How To Build a Puzzle Table?

Puzzles are something that takes us back to childhood in a split second. The endless evenings spent with the family sorting through the puzzle pieces are still fond memories to many. Gone are the times when puzzles were made with children as the sole target. For the last several years, it is observed that puzzles have risen to popularity among adults too. They are now one of the most sold travel and family games across the globe.

The rise in its popularity caused the development of bigger and even harder puzzles. As people have started spending more time at home due to the changed living and working conditions, the need for a permanent spot to work on puzzles and other board games has become necessary. Thus, it’s widely observed that several puzzle enthusiasts are either investing in or trying their hands-on puzzle tables.

Though investing in or buying a jigsaw puzzle table may sound convenient, lion’s share of the people attempts to build a puzzle table on their own. It could sound like a lot of work, but building a puzzle table that suits your needs has a lot of advantages. The biggest advantage is that it will be less expensive. It may take the materials that lie around in your own house to build a decent puzzle table and may not have to spend an extra penny.

Another advantage is that the puzzle table project is something that you can make along with your family and friends, and it is sure to offer you a good time. Projects like this cause the familial bond to flourish even further. Another advantage is that you can make a customized, unique puzzle board that perfectly suits your puzzle needs. You may be interested in small puzzles or large puzzles. Depending on the size and nature of your favorite puzzles, you can design a puzzle table on your own.

How to design a puzzle table?

Designing a puzzle table is easy once you decide which type of puzzle table is needed for you. Depending on the puzzles that you play, the space that you occupy, and the surroundings of where you play, there are various types of tables that you can try your hand on. For example, if you are an avid puzzle player, and looking to have a facility that is mobile enough for you to carry around, you should think and try making a portable puzzle table.

If you have small children, pets, etc., who have chances of getting on the puzzle table and possibly making chaos, you should think about making a puzzle table with cover, which gives you the chance to close it once you are finished with the business.

There are many other ways too with which you can customize your puzzle table and make it suit your need. So, the first and foremost thing to do before building a puzzle table is to make a final decision on which puzzle table you need.

What all are necessary to build a puzzle table?

The number of materials required would be different for different-sized jigsaw puzzle tables. So, make sure you pick the appropriate quantity of all that is mentioned below.

• Wooden boards
• Wooden planks
• Handsaw
• Electric drilling machine
• Screws
• Hot glue gun
• Marking and measuring tools
• Sandpaper
• Microfiber cloth, water
• Wood stain

How to actually build it?

Building a puzzle table is a step-by-step process that deserves focus and attention.

• Find the best-suited wood, make an estimate of your requirements, and have it cut out into planks accordingly.
• The first step in building the puzzle table is to build the tabletop. Arrange the necessary wooden planks side by side and screw them together by drilling and screwing them at an angle. If you are making the tabletop with a single piece of wood, this step isn’t necessary.
• Take the measurements for the aprons across the length and breadth of the table, and mark them on the underside of the tabletop.
• Cut out the aprons according to the measurements, and glue them or drill them onto the tabletop.
• Cut out the legs of the table in the perfect measurement to avoid wobbly legs. Trim them into the right size or the necessary size.
• Place each leg on the respective apron joints and temporarily glue them in place. Make sure the length of four of the legs is accurate and exact. Then drill them into place.
• Once you finish the leg work, and the glue is dried, check the stability of the table by making it stand on its own. Once you are convinced of its stability and sturdiness, you can move on to the finishing works of the table.
• Sand over the entire surface of the finished table including the underside and legs. Sand them thoroughly for the best results.
• Once the sanding is done, remove all the debris from the table. Wipe the entire table well so that there won’t be any unwanted particles while applying a stain.
• Choose a quality wood stain and mix the stain according to the user’s manual. There are multiple options like a water-based stain, oil-based stain, gel-based stain, etc. Choose and mix accordingly.
• Apply the stain using a brush or a foam brush. Try to apply it one side at a time. Wait until one side dries and then move on to paint the next side.
• Once the stain dries, make sure you apply another coat over it for perfection. And with this, the table is finished.
• If you wish to customize this basic model of puzzle table and make it fit your extra needs, you can take required measurements or download plans from online and make extra customizations. You can add drawers, covers, etc. in addition to this basic puzzle table plan.
• You can also use materials other than wood to construct your puzzle tables as you wish. Metal tables, with glass tabletops, are all good options.
• If you wish to keep the raw feeling of the wood, you can refrain from staining it. Add a coat of moisture-resistant sealant, and leave the table bare for that rustic look.
• Always ensure your safety while building it, especially if you are doing it as a family project.