Step 4: Drill Pilot Holes in the Pedestal

drilling wood pedestal
Photo: Anthony Tieuli
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At each end of the pedestal, draw an X from corner to corner to mark the center. Drill pilot holes into the center points for the lag screws.
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    Tools List

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    • drill
      Drill/driver fitted with a countersink drill bit
    • caulk gun
      Caulk gun
    • miter saw
      Miter saw
    • adjustable clamp
      Speed clamps
    • hole saw
      Hole-saw bit sized to the diameter of the newel post. We used a 3-inch hole saw.
    • paintbrush
      Paintbrush

    Shopping List

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    Wood rounds. Choose two stain-grade wood rounds for the tabletop and base. The base should be at least 18 inches in diameter.

    Ceiling medallion. Choose one that's slightly smaller in diameter than the base, and make sure the center hole is large enough for the newel post to sit within."

    Vinyl adhesive caulk to seal the medallion to the base.

    Newel post. Choose a post at least 2½ inches in diameter. You’ll cut lengths off each end to make your table the right height, typically 18 to 24 inches.

    220-grit sandpaper.

    Wood glue.

    4-inch lag screws. Get two.

    Primer and semigloss paint.

    Round mirror. Choose one that’s slightly smaller in diameter than the tabletop. It should have a beveled edge.

    Mirror adhesive to seal the mirror to the tabletop.