Some projects take me months to complete. Sometimes that's because I start something and quickly become disinterested. Other times it's because I run into issues and I don't know how to move forward. This gaming table has become one of the biggest and most difficult projects for me to work through. I am far from finished. I decided to share what I've gotten through, so far, because I think it's important to show the fails along with the successes. So, here goes!
At first, I considered building a table base. However, I quickly realized that would add to the challenge. I decided that cube shelves would not only create a perfect base, but they would add a lot of storage space underneath. Working with my husband's request of a usable table top space of 4' by 8', I decided on the number and sizing of shelves necessary.
Next, I added trim on the underside of the 4 x 8 sheet of plywood in order to keep it in place on top of the cube shelf base. I didn't remember to take a picture of that process but I did take a picture of it once I was finished.
The most difficult part of the plan is the idea that the gaming space needs to be 4' x 8'. Bordering that, there needs to be space for papers and dice rolling. We also want to add cup holders. The personal space for each gamer needs to be completely separated from the gaming space. I had pretty lofty plans for the design but, in practice, it just wasn't working. My craftsmanship (and my lack of better tools) proved to be lacking enough that we had to redesign the plan a few times. No matter what the end design, the idea was to have the gaming space sunken in from the gamer spaces. Since we will be painting the whole thing black, we decided to use MDF boards. I started by attaching two together for each side at a 90 degree angle. I love using the kreg jig. It eliminates the extra steps needed when using the biscuit method of hiding the connection.
This was when I started playing around with my designs but ended up scrapping all of it in favor of a simpler table.
I may still use the box idea in the newer, simpler design but it was getting complicated. I wanted to install outlets with USB ports into them. Instead, we opted to install them into the cube shelves. This was much easier to accomplish.
I cut through the back of the shelf and plugged all of them into a power strip. I plan on adding trim around them to make them look nicer. Next, I added the felt that we picked out for the tabletop. I also added a foam underlayment in order to give it some depth. I love the look that was achieved with this addition.
The only way I could figure to attach the border boards with any kind of strength at all was to use metal braces connected to the bottom of the tabletop.
Here's a shot from underneath.
Then, once I attached the two (previously connected at 90 degrees) boards to the part of the brace that's sticking out, I put finishing screws through the side to drill it into the tabletop for added strength.
So this is as far as I've gotten and we have, again, changed the plan. One of the reasons I chose to write a post about it is because I need some incentive to start working on it again. I'm hoping to show the finished product (unpainted, anyway) soon. For now, here are some interim pictures of what has been accomplished.
I'm super curious about how this will turn out. Are you excited?
Now where's my drill? I need to take this thing apart again.
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