slats on flat surface and, using builder’s square, align ends and square them to sides of table. On 1 slat, measure 20, 110, 310, 400, 960, 1050, 1520 and 1610mm from 1 end. Square across all 6 slats. This gives four 90mm spaces that are cleat positions.
Step 2 Shape a 45° bevel on underside at each end of cleats to remove sharp corners. Put 3 slats on a flat surface, glue and screw second cleat from end to outer slat so it’s spaced 20mm in from side of table. Use square to make straight and 35mm screws (don’t drive too deep). Screw to other 2 slats using 10mm spacers to maintain constant gap. Repeat for other 3 cleats.
