Shaker Library Table Plans: Build a Classic Design with Easy Techniques

Well, now let me tell ya, if you’re thinkin’ about buildin’ one of them shaker library tables, you’ve come to the right place. You see, these tables ain’t like all them fancy ones you see in the city. No, no. A shaker library table, it’s got a nice simple design, yet it’s mighty sturdy and will last ya a lifetime, just like the old timers used to make ‘em. Ain’t nothin’ fancy, just plain good work, and if you follow the right steps, even a simple ol’ lady like me could make one!

Now, the first thing ya gotta think about is the material. A lot of folks think ya need the fanciest wood, but that ain’t true. You can use solid oak or maple if you want, but cherry wood, now that’s what they used back in the day. It’s strong, has a nice color to it, and it’ll get even better with age, kinda like good wine. You’ll need a solid piece for the top, somethin’ about an inch and a half thick, so it don’t bow or warp over time.

Start with the legs, that’s the most important part. The legs on a shaker library table are a little bit tapered, meaning they get smaller as they go down to the floor. This gives the table a nice, clean look. And ya don’t need no fancy tools for that. Just a saw and a little elbow grease. Cut the legs about 28 inches long, and make sure to sand ‘em smooth after ya cut ‘em. We don’t want no splinters when we put our books on that table, do we?

Next up is the apron, the part that connects the legs together. Now, this is where you can get real fancy, but we’re gonna keep it simple. You need four pieces, one for each side. Measure ‘em up right, and make sure they fit tight. You can join ‘em with what they call mortise and tenon joints, which is just a fancy way of sayin’ you make a hole in one piece and stick a peg in the other piece to hold ‘em together. But I ain’t gonna lie, it takes a little practice. Ain’t no shame in startin’ simple, though. You could always use screws or nails if ya don’t wanna fuss too much.

Once you’ve got the apron on and the legs all set up, you’ll need to attach the top. Now, this part is important. You don’t want that top movin’ around. The Shakers, they used a way of attachin’ the top that allowed for expansion and contraction, so the wood wouldn’t crack or split. You can do that by usin’ what they call a table top fastener. Just make sure you leave a little room around the edges for the wood to expand when the weather changes.

Now, after ya got the whole thing built, you gotta think about finishin’ it. You don’t want that nice wood to get ruined, do ya? Sand it down real smooth, and then use a good ol’ finish. A lotta folks use varnish, but I like to go with a good oil finish. Rub it in real slow, let it soak in, and wipe off the excess. This will bring out the wood’s natural color and give it a nice sheen, without makin’ it look too shiny.

And there ya go. A nice shaker library table that’ll last ya for generations. It ain’t too hard once you get the hang of it. And let me tell ya, there’s somethin’ mighty satisfyin’ about sittin’ down at a table you made with your own hands, especially when you know it’s built the right way. So, grab your tools, roll up your sleeves, and start buildin’—you’ll have yourself a fine piece of furniture in no time.

• Use solid wood like cherry, oak, or maple for durability.
• Cut tapered legs about 28 inches long for that classic look.
• Join the apron pieces with mortise and tenon joints or screws.
• Attach the table top with fasteners, allowing space for expansion.
• Finish the table with a good oil finish to protect and enhance the wood.

Remember, it ain’t about fancy tools or complicated designs. A shaker library table’s all about simplicity and durability, just like those old Shaker folks knew. Take your time, do it right, and you’ll have yourself a table that’ll last long enough to hand down to your grandkids.

Tags：[Shaker Table Plans, Library Table, DIY Shaker Table, Woodworking, Shaker Style Furniture, Simple Table Building]