Making a wooden napkin dispenser for the dining table is a relatively simple woodworking project that can add both style and functionality to your table setting. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with woodworking, this project can be customized to fit your personal style or the decor of your home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own wooden napkin dispenser:
Materials Needed:
- A piece of wood (dimensions will depend on the size of the napkins you want to use)
- For example: 1-inch thick hardwood (oak, maple, or walnut are good options)
- Approximate size for a standard dispenser: 8 inches wide, 5 inches tall, and 6 inches deep.
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Sandpaper (220-grit)
- Saw (Table saw, circular saw, or hand saw)
- Drill with bits
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Clamps
- Wood finish (stain, oil, or varnish) – optional
- Paintbrush (for finish)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Planning and Measuring
Before starting any cutting, measure the size of the napkins you plan to use in the dispenser. A standard napkin size is usually 6.5 x 6.5 inches, but you may want to adjust the dimensions based on your preferences.
- Height of the dispenser: Should be just slightly taller than your napkins to allow for easy access.
- Width of the dispenser: Allow enough space for a stack of napkins. Aim for at least 8 inches.
- Depth of the dispenser: This should be about 6 inches to accommodate the thickness of the napkins, leaving enough room for easy retrieval.
2. Cutting the Wood Pieces
Once you have your measurements, mark the dimensions for the front, back, sides, and bottom of your napkin dispenser on the wood.
- Front and back pieces: Cut two pieces that will form the front and back of the dispenser. Each should be the height of the dispenser and the width you determined.
- Side pieces: Cut two pieces for the sides. These will determine the depth of the dispenser.
- Bottom piece: Cut a piece for the bottom. It should match the width and depth of the dispenser.
- Top opening: For the opening where the napkins will be pulled from, measure a small rectangular cutout on the top piece. This should be just large enough to allow napkins to slide through easily.
3. Assembling the Base and Sides
Start by assembling the basic box structure of your napkin dispenser:
- Apply wood glue to the edges of the side pieces and attach them to the back piece.
- Use clamps to hold the pieces in place while the glue dries.
- Once the glue has set, screw in a few wood screws along the edges for added security. Make sure the screws are positioned in a way that they won’t be visible from the outside.
4. Attaching the Front and Bottom
- Apply glue to the edges of the front piece and attach it to the sides and back.
- Secure the front piece with wood screws.
- For the bottom, apply glue and place it in the base of the box. Screw in the bottom piece to ensure it’s securely attached.
5. Creating the Napkin Slot
Use your drill to create a small, rectangular hole in the top of the dispenser. This is where the napkins will be pulled out. Make sure the hole is large enough for napkins to easily pass through but not so big that the napkins become too loose inside the dispenser.
6. Sanding
After the glue has dried and the dispenser is fully assembled, take your sandpaper and smooth all the edges. Focus on areas where the wood was cut to remove any rough spots. Sand the entire surface of the dispenser until it’s smooth to the touch, ensuring there are no splinters.
7. Finishing
To give your napkin dispenser a polished look, apply a finish. You can choose from a variety of wood finishes, such as:
- Wood stain: If you want to enhance the natural beauty of the wood, apply a wood stain that complements your furniture.
- Clear varnish or polyurethane: For a shiny finish and added protection, use a clear varnish.
- Paint: If you want a more colorful or custom look, consider painting your napkin dispenser.
Apply the finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow it to dry completely.
8. Final Assembly
After the finish has dried, your wooden napkin dispenser is ready for use. Place it on your dining table, fill it with napkins, and enjoy the clean, rustic look it brings to your table setting.
Tips for Customization:
- Carved details: If you’re comfortable with carving, you can add intricate designs or patterns to the front or sides of the dispenser.
- Decorative hardware: Adding small decorative knobs or handles can make the dispenser more visually appealing.
- Personalized engravings: Consider engraving initials, family names, or even a fun quote to make the dispenser unique.
This project is simple enough for a beginner yet customizable enough for someone with more woodworking experience. With just a few tools and some creative touches, you’ll have a stylish and functional wooden napkin dispenser for your dining table.
For more woodworking projects like this one, consider checking out Teds Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking Course.