DIY Network

Roll-Away Tables As part of a garage makeover, a table-on-wheels is custom built to fit over a family's pool table, protecting the pool table surface while allowing it serve as an ordinary table. From "The Inside Job" episode DISJ-107

A roll-away tabletop lets this pool table serve double duty.

Since their two-car garage is the biggest room at the house, the Cross family wants to clear it out and turn it into an entertainment hotspot. So, master carpenter Carter Oosterhouse and The Inside Job team gear up to clean the clutter, get down to basics and roll in the fun. They're building everything on wheels, including storage benches and three rollaway tables.

Rolling tables are both functional and simple to create. With just a little time and effort, you can construct an inexpensive rolling table that can be moved around to protect your pool table or provide party guests with a spot for their food.

The basic steps in this project, along with a list of the tools and materials used, are listed below.

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	The garage, before
	. . .and after.

Materials:

(4) 90 degree 3/4" elbows
(2) 3/4-inch unions
(4) 3/4-inch tees
(4) 3/4" x 1/2" red couplings
(2) 5' x 3/4" galvanized steel pipes
(6) 2' x 3/4" galvanized steel pipes
(2) 2" x 3/4" galvanized steel pipe nipples
(4) caster wheels
(1) 64" x 26" particleboard for the tabletop
(6) pipe straps
(12) screws
primer
paint

Tools:

screwdriver
soft rubber jar opener
pipe wrench
level
paint tray
paint brush
paint roller

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Steps:

1. Screw two of the elbows on to the ends of one of the 5' x 3/4" galvanized steel pipes. The elbows should both be facing down. When tightening the pipes, it's a good idea to twist the pipes using a rubber jar opener for a better grip and to avoid scoring the metal. If necessary, use a pipe wrench.

2. Screw two of the 2' x 3/4" galvanized steel pipes on to the other elbow openings (figure A).

3. Screw the 3/4" tees on to the bottom of the 2' x 3/4" galvanized steel pipes.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 to create the opposing leg.

5. Take the 2" x 3/4" galvanized steel pipe nipple and screw it into the tee to create a 90-degree angle (figure B).

6. Screw a union on to the end of the 2" x 3/4" nipple.

7. Screw one side of the 2' x 3/4" galvanized steel pipe into the other end of the union (figure C).

8. Repeat steps 5-7 for the opposing leg.

9. Screw one 3/4" x 1/2" red coupling, large side up, to the base of the tee on each side.

10. Screw the caster wheels onto the small end of the 3/4" x 1/2" red coupling on each side.

11. Check to make sure the table is level and tighten any pipes if necessary (figure D).

12. With the particle board top upside down, place the newly constructed legs upside- down onto the particle board so that the 5' x 3/4" galvanized steel pipes are lying on the board. Be sure the pipes sit evenly along the edge of the particleboard.

13. Secure one pipe strap around each edge of the 5' x 3/4" pipes and one in the center on each side. Screw the straps in to the table (figure E).

14. Flip the table over. For a more finished look, apply primer and paint to the tabletop.

Green Solution: Tubular Skylights

Tubular skylights transfer solar light to your indoor space without the heat gain of standard skylights. They block harmful ultraviolet rays while reducing power consumption — a great benefit that will save you money on your monthly energy bill and also won't harm the environment.

In this project, we installed two tubular skylights in the garage for additional light.