A coffee table can be the centerpiece of a living area – but that doesn’t mean you need to shell out a fortune for a sleek and sophisticated piece. You can enjoy a morning cup of joe on your own beautifully crafted masterpiece, completely from scratch, no elaborate blueprints needed. Don’t be daunted, this tutorial is straight-forward and simple, and the result is exquisite!
Safety first! Put on and safety goggles, and tie any long hair back! For full details before you get to work, read the entire power tool safety guide here!
Step 1: Use your table saw to cut a 1″x 4″ piece of wood into two 18-inch-long pieces. We’re also going to cut three 4-foot-long pieces of wood from the 1″x8″ pieces.
Step 2: Use your orbital sander to sand down all your wood. Also sand down your table legs by hand, and wipe off any excess sawdust.
Step 3: Stain your wood with your foam brushes. Let sit for 5 minutes and wipe off the excess with a rag.
Step 4: Once dry, line up your 4-foot-long pieces of wood to create the table top. Place some coins in between the wood to create a bit of space. Mark 6 inches in from each side and place a piece of painter’s tape along the side. Repeat on the other side.
Step 5: Glue the two 18-inch pieces of wood (which will be the braces) just inside the painter’s tape on both sides. Screw the braces in place with 1-inch screws – make sure the screws stay close to the edge of the brace.
Step 6: Place your angled leg plates onto the braces where you want the legs to be. Place the higher end of the angle towards the center and screw in. Repeat on the other corners.
Step 7: Screw in your table legs to your leg plates! Be sure to push out the nickels from the wood slats.
Invite some guests over for tea and let them marvel at your woodworking abilities! And if you tried making this coffee table yourself, let us and The Sorry Girls know by tagging us on Instagram @BeMakeful and @TheSorryGirls using #TheDrillDown!
- 1-inch x 4-inch wood piece cut into 2, 18-inch long pieces
- 1-inch x 8-inch wood cut into 3, 4-ft long pieces
- table saw
- drill and drill bits
- tape measure
- orbital sander / palm sander
- 220 grit sandpaper pads
- sandpaper for sanding legs
- foam brushes
- wood stain
- rags for wiping wood stain
- 6 nickels for spacing wood
- painter's tape
- carpenter square
- wood glue
- 1-inch wood screws
- 4 angled leg plates
- 4 table legs
- 4 felt pads for bottom of legs
- dust mask
- safety goggles
- work apron
- gloves to use during staining
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