Guest Post - How To Build A Coffee Table

Today's post comes from eBuilders.com - a great source for advice on home renovation projects.  They were really eager to share a DIY project with you guys, so here goes.
____________________________________________________________________

The following is a description of how to construct your very own coffee table. You will find that the steps involved are simple, as they are designed for the do-it-yourself home handywoman. Further, you will see find that only basic building tools are needed (screwdriver/drill, clamp, chisel, screws and possibly some glue). Despite the simplicity of the design, this table is sturdy and more than capable of handling your day to day use.

The Building Guide:

The Wood

• Make sure you cut all of your pieces of wood so that they are equal to the measurements shown in the table above. You will notice that the measurements of wood required are relatively easy to find in most lumber stores, this was done to make this project as easy as possible. The type of wood you use for this project is entirely your choice; however ensure you are using a quality lumber. Also consider if you are going to paint or stain the wood, as this will impact your choice. It is also recommended that for the table top, you should use a piece of MDF, plywood or a similar type of board.

The Rails

• Position the table top ‘c’, upside down. Then, position the top rails ‘b’, centered beneath the table top in a manner that allows each corner to be touching (do not overlap the top rails). Then, take the fillets ‘e’, and put them against the rails. Screw into the fillets so they become attached to the table top, then screw into them again so they become attached to the top rails.

The Corner Supports

• Place the 4 corner supports ‘d’, into their respective corners against the top rails and screw them into place (4 screws per corner).

Take the Edge Off

• On each of the 4 leg pieces ‘a’, use a chisel to remove the sharp edge off one side of each leg. Start chiseling approximately 2 ½” from the top of the leg, chiseling upwards towards the top of the leg from which you measured. Ensure that the chisel cut is approximately 3/8” so that the bolt will be flat against the wood of the leg.

Give Yourself a Leg-Up

• Using a clamp, position the legs on the outside portion of where the top rails touch (there should be a 90 degree opening into which the legs should fit perfectly). Then proceed to drill a hole through the center of the corner support and through the leg. Once the hole is drilled, insert and tighten your bolts.

Making it Pretty

• At this point your coffee table is ready to support your java habit. However, you may want to go ahead and stain or paint the table to match the décor of the surrounding room.

We certainly think this is a fun DIY project that you can undertake in an afternoon. We hope you enjoy your new coffee table!

- Chuck Nibblere - lead writer for Ebuilders.com
____________________________________________________________________

Thanks Chuck! Even though these instructions show how to make a coffee table, I think I may actually follow them to make a cute little table for Keaton.  I'm thinking of jazzing it up and painting it, much like Leah's table for her daughter (but much less pink!)

Via The Way We Are

What do you think?