How to Make a Crafting Table in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Craft a crafting table from planks of any type, right in your inventory's 2x2 grid. Using it opens the 3x3 grid, which gives access to all crafting recipes, including many not available in the inventory.

What you need

4 planks (any type)

Step by step

Craft planks from a log in your inventory grid.
Craft the crafting table: 4 planks of any type in a 2x2 square, which fits in your inventory grid.
Place it and use it to open the 3x3 crafting grid. The inventory grid is only 2x2.
Use the recipe book to the left of the grid for reference and one-click crafting. It is collapsed by default in Java and expanded by default in Bedrock.
Repair: put two damaged items of the same material side by side in the grid. You get one item with the summed durability plus 5%, up to 100%, at no experience cost, but it removes enchantments except curses.
Mine it by hand or with any tool. An axe is fastest, and it drops itself.
As fuel in a furnace, one crafting table smelts 1.5 items.

Java vs Bedrock

The recipe book starts collapsed in Java and expanded in Bedrock.

Versions: Describes the current Java and Bedrock releases. See the edition note above for differences.

Frequently asked questions

What does a crafting table do?

It opens the 3x3 crafting grid, which gives access to all crafting recipes.

Can I craft without a crafting table?

Only recipes that fit the 2x2 inventory grid.

Does the wood type matter?

No. Any planks work.

Can I repair tools in it?

Yes. Combine two damaged items of the same material for the summed durability plus 5%, but enchantments (except curses) are removed.