Corbels add a rustic charm to this easy DIY table! Make a Corbel Table perfect for any room in your home with just three easy steps.
While I enjoy the challenge of intricate woodworking projects, I also really love quick, easy projects that make a statement. This Corbel Table is definitely one of those!
This project is extremely versatile. The size and style of the corbels really set to tone here, so finding the right set for your home is important. For the rustic farmhouse feel, I used these Old Carriage House Corbels, but you’re welcome to use any that peak your interest!
What materials do I need to make a Corbel Table?
You need very few things for this project, making it a decently cheap and quick project! You’ll need…
- 2 corbels to support the table
- 1 large piece of wood for your tabletop/desktop (Mine was 1″x20″x48″)
- Palm sander and/or sandpaper
- Wood stain or paint (I used special walnut, but you can even make your own)
- Stud Finder
- Level
- Screws & wall anchors (the amount depends on the number of keyholes in your corbels–Mine had 2 in each, so I used 4 screws)
- Securing Materials: nail & hammer, Velcro strips, or mounting tape strips (this depends on how permanently you’d like to secure your desktop)
How do I make a Corbel Table?
- Before mounting materials onto the wall, you want to make sure your corbels and tabletop are exactly the way you want them. If your corbels look a bit too new, here’s a great tutorial for creating that chippy paint look!
If you want to sand and stain or paint your wood, this is the time for that, too. I used my palm sander and special walnut stain. Another cost-saving tip: Use a homemade wood stain! - Find two studs in the wall where you would like to mount your table and decide the height you would like. Check where the keyholes of your corbels will be and mark these locations on the wall. Drill the screws (and wall anchors if necessary) and mount the corbels. Make sure to use a level so that the table is straight.
I knew I wanted to use mine as an actual desk, so I mounted mine at 36″ tall to work with my IKEA wicker chair. - Add your tabletop. Mine felt sturdy without reinforcing it, but you could easily temporarily reinforce with Velcro or Command Strips or permanently with nails (nailing through the tabletop and corbel).
What size corbels should I use to make a table?
To make sure your corbels can withstand normal weight you may put on the table, I recommend your corbel width (when mounted on the wall) be at least 3/4ths the width of the table you are going to use. My tabletop is 20″ deep, so my 17.75″ corbels will be able to adequately support this size.
If you have smaller corbels, consider making an entry table (often not as deep as practical tables or desks) or shelves! That would make for adorable farmhouse-style open shelves in the kitchen!
If you are hoping to create an extra-long table, you may need to consider using more than two corbels. To make sure the corbels can support the weight of the table, they should be no further than 36″ (or 3 feet) apart.
Can I make my own tabletop?
You definitely can! To make this project really stand out, consider making a tabletop using this DIY Herringbone pattern. You may not want this if you’re using it as a working desk as the top is textured, but it would look beautiful for an entry table, mantle, or shelves!
If you’re looking to really save money on this project, I highly recommend using pallet wood! Here’s a step-by-step guide to dismantling a pallet to make sure your lumber is in great condition.
