1. Using a table saw, cut four 2-1/4-inch-wide strips of melamine the length of the table sides. These will become the edges of the mold. Cut four 2-inch-wide strips of melamine to form the top lips of the mold and set the thickness of the cement.

2. Turn the table upside down on the remaining melamine. Use a tape measure and pencil to trace a perimeter on the melamine that is 1-1/2 inch larger than the original tabletop.

3. Place the four 2-1/4-inch-wide strips along the outside of the 1-1/2-inch perimeter. Predrill three evenly spaced holes through each strip; then drill again with a countersink bit. Screw in the 2-1/2-inch coarse-thread drywall screws. (These will be taken out the next day to unmold the tabletop.)

4. Place the four 2-inch-wide strips of melamine perpendicular to the top of the sides to form the top lip of the mold. Attach the lip by screwing in two 1-1/2-inch coarse-thread drywall screws on each melamine strip. The tabletop will be 1¼ inches thick but will look 2-1/4 inches thick.