I have used an old dining room buffet. It has wonderful large storage drawers and lots of room for my cutting mat. I use a tall bar stool (chair actually) as it's higher, but I love that height when working on cutting, sorting blocks, etc. It works perfect for me.

divide top in half, fasten with fasteners( so can be moved), sand inside edges so won't snag fabric. Support with bookcases on each end( width of table). and one under table seam. That one holds seldom used items. You will have your large surface and storage room underneath. May need to build bookcases to fit because of size.

I find even a 48x90 sheet of plywood doubled is not enough room at times for sewing/quilting/etc. My DH built me one with one of my machines set in, also put counters table height for sewing / painting/etc. also shelves and acouple of cupboards in MOM's Room. Then again I said I needed a show wall and a cutting space. So he gave me another room where I have storage cupboards and shelves for my fabric, batting and etc. And a cutting space on normal cabnets height, sew I can stand while cutting and etc due to back problems...also we keep working on just the right quilting frame... But I think I need to down size...

I've used the tables from the office supply store for years. I have several that were purchased used for a song. I just go to Lowe's or Home Depot and pick up the shelves they have for closet organizing to use underneath.

This is the table I hope to have when I move.
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/sewi...mFF7Q_6Nzd3PFw

I have my table sitting on on some Closet Maid wire drawers. Storage is so important so don't waste any space that is available to you. You might go check out resale store for bookcases.

Seeing as I´m sewing at an old table that is too short, sitting on a stool that is too high, I´m about green with envy at you all!
Some beautiful sewing areas here. Great idea to check the re stores. I´m doing that tomorrow!

Watson

I made mine from plywood. Sanded it down then put trim on the edges and sanded some more. Finished it with stain, then 3 coats of semi-gloss poly. Made the legs from 2x4's. Put a shelf underneath to keep my boards I use for putting quilts together, also bought one of those plastic drawer things, fits perfect underneath. I love it.

My husband put a dropped base in the space where a 'leaf' would be in a regular dining table. I really like it. Plus on the other 'side' I can put plexiglass over gap and lamp under for a large 'light table'.

I use an XL industrial door (came out of a hospital and is very heavy) on top of 2 filing cabinets. The door was originally an oak color... and I stained it a dark mahogany. The filing cabinets have a small drawer at the top with a slide out tray and a larger drawer at the bottom. I absolutely LOVE it and have used it for over 20 years. It allows me plenty of room to sew, cut fabric, fold fabric, paint, etc. lol Mine, however, does not have a place cut out for a sewing machine.... as I have several machines that I use.

I love my big table...DH separated an old 4x4 table. slipped one of my machines down into the split, perfect height for me. Then surrounded it by 2 4x8 sheets of plywood finished on one side. Put legs under it for support (no vibration) Put an ironing pad on end of table that holds machine... Put extra cutting pad on other end, and and taped a 8 measuring tape across the end. My main work area is in different area, cutting area, ironing area display board, and other 2 machines, I have all this in my downstairs. I also have an extra double bedroom, bath, laundry, storage & Family Room so I have to keep my quilting areas clean and tidy. Maybe this will help set up your space. Some times small works better then large..

I got a brand new sewing cabinet from a lady who had to sell, due to messy divorce. She said it had never been used, she pd $250 for it, I got it for $100. Has the gridded surface and the back lifts up for added space to have quilt on. It is also n lockable casters. I had to store it at a friends house till I get my sewing shack moved and cleaned up. The rain we have been having has put a stop to moving it to its new home. Grrrrr.

Plus I found another lady who had fabric, rulers, & lots of books for sale and went on a road trip with said friend and brought it all home. I went thru it and am glad I left her some extra money as I thought $50 was kinda cheap. I bet I got over $800 of fabric, rulers and pattern books. Also some patterns and a wall hanging to finish of 2 unicorns.

I also got 225 yards of fleece from the same lady as the cabinet. $2 per yard. I got a LARGE cutting map, a small one and also a new ruler I had never seen. I paid a total of $70 for the cutting mats and ruler. I can't believe the bargains I have found recently.

My friend and I have made several baby blankets already out of the fleece. She is also making one for her nephew who has helped us by carrying it all in her house. He said he will help me load it into my trailer when ready. Whoo hoo!!

I used to use a large banquet table that was 60" long, 30 deep. ( older, heavy.). I am a piler. I grew to hate that big table. It took up a lot of room. Someone at a rummage sale tipped me off on a sewing table with a drop in for a sewing machine. It is 51" wide and 30" deep. It has a storage cabinet with a door under the table to the left. love the smaller table and I don't have excess space to pile on it. I am my worst enemy when it comes to piling! Horizontal surfaces are fair game.

Sandy

I have an old library table, 48 x 60 purchased from a second hand store. DH cut a hole and dropped in my sewing machine after shoring up underneath with 2 x 4's. It works great. I have found that as long as your quilt is supported, it isn't a problem if it hangs off a little.

I was going to suggest checking Craigslist or yard/estate sales for a big farm or dining room table and adjusting it to your height. I have an office desk that I've done this with, and I made a drop-in for my sewing machine. It was pretty easy.

I have a wood dining room table this is I think 36 x 40. My sons friend cut out a space at each end for my two sewing machines to sit in. I just love it, it easily hold a king size quilt for quilting without hanging onto the floor.

Home Depot/Lowe's also has some wire baskets in frames that are great for storing fabrics. I have a set under one of my sewing room tables for extra storage. There are lots of things made to organize closets that can be put under your sewing table for extra storage.

I use a conference table 4 1/2 feet by 14 feet.

To reinforce long table put short bookcase under, set back from edge 9-12" from outside edge.(use shims to make fit tight). Use for storage not often used items.

This thread was started in January 2014.

Still some really good suggestions in this thread.

To reinforce long table put short bookcase under, set back from edge 9-12" from outside edge.(use shims to make fit tight). Use for storage not often used items.

My sewing work areas are made from kitchen cabinets that are desk height. I have regular Formica counter tops on them. I have one that is 8 feet long and one that is 12 feet long. Both of them have room for two chairs. Lots of drawers for storage. They are made so they don't have to go against the walls so when I have a big project going I can just let the quilt run over the back edge or I can put a table on the back side for support. I have a cutting table that is two sets of kitchen cabinets at the regular height back to back, creating a 4 foot by 4 foot base then I got a Formica counter top made at 4x6 feet so that I have a hang over edge that I can put a tall chair under to sit while I work if I want. I have plenty of room for all of this as I live alone and have turned the formal living and dining rooms into sewing space. Nice thing about this is that whenever I move, this is the third house I have had these things in, I can just take it apart and move it with me.