Recipe

Minecraft Smithing Table

Craft it fast, use it right, and upgrade gear without the usual confusion.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A bright kitchen table setup with a laptop running Minecraft, a small notepad, and a tidy prep station vibe

I know this is Mom’s Best Recipes, but hear me out: the smithing table is basically meal prep for your armor. You set up one clean station, you combine a few key items, and suddenly your whole week goes smoother. In Minecraft terms, that means your diamond gear turns into Netherite gear, you can add armor trims for style points, and you stop wasting time wondering why the anvil is not doing what you want.

Below is the no-drama version: what the smithing table does, how to craft it, exactly how the upgrade process works in modern Minecraft (yes, templates), where that mysterious upgrade template actually comes from, and the quick fixes for the most common “it won’t let me” moments.

A kitchen table with small items neatly arranged like ingredients, echoing the idea of gathering iron and planks before crafting

Why It Works

You will craft a smithing table in under 1 minute using basic early game materials.
You will upgrade diamond to Netherite correctly using the Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template (required in 1.20+), so the recipe actually shows up.
You will understand the three-slot workflow (template, gear, material) used in modern versions and avoid the classic wrong slot problem.
You will know where to find and how to duplicate the upgrade template so one lucky chest does not have to carry your whole armor set.
You will troubleshoot fast if the smithing table is not working, especially on older worlds or different game editions.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Think of these as “leftovers management” tips for your materials and station setup.

Store templates like spices

Smithing Templates are precious. Keep them in a dedicated chest near your smithing area. If you are using armor trims, sorting by color or trim type saves a surprising amount of time.

Keep a smithing corner

Place your smithing table next to an anvil, a grindstone, and a couple of chests. It becomes your upgrade line: enchant, upgrade, repair, and disenchant when needed.

Duplicate before you commit

Your first Netherite Upgrade template can be duplicated with 7 diamonds and 1 netherrack. Do that before you upgrade a full set of gear, so you do not get stuck mid-upgrade.

Common Questions

What does a smithing table do?

In current Minecraft versions (the templates era), the smithing table is used to upgrade diamond gear to Netherite and to apply Smithing Templates (like armor trims). It is not for repairing. That is the anvil and grindstone’s job.

When do templates become required?

As of Minecraft 1.20+, Netherite upgrades require the Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template. In older versions, the smithing table used a different interface and upgrading to Netherite did not require a template.

How do I craft a smithing table?

You need 2 iron ingots and 4 wooden planks (any wood type). In a crafting grid, place the 2 iron ingots in the top-left and top-middle slots, then place the 4 planks as a 2 by 2 square directly under them (middle-left, middle-middle, bottom-left, bottom-middle).

Why can’t I upgrade diamond to Netherite?

Most of the time it is because you are missing the Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template. Modern Minecraft requires it. Without the template, the Netherite upgrade option will not appear.

Where do I get the Netherite Upgrade template?

You find it in Bastion Remnant chests in the Nether. It does not show up in every chest, but it is commonly found in bastion loot (including Treasure Room chests). Once you have one, duplicate it so you are not guarding it like it is the last cookie.

How do I duplicate the Netherite Upgrade template?

In a crafting grid, use 1 Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template + 7 diamonds + 1 netherrack. Put the template in the center, surround it with diamonds, and place the netherrack in the bottom-middle slot. This makes 2 templates.

Do I lose enchantments when upgrading to Netherite?

No. Upgrading diamond gear to Netherite with the smithing table keeps enchantments, keeps the item name, and carries over durability proportionally (your item stays about the same percent used).

Is the smithing table in Bedrock and Java?

Yes. The layout and UI can look a little different depending on edition and update, but the modern rule is the same: templates are required for Netherite upgrades and trims in 1.20+.

Can I repair Netherite items with the smithing table?

No. Use an anvil to combine two of the same item (two Netherite swords, for example) or rely on Mending to repair with XP. The smithing table is for upgrades and templates.

A cozy kitchen counter setup with a laptop open to Minecraft, a mug nearby, and a notebook for quick crafting notes

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Crafting table (to craft the smithing table)
Smithing table (the upgrade station)
Optional: Anvil (repairs and combining enchantments)
Optional: Grindstone (remove enchantments and get some XP back)
Optional: Ender chest (to protect templates and Netherite while traveling)

The first time I tried to “upgrade to Netherite,” I treated it like a fridge cleanout. I had diamond armor, I had Netherite, I had confidence. Then the smithing table just stared at me like I forgot the salt. Turns out, I was missing the upgrade template, which is Minecraft’s way of saying: you can cook, but you still need the recipe card. Now I build a little upgrade station in every long-term world, and I duplicate templates early, the same way I keep extra tortillas around because I know I am going to want a second round.