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How To: Build a Drawbridge "Murphy Table" Countertop
Jason's February Jumpstart Project 2009

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Title: Murphy Table
Name: Jason Valalik
Time: 2 weekends or probably about 10-12 hours
Cost: Not including the purchase of the table saw, about $200.

Jason created this "Murphy Table" using an IKEA butcher block countertop and some heavy duty cable. With industrial and utilitarian appeal, this project should appeal to many of our readers. Click above for the pics and head below for all the instructions. Give Jason a THUMBS UP if you find this project helpful...

 
 
draw-bridge-before.jpg
UP POSITION

TOOLS:
Table saw
Jigsaw
Orbital Sander
Wire cables and hardware
Level
Tape
Measure

STEPS:
1. Drew out idea.
2. Went to IKEA to pick up wood
3. Cut supporting piece that would wrap around post.
4. Attached braces to wall in which that supporting piece would rest on (level it)
5. Cut out U shaped area that will need to clear the header beam when you lift the table up.
6. Sand down and radius the edges.
7.But up table end against support piece and rest on adjustable saw horses so everything is level.
8. Attach hinges to both supporting piece, first, then main table area.
9. Fold up table against wall
10. Attach carriage bolt underneath
11. Measure out cables and hardware erring on the short side (you can always add length through hardware).
12. Insert carriage bolt
13. pull table down and rest on horses again
14. Screw in supporting eye hole/or hook into beam. I know I have a thick structured beam back there to support the table. Make sure the support can handle it.
15. Attach cables to beam hook mount
16. Attach the other end to the carriage bolt that is mounted and threaded through on the bottom.
17. Level
18. Remove horses — Taaa -daaa

RESOURCES:
IKEA for the butcher block tops
Lowes for the cable.
Just make sure you buy the right wire cutters for the cable.

Give Jason a THUMBS UP if you find this project helpful....

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Comments (18)

On the one hand I love it's sculptural quality - but I'd sure hate to sit there w/ cables over the middle of my table.

Perhaps a simple folding leg would be more appropriate and would feel better when dining.

posted by bepsf on February 10th 2009 at 3:57pm
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I think it's awesome.

posted by Marshall on February 10th 2009 at 4:05pm
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I wonder if a track could have been installed along the beam so that the cable was perpedicular to the table when open...don't know if that would work or be structurally sound.

And, how do you keep the cables and hooks from scratching and denting up the table top and wall when it is in the 'closed' position?

posted by Enamorada on February 10th 2009 at 4:09pm
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Very clever and stylish. I do think the table is wide enough to comfortably seat 4 people without the cable getting in the way. Plus, it looks great. Well done, Jason!

In response to bepsf's issue with the cable, I suppose you could attach a pully on the beam directly above the table end. That way, the cable would run along the bottom of the beam and then straight down onto the table. Not being an engineer or that spacially adept, I don't know if the cable would be long enough for the table to fold back up against the wall. Just a thought.

posted by abbiegirl on February 10th 2009 at 4:19pm
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What do you use it for? It is in two rooms. It seems really large that it had to be notched out for the wall in the closed position. I agree with the leg idea. The cables might look cool until you go to use it. Nice art on the wall.

posted by K T G on February 10th 2009 at 4:20pm
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love love love love love it

posted by dandy on February 10th 2009 at 4:22pm
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I loooove the look of the diagonal cable. not every space coule pull it off, but when it works it's fabulous. I agree that it could get annoying, but it depends how the table is used. if it's more of a casual breakfast or work table, it's fine. but it you're entertaining on this table, it might be awkward. I kind of want to do something with the underside of the table for when it's folded up-- nothing much, just so it looks like it's supposed to be even when 'out of the way'.

posted by foodefafa on February 10th 2009 at 4:32pm
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i think it's too industrial looking for this space...maybe if it was an old loft with a lot of exposed brick and steel support beams.

posted by shoepins on February 10th 2009 at 4:44pm
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Nice work! I love IKEA butcher block. It can be used for so many things.

posted by monroe on February 10th 2009 at 5:09pm
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All great ideas with the table.

I didn't put a folding leg because I am a pretty tall guy and know that they get in the way so I was trying to give people as much leg room as possible.

I debated on putting the cable perpendicular, but liked the visual of the diagonal cable and when it was up didn't want to have an exposed hook in the middle of the beam.

Was thinking of 2 things for the bottom when it was up.
1. A laser etching of some art or abstract item
2. place a vase on the bottom and place flowers in it.

More ideas please.

Thanks for voting everyone

www.jasonvalalik.com

posted by jvalal on February 10th 2009 at 5:11pm
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Oh, and if you haven't already, be sure to "season" the wood with butcher block oil per the instructions. It will keep the surface smooth, help the wood withstand changes in room humidity, and avoid water stains.

posted by monroe on February 10th 2009 at 5:12pm
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Jason,

I think it would look really good if the board appeared to continue down to the floor when the table is in the up position. It would make it look more purposeful when not being used as a table-

posted by ChellyT on February 10th 2009 at 10:27pm
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I agree with the diagonal cable choice; perpendicular would have been a bit boring. I have to say that I am in love with the robot art you have on the opposite wall

posted by wasabihime on February 11th 2009 at 1:22am
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I like the diagonal too. It's unexpected to find a table that floats. Thumbs up!

posted by quiltmaster on February 11th 2009 at 1:48pm
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I like the laser etching idea. just be sure to keep it very, very simple-- something you won't get tired of. a simple geometric/abstract pattern. and maybe incorporate those metal(?) strips that I imagine came with it? I could even go for adding more to make stripes, either in regular intervals or varying, perhaps some to the left or right of different lengths. it would compliment your robot.

posted by foodefafa on February 11th 2009 at 3:00pm
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Really cool basic concept! Thanks for sharing!

posted by jenniejenjen on February 11th 2009 at 3:02pm
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This is so creative!
I don't see the diagonal cable being anymore of an issue than low hanging lights or flowers or candles in the middle of a table. This would translate so well to "murphy countertop" or "murphy sideboard" and other versions of additional space. I can see this forming a kitchen island.

I would definitely do some sort of art on the bottom.

posted by jibby on February 18th 2009 at 9:06am
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Loving this concept - thanks for sharing.

posted by infraredstudio on February 22nd 2009 at 1:11am
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