DIY folding wooden table for the kitchen

The most visited place in the apartment is definitely the kitchen. This is not only an area where you can eat or have a tea party, but also spend time with your family and loved ones over a cup of hot chocolate and sweets.

To ensure a cozy evening, you will need a small kitchen table that has the ability to extend, allowing you to seat more people. You can buy inexpensive extendable kitchen tables in furniture stores or construction hypermarkets, choosing them to match the design of your house or apartment.

A practical solution: an extendable kitchen table

The kitchen is the most visited area, as well as simply an island of calm and family comfort in every home.
We can afford to put off buying tiles in the bathroom or purchasing new furniture for the bedroom, but everything in the kitchen must be perfect. Layout, colors, lighting, space distribution, design of the work area and design of the dining area - all these points generally create an atmosphere of relaxation and hospitality in the kitchen. However, all kitchen areas interact well with each other only if they are equipped in the most practical, compact and functional way possible, because the size of domestic kitchens very often does not allow room for excess space. This is how original and creative solutions are born: multi-level sink bases, window sills - bar counters, TVs on the refrigerator, rails on the ceiling and on tiles, transformable furniture. This is especially true for the kitchen table - after all, due to the folding dining surface, it can significantly save space, and not only in the kitchen. It’s not for nothing that designers so often use this little universal trick when decorating a room. Let's take a closer look at the advantages of an extendable kitchen table over classic tables.

Futuristic design - an extendable table can be something similar

The transforming table is distinguished by its unusual design, which, with some simple manipulations, increases the tabletop by a third, or even twice. Thus, this piece of furniture opens up additional possibilities:

1. Significant space saving in the kitchen, as mentioned above. For everyday meals and in everyday life, the table can be kept folded, and during family dinners or holidays the tabletop can be unfolded.
2. Ease of use. Many people associate such a kitchen item with Sovdepov varnished countertops, which need to be turned over, twisted and unscrewed, and additional legs and elements installed each time. But the new model folding table can be transformed with a few easy movements, without causing any inconvenience.
3. When purchasing such a table, there is no need to purchase a table for the living room, since during family celebrations, the transformer can be placed in a large room, and it can easily accommodate all the guests.
4. A folding table covered with tiles is convenient during cooking, when the kitchen countertop area is not enough to fit all the necessary utensils.
5. There are a huge number of different models of folding tables of various styles and colors on sale, so you can certainly choose a table in the design you need.
6. It is quite possible to make an extendable table with your own hands if you have minimal carpentry skills and the necessary tools and materials.

Of course, the characteristics of a transforming table are not limited to its advantages; like any thing, it has its disadvantages. Firstly, the price is quite high. A high-quality folding or extending table will cost you a lot. Although the cost of the table is affected not only by its design, but also by the materials used: wood, glass or tile. Also, when buying a table, pay attention to the size and location of the elements that are located under the tabletop.

Some models are designed in such a way that while sitting, your legs rest against the structure of the table. The disadvantages include the massiveness of the transforming table. It always looks heavier and is more bulky than a regular table, which means it is not suitable for every interior. Although for a kitchen in a classic or country style, such a solid table would be just right.

Cute transformable dining table

If you are ready to put up with all the negative aspects of this piece of furniture, you should take a closer look at the structure of the sliding table.

The table consists of two tabletops measuring 550 x 300 mm, which, when unfolding the table, turn into one continuous surface measuring 600 x 550 mm. As a tabletop, you can use furniture board, chipboard, thick plywood or wide boards.

For the table you need to make four legs measuring 690 x 45 x 20 mm. To stabilize the table, we cut the legs at one end at an angle of 45 degrees, and round them at the other end for a movable connection with the foot supports.

We drill holes in the legs for bolt fastenings according to the drawings.

The tabletops are attached to the foot supports with self-tapping screws or another convenient method; you will need 4 supports measuring 500 x 45 x 20 mm. We attach two supports to each tabletop.

The supports are connected with bolts and nuts to the table legs.

We attach crossbars to the legs in the lower part with self-tapping screws; you will need two crossbars, bars measuring 450 x 45 x 20 mm.

Homemade folding picnic table.

The design of the table should be easy to unfold, the table should be stable and not wobble.

Now let’s consider the second option with a simpler mechanism; its production will take less time.

Simple folding table diagram (2 option).

In this option, one tabletop is used, which is attached to two supports, in turn, the supports are bolted to two pairs of legs, the second pair of legs, when unfolded, simply rests against the limiter under the tabletop.

Choice

Folding structures have their own specifics. They must be made of lightweight materials and have reliable connecting elements. Preference is given to softwood or plastic.

The sizes, in turn, are selected taking into account the functionality and needs of your family. The only indispensable condition is that the working surface is always made larger than the height of the legs, otherwise the product simply cannot be folded.

The height is determined so that the existing bench or stools allow you to sit comfortably at the table. Normally, there should be at least 10 centimeters of free space from people’s knees to the bottom surface of its lid.

The finished table is decorated to your liking, without forgetting, however, about practicality. So, if you plan to take it on picnics, use good, damage-resistant paint (dark color if possible). For the home, it is better to cover the parts with a transparent or tinted varnish that matches the other furniture in the apartment.

Tables for cottages that will be outdoors for a long time are best made of aluminum and plastic. These materials are not afraid of either rain or sun.

You can also choose the shape of the tabletop to your own taste. It can be done:

• oval;
• round;
• rectangular or square.

One has only to realize that the first two options are less practical and more labor-intensive to manufacture.

• steel pipes or channels;
• aluminum profile;
• wooden slats.

Folding kitchen table with cabinet

Let's consider two designs of a folding table with a cabinet. The first one in the kitchen takes up more space, but has a drawer and shelves in the cabinet, which are useful for storing small items. The second one is on wheels, narrow, and can be built into a line of kitchen furniture.

Stationary folding table with cabinet shelves

Let's try to make a cabinet table, as in the photo below.

To make a table, we will need a jigsaw, a screwdriver, and for the grooves for the hinges, a router or a bit attachment for a screwdriver or drill.

Table 1. Calculation of materials

Narrow table-book on wheels

Now we’ll make another table that can fold compactly and open one or two folding tabletops. For ease of movement, the design is complemented by wheels.

All components and parts are made of chipboard, the edges are finished with furniture edges. The table can be painted, laminated with film or varnished. The consumption and dimensions of the parts are given in Table 2.

Finally, watch a video on how to make an extendable table for your kitchen yourself.

Tools

Having assessed the volume and types of work, I collected tools in accordance with the following list:

• a jigsaw, which I use to cut circles from fiberboard and chipboard;
• I will need an electric drill to drill holes for connecting furniture parts;
• screwdriver for fastening screws;
• an air compressor with a gun for blowing holes and treated surfaces;
• hammer;
• iron;
• wrench;
• improvised tools (pliers, screwdriver, metal ruler, tape measure, knife, pencil).

Required set of tools

Color solutions

Many people think that since the pull-out table in the kitchen can be pulled out from under the countertop and can be hidden, you can not pay attention to its color. In fact, you should choose a color scheme based on the interior of the room and its size:

1. White, beige, milky models are ideal for small rooms. They do not burden the space and even visually expand it. Suitable for country, Provence and Scandinavian style interiors.
2. If you want the table to become the highlight of the interior, you need to choose contrasting colors that differ from the facades of other kitchen furniture. For example, choose a white table for a black set.
3. An interesting solution when the tabletop of a retractable table repeats the tabletop in the work area, or the kitchen apron. It can also be the same shade as windows or doors, baseboards.
4. If you want to bring something bright to the kitchen, you can choose a pull-out table in red, green, orange, and blue.

Folding wooden table for the kitchen. DIY transforming table

Such a table for the kitchen is an unusual and modern option, but in order to make furniture of this design yourself, you will have to thoroughly delve into all the intricacies of this process, because the mechanism is quite complex and it is better to entrust the calculations to experienced specialists.

1. Order a project with a transforming mechanism.
2. Buy panels for making a table top (from laminated chipboard sheets), plus legs.
3. Purchase fastening elements, self-tapping screws and self-tapping screws.
4. Select the version of the folding mechanism, perform the initial fit of all parts according to the drawing.
5. Make a frame, install a tabletop.

If you still want to save money, then you can make a drawing of such a table using a special program. You will need to draw a table layout and calculate the amount of materials. By the way, the program can be mastered in a couple of days if you really want to.

In the store where you will buy a slab for making a countertop, buy fasteners at the same time and order cutting of the panels.

The work plan is as follows:

1. In order to assemble all the parts according to the drawing, you need to mark the fasteners on the cut panels with a pencil. This will make it clear where you need to drill a hole for the screws.
2. Assembly is the most interesting stage of the work. If you have a ready-made project on hand, then all that remains is to arm yourself with a screwdriver to assemble all the parts.
3. As for the standard dimensions of a transforming table, it can be from 750 mm in height, from 800 mm in width, and the folded length is only 282 m. The tabletop can be divided into either 2 or 3 parts.

DIY wooden table. Photo:

Reviews

Swivel and folding card table 58x58 cm. Sonoma oak / chrome legs. and other products in this category are available in the catalog of the Leroy Merlin online store in Kostroma at low prices. Read the detailed characteristics and description, as well as reviews of this product, to make the right choice and order the product online.

Buy products such as folding card table 58x58 cm. Sonoma oak / chrome legs in the Leroy Merlin online store, having first checked their availability. You can receive the goods in Kostroma in a way convenient for you; for this, read the information about delivery and pickup.

You can always place an order and pay for it online on the official website of Leroy Merlin in Russia. For residents of the Kostroma region, we not only have low prices for such goods as “Folding and turning card table 58x58 cm. Sonoma oak / chrome legs.”, but also fast delivery to cities such as Kostroma, Bui, Sharya, Nerekhta, Galich , Volgorechensk, Manturovo, Neya, Makaryev, Soligalich, Chukhloma and Kologriv.

Types of mechanisms

If you decide to make such furniture with your own hands, based on a drawing, or buy something from the Flamingo, San Remo or Butterfly assortment, for example, I advise you to decide on the mechanism in advance.

On sale you can find different names, such as:

• OZMF 593;
• OZMF 587;
• Hafele opla-top 505.73.935;
• MT-2;
• Hafele Lunch 505.73.945, etc.

But what is hidden behind all these articles and designations is difficult for an inexperienced person to understand.

Several of the most popular and relevant mechanisms can be identified.

• Acrobat. It is considered one of the most modern and practical. This is an elevator-type mechanism, which is based on a metal frame and a spring axis. The main tabletop is mounted to them. There are locking plugs on the sides to hold the retractable components. The acrobat allows you to turn a compact coffee table into a spacious table for a large company;
• Sliding systems. The dimensions of the furniture increase thanks to hidden sections that are located under the table. The elements are stretched to the sides, and a gap with grooves is formed. Additional components are inserted into them. It is better to use metal mechanisms here, since plastic quickly breaks down;
• Lifting mechanisms. Long-known systems, familiar since childhood. This is the same legendary book-table that was once in almost every home. The side sections are lifted and fixed with supports. Manufacturers abandoned heavy metal frames and switched to lighter structures.

If you walk through furniture stores, of which Moscow or Yekaterinburg offer a huge assortment, you will come across many transformable dining tables, coffee tables, kitchen tables and other tables. But the mechanisms everywhere use the same principle of operation. The only difference is their quality.

Advantages and disadvantages

From personal experience I can say that a high-quality mechanism for transforming a table completely justifies its cost. The Chinese analogue will cost several times less, but such a design will last just as much less.

If we talk about the strengths and weaknesses of table transformation, then only in relation to really well-made mechanisms. Under such conditions, a number of advantages can be identified. Namely:

• High level of versatility and multifunctionality;
• Ability to change the size, height, width and length of the table;
• An impressive range to satisfy even the most demanding needs;
• Adequate pricing policy;
• Reliability and safety of mechanisms that do not pose a threat to children;
• Compactness. An extremely relevant plus for small apartments and rooms;
• Attractive appearance;
• Long service life;
• Basic operating instructions.

What are the disadvantages here? They are difficult to find. Yes, low-quality mechanisms quickly fail. High-quality products also do not last forever, so potential damage to the transformer can be considered a disadvantage.

It is a mistake to believe that transformable tables are more expensive than ordinary furniture for the kitchen or living room. A lot depends on the specific model.

Having a compact size when assembled, such a table will take up minimal space in the room. When the need arises to receive guests, the structure unfolds, and no one feels uncomfortable at the small table.

DIY kitchen folding table

In today’s material, I would like to share with you the idea of ​​a kitchen folding table that you can make with your own hands for the garden. The table is convenient in that it can be used both as a dining table and as a work table, for some household needs.

When unfolded, the table has a long, narrow work surface, convenient for preparing food, making some preparations, in a word, for working. This is convenient, as there is more space and room for maneuver increases. This problem is especially relevant in small country houses, where every meter counts.

How to make a folding table - drawing

The table presented above consists of two narrow tables connected by a furniture hinge. Each half of the table has the following dimensions:

At the same time, I draw your attention to the fact that I advise you to adjust the height to suit your own height. The ideal table height is one where your hips are level with the tabletop when working. Please take this into account!

The main parts of the table are made of 50x50 mm timber. The structure is assembled using fastenings with an oblique self-tapping screw. This is a Western technology, not yet so widespread in our country, but today I will talk about it in detail later.

The diagram shows the vertical posts of the table:

We take the top slats 25x50 mm, they will serve as a support for the table drawers, and are also designed to ensure the rigidity of our structure.

Table frame assembly:

After the frame is assembled, we proceed to attaching the front panels. Panels can be used either plywood or boards. Panel thickness - 20 mm. All fastenings are made using an oblique self-tapping screw. All fastening pockets are drilled from the inside; for strength, all joints are treated with glue.

Table frame with installed panels:

After installing the panels, we begin attaching the drawer guides. These elements also provide lateral rigidity to our structure.

Now let's start assembling the box. However, keep in mind that all fastening pockets on the box must be placed on the outside, and not on the inside, so that they are not visible during use. The walls of the box are made of plywood 20 mm thick.

Dining table box dimensions:

I recommend attaching the drawer directly to the table on furniture rails. Leave 11 mm under them on each side. If you decide to do without guides, then additionally make another crossbar in the middle, below, under the drawer.

The front panel of our box can be made of either plywood or wood. Panel thickness 20 mm. The handle is of your choice.

The final stage of creating half of the table will be selecting a table top. When installing, keep in mind that the tabletop should not hang from the sides and back so that the table can be assembled. We assemble the second half of our table in the same way.

Once both halves of the table are assembled, proceed to install the folding hinge.

I recommend using a furniture door hinge for these purposes. It is very comfortable and durable.

Additionally, you can attach wheels to the table legs to make the assembly and disassembly process stress-free. If you don’t need wheels, I recommend gluing felt or felt pads to the legs so as not to scratch the floor. You can also simply place the table on mayonnaise plastic lids.

Connecting parts with an oblique self-tapping screw

Now let's take a closer look at the technology of connecting parts using an oblique self-tapping screw. In our work we will need a special jig for drilling at an angle of 45 degrees. The photo below shows a simple conductor:

The device is attached with a clamp to the table part.

Then an oblique hole is drilled. The depth is controlled by a limiter.

Then we screw the self-tapping screw into the resulting oblique angle. The result is a high-quality corner connection that is not conspicuous. The appearance of the furniture remains stylish; by the way, the hole can be covered with putty, then nothing will be visible at all.

If you are not sure of the reliability of the self-tapping screw connection, you can further strengthen the joint with glue.

Finally, I recommend painting the table or varnishing it, whichever is closer to your kitchen design. At such a table you can have lunch and work, depending on the time of day.

The resulting kitchen folding table turned out to be very convenient. Country furniture is space for your creativity, especially if you have carpentry skills. However, it’s not difficult to learn, the main thing is interest!

The main frame is very simple

For sliding and rotary tables, the main frame is made of laminated chipboard strips with a width of 120–200 mm. In general, the frame encircles the legs in a circle and hides traces of the tabletop fastening. Square legs can also be fastened not with an external belt, but with intermediate inserts. The upper ends of the parts need to be flush; to give diagonal strength, it is possible to add jumpers inside the frame. The elements are fastened with furniture corners from the inside.

The total length of the base should be 40–50% less than the length of the tabletop when unfolded. The width is chosen so that the overhang of the tabletop at the edges is at least 100–150 mm.

When assembling the base for a “book”, the main dimensions have a more strict relationship. The central segment of the tabletop determines the overall width of the table, which should be 20–25 cm less than the length of the side wings. That, in turn, should be approximately 50 mm less than the height of the table. Since the legs are hidden inside the base when the table is assembled, its minimum width when folded is at least 300 mm.

The base itself is assembled in the shape of the letter P and reinforced with one crossbar 400 mm wide in the center on the edge. It is possible to fasten from the inside with furniture corners, but in this case it is better to prefer confirmations. The hinges of the legs are attached no closer than 50 mm to the edge of the side walls.