yes, this does talk about how to make a milking table. No, these aren't meant to milk goats (Sorry to any farmer that clicked this article by accident)
If you’re searching how to make a milking table, chances are you’re looking for something functional, discreet enough, and stable enough to not turn into a regret project halfway through.
A lot of DIY guides gloss over the awkward parts: stability, clearance, finishing, and the moment you realize you’ve permanently altered a piece of furniture.
This guide skips the fantasy version and walks through a realistic DIY approach, starting with the most common base people use: a massage table. Along the way, you’ll also see why many people eventually move on to purpose‑built options like The Milker from Home in Bold, especially once wobble, storage, and cleanup become real concerns.
Start with the right base: buying a massage table (the part that makes or breaks everything)
Most DIY milking tables start the same way: with a folding massage table. That’s not a bad idea — but only if you choose carefully.
Budget range
- Forget ultra‑cheap options and ignore premium spa tables.
- A realistic range is €90–€140. Below that, frames flex. Above that, you’re paying for finishes and branding you’ll cut into anyway.
- Thickness sweet spot of the wood platform - Roughly 14–18 mm (just over ½ inch) - Thinner boards flex - Thicker boards are harder to cut cleanly without tearing the cover
Frame layout underneath
Ideally, the underside is open. In reality, most affordable massage tables use support cables.
Here’s the honest tradeoff: - No cables → easier access underneath, but often fixed height - With cables → adjustable height and portability, but reduced clearance
If you’re going DIY, adjustable height usually wins so just plan around the cables.
Height and clearance
Most tables adjust between 61–86 cm (24–34 inches).
For this use: - Set it near the top range - Aim for 78–84 cm if possible. Know that the higher you go, teh less stable it gets. So there's a tradeoff, especially with heavier bodies.
Anything lower quickly becomes uncomfortable underneath.
Width & overall size
Standard massage tables are narrow.
Better targets: - Width: 71–76 cm (28–30 inches) - Length: 180 cm+
Wider tables feel more stable after cutting and give more usable surface area.
Padding & cover
You want enough foam to survive modification: - At least 5 cm (2 inches) of medium‑to‑firm foam - PU or faux leather cover (stretchy, forgiving)
Avoid stiff vinyl — it cracks when re‑stapled.
Planning the opening (where most mistakes happen)
Before touching tools, set the table up fully extended at final height.
Placement
Instead of measuring from the edge, measure from the fold line / hinge area.
A practical placement: - 12–15 cm (5–6 inches) from the head‑end fold - Centered left‑to‑right
This avoids hinge hardware and keeps weight distribution predictable.
Shape and size (changed from the usual advice)
Forget perfectly round dogma.
Two realistic options:
Rounded rectangle (recommended) - About 20 × 32 cm (8 × 12.5 inches) - More forgiving for positioning
Large oval - Roughly 30 cm long, 22 cm wide - Softer edges, less pressure points
Pure circles work, but they’re less flexible in practice.
Cutting the opening (clean, controllable, and upholstery‑friendly)
Tools that work
You don’t need anything exotic: - Drill with a 10 mm starter bit - Jigsaw with fine‑tooth wood blade - Painter’s tape - Clamps (optional but helpful)
The process
- Remove the table cover staples only in the cut area — don’t strip the whole top.
- Tape the cut outline generously. This reduces tearing.
- Drill a starter hole inside the outline.
- Cut slowly with the jigsaw, keeping the shoe flat.
- Let the blade do the work — forcing it causes edge chipping.
Because MDF cuts smoothly, you’ll get a clean edge if you stay patient.
Finishing the edges (DIY‑friendly methods that don’t look terrible)
Raw edges are uncomfortable and destroy upholstery over time. Do not skip this.
Option 1: Flexible trim ring
- Use automotive edge trim or rubber U‑channel
- Press‑fit around the opening
- Cheap, reversible, surprisingly effective
Option 2: Foam wrap method
- Glue a thin strip of high‑density foam around the edge
- Wrap upholstery over it
- Staple underneath
This creates a soft lip and hides imperfections.
Option 3: Internal reinforcement ring
- Cut a thin plywood or plastic ring slightly larger than the opening
- Screw or glue it underneath
- Prevents long‑term sagging
Re‑upholstering so it doesn’t look hacked together
Key rules: - Work in small sections - Stretch evenly - Staple from opposite sides first
Use stainless or heavy‑duty staples.
Once done, flip the table upright and check tension before trimming excess.
The part DIY guides avoid: why people switch to purpose‑built tables
After the novelty wears off, common complaints show up: - Slight wobble under movement - Cables always in the way - Storage awkwardness - Setup time killing spontaneity
That’s why purpose‑built options exist.
Home in Bold’s milking tables — including The Milker — are designed with: - Open underside (no interference below) - Fixed structural rigidity - Proper load distribution
You can see the difference here: https://myhomeinbold.com/collections/milking-table
Most people who start DIY end up here eventually.
FAQ
How do you make a milking table at home?
Most DIY builds start with a folding massage table, a reinforced opening, and careful edge finishing. The biggest challenges aren’t cutting — they’re stability, clearance, and long‑term comfort.
Is a DIY milking table safe?
It can be, if the base table is solid and the opening is reinforced. That said, DIY builds rarely match the rigidity of purpose‑built designs.
Can you use a massage table with a glory hole?
Yes — that’s the most common DIY approach. Just be aware that support cables and hinge placement often interfere underneath.
Is buying better than DIY?
If you value stability, ease of setup, and clean design, most people eventually prefer a purpose‑built option like The Milker.
Where can I see professional alternatives?
You can view purpose‑built milking tables here: https://myhomeinbold.com/collections/milking-table
If you’re experimenting, DIY can be a starting point. If you already know what you want, skipping straight to a table designed for this use saves time, mess, and compromises.