Build a Coffee Table
Woodworking is a learning process. A good starter project is to build a coffee table, but only after you build a simple butt-jointed box and a set of shelves for storage. A woodworker will build a table of some sort sooner or later. That is where these instructions come in.
Steps
- Understand what makes a table of any kind. This knowledge helps you understand the process of building your new coffee table. Any table is composed of 3 parts - a top, apron or stringers and legs.
- Begin with the top. The easiest top to make is from .75-inch (.19 cm) plywood. The plywood can have a finished side that is made from just about any veneer you choose, from pine to mahogany or cherry.
- Cut the plywood to the size and shape you need. Most coffee tables are rectangular.
- Generally, plywood edges are rough. Therefore, you will want to add banding or edging to the outer perimeter. Edging, with thin self-adhesive veneer on one side, can be applied to the perimeter following the manufacturer's directions. The edging must be slightly wider than the plywood.
- Trim the edging until it is flush with the plywood surface using either an edge or utility knife.
- Build the apron using wood cut to the size you need. The dimensions discussed below are general measurements.
- Use 1 x 4-inch (2.5 x 10.2 cm) or 1 x 6-inch (2.5 x 14.6 cm) stock.
- Cut the stock to length approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) less than the length and width of the table top. You will cut the ends with a miter saw at 45 degrees.
- Take the apron pieces and assemble with the beveled 45 degree ends together by gluing and using corner clamps. Secure these with 2-inch (5.4 cm) brad nails.
- Take pieces of scrap wood, approximately 1 x 2 x 6-inches (2.5 X 5.2 X 14.6 cm) and screw them onto the inside of the apron. You need to screw a minimum of two on each side for cleats to attach the top.
- Make the legs from whatever material you decide on. The most common for this project are made from untreated pine 4 x 4-inch (6.2 x 6.2 cm) posts cut to the length you chose for the height of the table minus the top thickness.
- With the legs cut to length, sand the edges with sandpaper or use a round-over bit in a router. Also, chamfer the bottom of the leg to keep from chipping the ends when the table slides over.
- Attach the legs to each corner of the apron. The most secure way is to screw it into place using deck screws. Pre-drill holes and counter-sink the screws to keep from splitting the ends of the aprons. Then fill with wood putty to hide the screw heads.
- Turn the coffee table top upside down and put the apron, with the legs attached, on the bottom. Center the apron on the table top.
- Now attach the apron and legs to the top with screws through cleats attached to the inside of the apron. Pre-drill the hole to keep from splitting the wood used for the cleat.
- Sand the surfaces with progressively finer sandpaper beginning with 120-grit and finishing with 220-grit.
- Wipe the dust from the coffee table using a lint-free cloth.
- Apply a natural finish, which is particularly nice if you have a great grain pattern. Start by applying a coat of linseed oil rubbed into all exposed surfaces.
- Rub down with "000" steel wool after the linseed oil has dried. Now, begin applying 3 coats of varnish with a brush or rag. Rub down the finish between coats with "000" steel wool and wipe with a lint free cloth.
- Apply carnauba wood wax to the surface for added protection.
Tips
- You can add a cross brace in the middle to increase the rigidity of the apron.
- Premade legs are available at woodworking supply stores.
- While an electric sander makes it easier, a simple wood block with sandpaper wrapped around it gets the job done.
Warnings
- Make sure the work area used for sanding and finishing is well ventilated.
Things You'll Need
- 3/4-inch ((1.9 cm) plywood
- Veneer edging
- 1 x 4 or 1 x 6-inch (2.5 x 10.4 cm or 2.5 x 15.4 cm) wood stock
- 4 x 4-inch (5.2 x 5.2 cm) posts
- Scrap wood for cleats
- Wood glue
- Corner clamps
- Circular or jigsaw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Deck screws
- Wood putty
- Sandpaper 120-to-220 grit
- Tape measure
- Electric sander or sanding block
- Utility knife
- 000-grade steel wool
- Boiled linseed oil
- Varnish
- Lint-free cloths
- Hammer
- Brads
- Saw and miter box
- Carnuba wood wax
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