How do I build a dining table that mounts to the wall like a shelf?

I'm moving into a small apartment and there is no room for a dining table and four chairs. I have a low window in my kitchen and I want to mount a wide shelf under it for my kids and I to eat at. It has to be sturdy, I have two rowdy little girls. I would also like to make it so it folds down when I'm not using it. Does anyone know how to do this?How do I build a dining table that mounts to the wall like a shelf?
First, decide what dimensions you need. Obviously it needs to be small enough to fit under the window when it's folded down. You can buy pine 'craft panels' at most lumber stores, if one of those won't work for size then get some plywood with a nice surface on one side, and if you buy it at a place that specializes in plywood they will likely cut it to size at the store, and then you'll want to sand the edges. You can also buy tabletops and lengths of wood countertop at IKEA. Once you have the size of tabletop you need, finish it with several coats of a sturdy finish, and I would use oil-base varnish or paint here, as it's going to take some abuse. I have used water base polyurethane on a bathroom counter and it stained. Or go to a fabric store and buy some colourful vinyl as a tablecloth, you could staple it to the wood.Then do as the previous poster suggested--batten(that's just a piece of wood) on the wall, hinges, and folding legs(these could be just lengths of 2x2) with a secure system of fastening the legs when in use. If the batten is as thick as the legs, the table will sit flat against the wall when folded. See what they have at the hardware section for securing the legs, and the specialty plywood store might be a good place to find those too.How do I build a dining table that mounts to the wall like a shelf?
Certainly not a new concept and not so difficult.



As answers might state, define what works for you in a size, but as if a half table. That would allow folding down against the wall. If you need a larger table then you have to fold up, from the wall attachment.



The girls area is not at all related to what you'll do for the dining table, but no more difficult. I think you should assume and determine a usual height for a table and balance your install that way.



The table can be attached to a CLEAT attached to studs, using a substantial piano hinge.



A greater issue might be approval to do this from the apt. owner.



The height of the window may not be exact either in a similar mounting for comfort for the girls? That might be a toys R us measuring issue for height.



Sturdy can be accomplished with hinged fold down legs, and if aethetics aren't a major issue, Birch venner plywood finishes beautifully and needs no filling sanding, and can have edge molding added, stain and clear coat and look as good as any dining room table.



Steven Wolf

Just my two ';sense';
I liked gold digger's answer, but if you put the table and hinges under the batten so the table would swing UP into place, it wouldn't be dangerous at all.
This is what they did in Ireland in 19th century. You screw a wooden batten to the wall and attach two hinges to it and then you can fix your table top to this. So that it has support you have to fix another hinge under the table top with a leg that drops down . There has to be a very good catch for when the table is an upright position. WARNING these tables are not very child friendly when stored in the upright position ,they can drop down and trap fingers between the hinge and support leg.