Smithing Table in Minecraft (1.21+): Recipe, Uses, Templates & Toolsmith Guide

TL;DR

In Minecraft server hosting, the block’s core purpose is upgrading gear via smithing templates not repairing. The crafting recipe is simple: two iron ingots plus four planks of any wood.

What it is: a utility block that alters tools and armor using a smithing template + the right material (no XP cost).

Crafting recipe: 2 Iron Ingots + 4 Planks (any wood) → Smithing Table.

Natural generation: found in toolsmith houses in villages (easy early pickup).

GUI (1.20+): three slots → Template | Base item | Addition.

Upgrading: Diamond gear → Netherite gear keeps enchantments, names, durability state, and prior work penalty.

Templates: consumed on use; duplication is possible (see below).

Extras: can be used as fuel (~1.5 items smelted) and gives “bass” on note blocks.

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What a Smithing Table Does

The smithing table is the upgrade/alteration station for equipment. Since 1.20, it no longer repairs or combines gear it applies templates to an item:

• Upgrade templates (e.g., Netherite Upgrade) convert diamond gear into netherite gear.
• Armor Trim templates apply decorative patterns to armor with a chosen mineral/crystal color.

NOTE

Upgrading does not remove or recalc your item’s NBT. You keep enchantments, custom names, durability, and the prior work penalty the item already had

How to Get a Smithing Table

Crafting (works the same on Java & Bedrock)

Put 2× Iron Ingot in the top row (center-left & center-right).

Put 4× Planks (any type, e.g., oak planks) in a 2×2 square below.

Output: Smithing Table.

You can craft smithing tables at a crafting table using oak planks or any other wood type. If you’re speedrunning villages, it’s still faster to craft smithing tables than to roam for one.

Finding

Villages: commonly inside toolsmith houses. Break it (axe is fastest) or claim it as a workstation.

If you don’t see one, crafting is cheaper than hunting carry two irons and some wood and you’re done.

The Smithing Table GUI (1.20+)

The new smithing table GUI has three horizontal slots and opens instantly when you interact with the block.

Layout is three horizontal slots:

1) Template - either an Upgrade or an Armor Trim template.

2) Base Item - the gear to modify (e.g., Diamond Chestplate).

3) Addition - the material for the change (e.g., Netherite Ingot for upgrades, or a mineral/crystal for trims).

Click result to apply. Templates are consumed each time.

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Upgrading Diamond Gear to Netherite armor

You can upgrade diamond gear including diamond armor and diamond tools straight to netherite gear. Place the Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template, your diamond equipment, and a Netherite Ingot to convert it.
This upgrading diamond armor process preserves enchantments, custom name, durability, and prior work penalty. The result is the netherite armor or tool of the same slot; no XP is required.

You need:

• Diamond tool/armor,
• 1× Netherite Ingot,
• 1× Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template.

Behavior:

The new netherite gear keeps enchantments, custom name, durability left, and your prior work penalty.

No experience points are spent.

This does not repair the item if it was half-broken, it stays half-broken (just stronger).

Where to Find & How to Duplicate Templates

Smithing templates come in two families: upgrade (e.g., the Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template) and armor trims. A smithing template always goes into the template slot and is consumed on use.

Netherite Upgrade

Naturally found in Bastion Remnants (Treasure Room guarantees one).

Duplication: place the template in a crafting grid with 7× Diamonds + 1× Netherrack + the original template → get copy (the original is returned after crafting).

Armor Trims (cosmetic)

Found across world structures (e.g., Desert Pyramids and Strongholds, among others).

Apply: Armor piece + Trim template + color material (e.g., Redstone, Lapis, Copper, Quartz, Emerald, Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, Iron, Netherite, Resin Brick, etc.).

The pattern comes from the template, while the color comes from the material you use.

Duplication rule: most trim templates copy with 7× Diamonds + 1× block related to the template (the “associated” block differs by template) + the original template.

Villagers & Professions

The smithing table is the job site block for the Toolsmith.

Unemployed villagers nearby may claim it and become toolsmiths.

If a villager has traded with you already, their profession won’t change, even if you move the block.

Other Small but Useful Mechanics

Fuel: one smithing table smelts roughly 1.5 items in a furnace (handy in a pinch).

Note block: placing a note block on top of a smithing table plays a bass instrument.

Breaking: any tool or hand works; an axe breaks it fastest.

FAQ

Does upgrading on a smithing table cost XP?

No. Upgrading consumes the template and the addition material, but no experience.

Do I lose enchantments when upgrading diamond gear to netherite?

No. You keep enchants, name, durability, and prior work penalty.

Can I repair or combine items on a smithing table?

No. Repair/combination is for the anvil (or crafting grid for simple repairs). The smithing table only alters items via templates.

Where should I look first for a smithing table?

Check village toolsmith houses; if none spawn, craft one with two iron ingots and four planks.