I live in an apartment in a big city and have no access to proper outdoor space or a shop, but I want to build a simple, big table as easily as possible. My plan is:
- 1.5" x 3 ft. x 8 ft. Baltic birch counter top: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Allwood-6-4-in-x-3-ft-x-8-ft-Baltic-Birch-Project-Panel-EGB-6-4x36x96/207122109
- 28" tall by 20" wide metal legs with cross bracing: https://www.etsy.com/listing/588713252/2-pack-2-wide-14-thick-metal-size-range
- Buy a drill and screw the legs to the table top.
However, I don't know if my idea will be sturdy enough. I have the space and really want at least a 7 ft. table. Are these legs good enough? Will the table bow in the middle? Where should I put the legs? In general, what are the rules of thumb for building a solid table? My fear is ordering all the parts, putting it together, and realizing it wobbles or sags in the middle.