Surf Shack Fold-Down Table
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Like most of the furniture in his Westport, Washington surf shack, Hartman Kable's table folds neatly away into the wall.
Posted by ReadyMade
Project by Hartman Kable; Written by Mimi Zeiger; Photos by John Granen
You, too, can create a neat fold-away table like the one that graces the surf shack that designer Hartman Kable built from a recycled Cor-Ten shipping container in Westport, Washington.
Skill Level
Moderate
Active Time
Weekend
Cost
$$$
- 1½-inch-thick countertop
- 2-inch-diameter aluminum pipe
- Piano hinge
- Screws
Materials
- Circular or miter saw
- Drill
- Forstner bits
- Pencil
Tools
To create a space odyssey interior, Hartman pocketed all shelves, benches, and tables in the Surfshack. The fold-down table can just as easily mount on top of a wall, but to replicate the sleek design, you’ll need to notch out a pocket in your existing wall large enough to accommodate its 1½-inch-thick depth. (If you don't want a flush-mounted table, skip ahead to step 4.)
To notch out an alcove in drywall, hold the tabletop to the 30-inch mark and trace the outline. Allow an additional 3/4 inch per side for the drywall to wrap the shallow sides of the new alcove. Cut an opening 27 1/8 inch wide by 41½ inch high. Notch the framing to 2¼ inches deep, leaving space for the drywall on the back.
Once the opening is cut out, some blocking may be required to assure the corners of the alcove are sturdy enough to support the drywall. Use plywood instead of drywall to wrap the bottom edge of the alcove. Tape and paint as needed. Attach hinge screws directly to the plywood.
Choose a 1½-inch-thick tabletop. A wide variety of countertops are available at Ikea for under 100 dollars. Their standard is 25 5/8 inches wide, but the length varies. Cut a 1½-inch-thick countertop to 40 inches long.
For the table leg, cut a 2-inch diameter aluminum pipe to 31½ inches. (Aluminum cuts with the same tools used for wood, so use a circular or miter saw.)
Drill a 2-inch-diameter hole in the underside of the table through half the thickness (3/4 inch deep) of the table to accept the single pipe leg. Position the hole in the center of the board, 4 inches from the edge, to the center of the hole. Forstner bits make drilling clean, flat-bottomed holes easy. Use the same drill bit to bore a corresponding hole in the floor, ¾ inch deep.
Attach a piano hinge to top edge of table. Open hinge and lay flat on laminated board. The rounded section should just fit over the edge. Mark screw holes with a pencil before drilling and securing in place.
Mount the table to wall with the top of table at 30 inches above finished floor. Hold the countertop at that height, open the piano hinge, and mark drill holes on wall. Drill, then screw into place. You may need a second set of hands to hold the boards while installing.
Fold down your table and fit your aluminum table leg in the holes you drilled. When done, just fold the table back up and store the leg.
To hold your dining set in place when not in use, Hartman recommends touch-release magnetic closing hardware. Use two magnet closures on the tabletop to make sure it stays up when stored.
