How to Build a Table Without Power Tools in 9 Steps

It does not require many tools to do the work that power tools normally would. Especially when building a straight forward table, the list above will be plenty to get the job done. 

3. Practice Using Tools – Dependent on Skill Level

Especially as you start to work with more complex hand tools, it is crucial that you know how to use them. Not only will they impact the quality of your work, but they also improve your skills as a woodworker. Power tools require certain skills as well but taking advantage of the time to work on your hand skills can be beneficial for future projects. 

Using hand tools not only touches on the traditions of woodworking, but it is the best way to refine your skills. We recommend practicing with your tools on some scrap wood before attempting to build the table if you do not have a significant amount of experience. This is particularly aimed at using your hand saw and decorative tools, such as carving chisels. 

Practicing your technique in hand sawing will make you more efficient and the results more consistent. This video gives you guidelines for practicing. Some key takeaways in using the saw include: 

• Angle the saw slightly downward in the front towards the far edge and slowly level the saw until you are cutting into the entire block. 
• Keep the saw level as you are cutting the entire piece. 
• Carefully measure and create a mark on the line you plan to cut so your initial cut is even. 

Once you get the hang of using your tools on pieces that don’t matter, you can confidently work on your project. Take your time with the wood for clean and consistent work.  

4. Purchase Materials

For building a table without power tools, you will want to stick with softer woods that are durable, but still easy to cut. Pine, fir, and hemlock are the most common options for softwoods, being both economical and easy to work with. Hardwoods like maple and walnut are beautiful and durable but will be more difficult to hand cut. 

We recommend looking at 2x4s and 2x6s for making your small table because they are already cut into useable measurements for you and create simple and clean lines. 

Here’s an idea of material types you can use for your table: 

• Table Top: A wider planked 2×6 creates for a smooth and textured look, combining two or more depending on your desired dimensions. 2x6s typically come in 7 to 8-foot boards, meaning you will only need one or two, depending on how large you plan to make the table. 
• Legs: 2x2s make for great table legs because they are thin, yet sturdy. Most end tables range from 22 to 30 inches. You can make these higher behind couches, or small if complimenting a chair or living area. You should purchase one or two, depending on how long you want them to be. 
• Base: 2x4s will serve as the construction for the base with aprons. Purchase one or two for your base. 
• Screws: Use 2 ½” to 3” screws to secure all your wood pieces. You can purchase one box of screws, only needing around 20 screws for completion. 
• Wood putty: This will be used to cover the screws after construction, so you do not see the holes. 
• Stains and finishes: You can stain your wood if you are not satisfied with traditional pine or fir coloring. You can use shellac to seal the wood before staining for uniformity and then stain with clear stains. Add varnishes on top for durability. 

A typical end table will measure 17 inches (width) by 20 inches (height). We will go off of these measurements for your wood cuts, but feel free to adjust depending on the size of your space. 

• We recommend purchasing three 2x4s for your base and legs; this will also give you extra room in case you mess up on a cut. 
• You will need four legs and four sides for the base. You should only need one to two 2x6s depending on how long you would like your table to be. 

We will go into how you can cut them to maximize space in the next section. 

If you are looking to add some structural support near the bottom of the legs, you will want to purchase more 2x4s to connect all four legs to one another. 

5. Cut or Use Precut Wood

You will need to do some minimal cutting to the boards we have recommended above. For the small table, we are going to make an 18” by 24” table. A hardware store can make the cuts for you, or you can use a hand saw. These will be your following cuts: 

• Table top:  You will need to cut your 2×6 boards (8 ft. board) into thirds. This will allow you to create the 18” by 24” dimensions. 
• Base: You should also cut your 1 8 ft. 2×4 into 14” cuts and the other into 24” cuts to match the dimensions of your table top. 
• Legs: 2×2 legs should be cut to the desired height based on your furniture and room. This range is typically between 22 to 30 inches. 
• Bottom support: Use a 2×2 to create the support neat the bottom of the legs. These should be cut to the 14” as the remaining 4” will be accounted for by the measurements of the legs. 

You can use a hand saw to make all of these cuts. Make sure you are lining up all pieces of wood and marking with a pencil to ensure that your matching pieces will be of the same measurements. All legs need to be even in order to keep a table level. 

6. Build Table Base

Once you have all your cuts, you will need to start constructing your base. These will be placed this way:

• The 2” facing upwards, allowing the 4” to hang down. 
• You will take your four 2x2s and use your wood glue to position them into the 18” by 24” configuration. 
• The 14” boards will be fastened on the inside of the 24” boards. 

Create two pocket holes with a nail on each end of the 24” boards. Place wood glue on the ends of the boards to secure them initially. You can also use clamps to keep the boards in place. You will then insert two screws into each end so that you form your rectangular base. Place your base on the ground as you do this to ensure the alignment is level. 

7. Finish Table Top

You will now want to attach your table top to the base. This can be done with both wood glue and your screws. You will want to evenly line your three 2×6 pieces to match the dimensions of the 18” by 24” base. Use wood glue around the base and then place the three boards on, making sure that you are keeping the boards tightly pressed together on the inside. 

Once you have the boards in place, put six screws through each end of each board to the base. This will properly secure each board, so you now have a finished table top with 6” visible from a side angle. 

8. Attach Legs

Now you can work on your legs. Take your four 2x2s and place them in the four corners of your base and table top. These will need to be flush (evenly lined up) to the inside corners of your base so that they will all be the same height and secured tightly. Use wood glue to put these firmly into place. 

Use two screws for each leg and secure from the inside. You should screw the leg from each visible side going into the table base. This will keep more screws hidden, so you do not need to use as much wood putty in the end. Place the table right-side-up and make sure all of the legs are even and level. 

If you do decide to add additional support at the base of the legs, you will need to add 14” by 20” pieces on the side of the legs. You can secure each one with one screw on each end. This is entirely up to your design preference and the need for additional support. 

9. Add Detailing and Finish

Now you’ve got a fully constructed table, congrats! To make your table ready to add to the room, you may want to consider adding wood details or adding a finish. Wood detailing can be accomplished using carving chisels. You can learn cool techniques and how to use these tools here. Leaving the table without wood carvings may also be a look you are going for.

• Place wood putty on your screws so these will become less visible. You can sand these down to make them smooth!
• You will want to sand your table and all edges before you place any finish on.
• You can use sandpaper to smooth all areas. 
• Sand in the direction of the grain and use 120 grit paper for a softer wood like pine. 

Finishing the table is a very popular technique in order to match your desired color scheme or achieve a specific look. Consider using shellac to seal the wood initially. This will allow your finish to stick to the wood more evenly. There are many different types of finish you can add to your pine. The most popular include gel stains and lacquers. 

You should apply an even coat with a brush and allow to dry. You can apply additional coats for a darker finish. Add a topcoat for a glossy or matte finish to increase durability. 

What to Keep in Mind While Building a Table Without Using Power Tools

Woodworking without power tools can be a great way to hone in on your skills and touch back to the original roots of the craft. When you are working with hand tools rather than power tools, be sure to keep these things in mind: 

• Ensure security: Make sure you secure all screws and joints tightly and use wood glue for extra durability. 
• Use a level: Consider using a level and similar tools to make sure all of your cuts are even to prevent a wobbly table. 
• Start simple: Without power tools, you will need to dedicate more time with cutting, and this can be very time-consuming. Start with simple projects and work your way up. 

Building a table without power tools is an easy project to work on that isn’t too complicated in terms of construction and won’t set you back financially by not having to purchase power tools.

Final Thoughts

Not everyone has power tools around the home, so why should that make it so you can’t build a table. The steps above outline the perfect way to accomplish building a great table at home without needing to use any power tools. These are the 9 steps to building a table without power tools: 

1. Design table construction
2. Acquire alternative hand tools and equipment 
3. Practice using tools (if experience is needed)
4. Purchase materials 
5. Cut or use precut wood 
6. Build table base
7. Finish table top 
8. Attach legs 
9. Add detailing and finish