How to Make a Parsons Table

With its clean lines and simple design, the Parsons table has become a timeless piece of furniture. Attributed to Jean-Michel Frank from New York's Parsons School of Design, this table was first introduced in the 1920s. Add style to any room by making a Parsons table.

Instructions

1

Cut a 30 by 20-inch piece of -inch thick medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for the table top. Next, cut three inch-wide pieces of MDF, two 20-inches long and two 30-inches long, being sure to miter the ends. These will be used as the rails on the sides of the table to give the illusion of a very thick top without the weight.

2

Use -inch thick poplar boards for the legs, cutting them to 19 inches in length for a coffee table height. Cut a total of 12 pieces, or 3 pieces for each leg. These will be the cores of the legs.

3

Align 3 pieces of the wood together and apply a thin layer of wood glue. Put in 1 -inch nails to help secure.

4

Cut the frame of the legs out of MDF or plywood 16-inches long. Two should be 3-inches wide and the other two should be 2 -inches wide, making pieces for each leg, or 16 pieces total. Attach these to the leg cores with glue and then nail. There should be 3 inches of leg core above this frame.

5

Glue the two shorter pieces of rail to two of the leg cores, then nail. Make sure they are flush and then left to dry. Attach the longer sides of rail once the glue has set for the shorter sides in the same manner and let dry.

6

Attach the table top to the frame with glue. Use finishing nails to be sure it is secure. Make the edges flush with the rails by using a flush trimming bit on a router. Allow glue to dry.

7

Touch up any nail holes and imperfections with wood filler and let dry. Sand the table, prime and paint any color desired.