DIY Coffee Tables: From Beginner to Pro
Coffee tables are one of the most important furniture pieces in every home. Not only do they serve as a functional piece to hold your coffee mug or books, but also as a decorative item that can elevate your living room’s overall look and feel. If you’re looking for a new coffee table for your space, why not try building one yourself? With a little bit of creativity and some basic woodworking skills, you can create a coffee table that is uniquely yours. In this article, we will walk you through three different levels of building a coffee table that suits your skill level – beginner, intermediate, and pro.
Beginner Coffee Table: Simple and Functional
The beginner coffee table is perfect for someone who’s never attempted woodworking before or has only practiced woodworking for a short time. This coffee table is straightforward and functional, without being overly complicated or requiring a lot of specialized tools.
Materials needed:
– Lumber (2 by 2s and 2 by 6s)
– Saw (Miter saw and a pocket hole jig)
– Drill
– Screws
– Sandpaper
– Stain or paint (optional)
– Lacquer (optional)
Step 1: Get the lumber ready.
Purchase the lumber and cut them to the required dimensions. Ideally, you can get this already cut down to size, but if not, you can use a miter saw to do it yourself. It’s important to make sure you’ve cut it down to the right dimensions before going to the miter saw. If you’re using a two by six, rip it first, and then chop it into smaller pieces. Make sure you’re cutting it accurately before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Build the base.
To build the base, assemble the smaller pieces and use a pocket hole jig to attach them together. If you don’t have a pocket hole jig, you can use face screws instead or brad nails. Make sure you have the right length screws for your material thickness. Also, try to hide your pocket holes for a more professional look.
Step 3: Assemble the skirt.
Attach the front, side, and back skirts to the base, using pocket holes or any alternative method. Save the cutoffs from the two by two material to use as spacer blocks.
Step 4: Sand and finish.
Sand the coffee table thoroughly before applying a finish. You can use a stain or paint, followed by a lacquer to protect it from everyday use.
Intermediate Coffee Table: Modern and Sleek
If you’ve had some experience with woodworking or are familiar with using specialized tools, the intermediate coffee table is perfect for you. This coffee table is a modern and sleek design that will add a touch of sophistication to your living room.
Materials needed:
– Red Oak lumber
– Table saw or circular saw
– Router and router table
– Clamps
– Sandpaper
– Stain or paint (optional)
– Lacquer (optional)
Step 1: Get the lumber ready.
Purchase the red oak lumber and ensure that it’s flat and square. Cut the lumber to the required dimensions using a table saw or circular saw.
Step 2: Build the top.
To build the top, use a router on a router table to cut out the box joints. The joints are critical for this design, so it’s important to be precise. Once the joints are cut, glue up the boards, and clamp them together. Leave them to dry overnight.
Step 3: Build the base.
To build the base, create separate pieces for each leg and attach them to each box joint corner. Use clamps to secure the joints and leave them to dry overnight.
Step 4: Sand and finish.
Sand the coffee table thoroughly before applying a finish. You can use a stain or paint, followed by a lacquer to protect it from everyday use.
Pro Coffee Table: Unique and Intricate
The pro coffee table requires advanced woodworking skills, as well as specialized tools and equipment. This coffee table design offers a unique and intricate design that is sure to impress any guest who sees it.
Materials needed:
– Hardwood lumber
– Lathe and chisel
– Table saw or circular saw
– Doweling jig
– Router and router table
– Mortiser
– Clamps
– Sandpaper
– Stain or paint (optional)
– Lacquer (optional)
Step 1: Get the lumber ready.
Purchase the hardwood lumber and cut it down to the required dimensions using a table saw or circular saw.
Step 2: Create the leg design.
Using a lathe and chisel, turn the legs to the desired shape. Once completed, use a mortiser to create slots for the dowels that will attach the legs to the base.
Step 3: Build the top and base.
Create the top and base separately, using a router to create any necessary joinery. Once the pieces are complete, align the dowels on the base with those on the legs. Then, clamp the pieces together and let them dry overnight.
Step 4: Sand and finish.
Sand the coffee table thoroughly before applying a finish. You can use a stain or paint, followed by a lacquer to protect it from everyday use.
Conclusion
Building a coffee table can be a fun and rewarding project, regardless of your skill level. Whether you’re a beginner trying to build something functional or a pro looking for a way to showcase your skills, there’s a coffee table design out there for you. Remember to take your time, use appropriate safety equipment, and have fun. Happy building!
source