How to Make Dining Table Pads

Dining table pads protect your wood furniture surfaces from scuffs, dings, and dents. Table pads come in a range of materials and styles, and you can find dozens of companies online that will make dining table pads to custom fit your tabletop.

However, manufactured table pads are a costly investment. Depending on the size of your table and the number of tables, it may be more economical to make your own. The instructions below will show you how to make a dining table pad out of vinyl and veneer. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

First, make a pattern of the tabletop shape so that you can cut out the correct shape from the vinyl. There are several ways you can do this if the table is not a circle or rectangle. If feasible, place the dining table upside down over the vinyl pad, and trace the outline with chalk or a pencil.

An alternative is to order the free pattern kit that many dining table pad companies offer. Many manufacturers will send you the pattern kit before you order with no obligation. You can then transfer that pattern to the vinyl pad.

2

Next, cut out the shape from the vinyl padding using a utility knife. You can make the table pad slightly wider and longer than the table top to get maximum coverage.

For a very large table, it is best to make the table pad in sections. You may want to cut the vinyl in half, or in thirds.

3

Roll out the veneer and lay the cut vinyl mat on top so that the vinyl is in contact with the underside of the veneer. If you have to use several sheets of veneer, lay tell flush. next, you want to trace the tabletop pattern so that when you cut the wood veneer, you are cutting with the grain as much as possible.

Use an electric table saw to cut the veneer. For some woods and veneer thicknesses, you may be able to use heavy duty shears.

4

Before attaching the vinyl to the veneer, lay the unit on the table to check that everything fits. Trim if necessary.

5

Affix the wood veneer to the vinyl with double sided tape.

6

Finish the table pad with a coat of stain or polyurethane. When it has completely cured, the dining table pad is ready to use.

7

The table pad will protect your wood table surface from getting scratched by plates and utensils. The pad is not resistant to extreme temperatures, so always use hot mats for hot pots