Here's How to Easily Extend Your Dining Table

There's Always a Seat at the Table

Keeping alive the tradition of gathering together to celebrate the season is significant as busy lifestyles with grab-and-go dining leave us hungry for connection.

However, hosting a sit-down dinner can present challenges when numbers grow to 12 or greater.

This DIY extend-a-table is a simple solution that expands as your numbers grow so there will always be a seat at the table for family and friends to unplug, sit down and connect.

Extend your existing dining table with this easy-to-make and simple-to-store project.

What You'll Need

Makes a 4' x 16' table.

• ​2 sheets 4’ x 8’ x 3/4” plywood cut into 32” x 48” pieces

• 3 pieces 2” x 4” x 16’ spruce

Tip: Have your Home Building Centre cut the plywood. This saves time and makes it easier to transport.

Here’s How

Note: This project is easier to do with two people. The following instructions are for working alone.

• Move your existing table to the area where it will be used when extended and cover with a blanket or canvas drop sheet to protect the tabletop.

• Mark the centre of two 2” x 4” pieces.

• Set the first piece of cut plywood on one side of the centre of the table.

• Start a screw through the plywood 2” outside the edge of the existing table.

• With one hand, hold the 2” x 4” at centre under the screw. Screw the plywood and 2” x 4” together.

• Repeat on the other side of the table.

• Attach the remaining pieces of plywood to the 2” x 4” pieces, working from the centre out in both directions.

• Cut legs from the remaining 2” x 4” to match the height of the table. Screw through plywood top to attach.

• Leave the table natural, stain, paint or purchase fabric 54” (or wider) and 12” longer than the length of the table.

Centrepiece

Set the stage for your autumn tablescape with this so simple centrepiece.

Here’s How

• For the sides, cut two 1” x 4” pine boards to a length to suit your table (shown: 7’).

• Cut one 1” x 6” pine board for the bottom.

• Cut two 1” x 4” lengths for the ends (shown: 51/2”).

• Assemble the 1” x 4” sides to the 1” x 6” board at the bottom with staples, nails or glue, and attach the ends in place.

• For the legs, cut 11/2” strips of 1” x 6” and attach underneath, 12” from each end.

• Leave natural or finish as desired (shown: dry brushed white paint).

• Line the inside of the box with parchment paper and fill with small potted mum plants.

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FINAL TOUCH: Gift a plant from your centrepiece to your guests when they leave.

Tableware

The timelessness and versatility of a set of white dishes will take you far.

Your table will always look fresh, and it's so easy to add to or update.

Choose to make it fancy or keep it every day. Contemporary flatware with a satin stainless steel finish complements the square-shaped dished and completes the place settings.

Party Folding Chair

Always have enough seating for a large group with traditional folding chairs.

A black powder-coat finish resists fingerprints and stains, and rubber caps on the feet protect the floor.

The industrial strength metal frame has a heavy-duty cross support that holds up to 250 lb. The chairs fold and stack neatly for storage.