• Overview

  • View as a Step-by-Step
    In this video, senior technical editor Mark Powers builds a hypertufa table.

    Steps:
    1. Cut the pieces for the form.
    2. Screw the form together.
    3. Cut the foam to size.
    4. Make a platform for the recess.
    5. Cut the wire mesh.
    6. Combine the dry ingredients.
    7. Add water and make the mix.
    8. Fill the form halfway.
    9. Place the wire mesh.
    10. Finish filling the form.
    11. Cut and miter the boards.
    12. Cut out the notches.
    13. Dry-fit the sides.
    14. Assemble the sides.
    15. Fit the base together.
    16. Remove the form.
    17. Smooth the edges and surfaces.
    18. Position the tabletop on the base.

    Download the cut list.

    See the step-by-step
    • Difficulty: Easy
      Even a novice can cast the tabletop and build the notched base
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      Tools List

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      • miter saw
        miter saw
      • jigsaw
        jigsaw
      • drill
        drill/driver to assemble the form.
      • utility knife
        utility knife for cutting the foam.
      • aviation snip
        wire snips
      • mixing tub
        mixing tub to make the hypertufa mix.
      • masonry hoe
        hoe
      • Natural-bristle chip brush
        chip brush to spread petroleum jelly on the interior of the form before casting the tabletop.
      • finish hammer
        hammer
      • pneumatic finish nailer
        pneumatic nail gun

      Shopping List

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      1. 1x4 scrap lumber for the form.

      2. cedar 1x4s for crosspieces and stretchers.

      3. cedar 1x2s for legs and support blocks.

      4. 1¼-inch and 2-inch deck screws

      5. perlite Get two bags.

      6. peat moss Get one large bag.

      7. portland cement Get a 47-pound bag.

      8. acrylic fortifier for the hypertufa mix, to prevent cracking. 9. ¾-inch rigid-foam insulation

      10. petroleum jelly or cooking spray to coat the interior of the form.

      11. ¼-inch hardware cloth

      12. plastic sheeting to cover the form while the tabletop cures.

      13. polyurethane glue, such as Gorilla Glue.

      14. 1-inch brad nails

      15. dust mask and protective gloves