Project Inspiration
I was in need of a more welcoming coffee table for my living room. The living room should be a place where all members of the family can gather to learn from each other, have fun, and share the beauty that is living as a family together. Whether it is doing homework, watching tv, playing games, or reading, the living room allows different generations of the family to connect with each other. Each member of the family should feel comfortable in the living room so that this environment is created in the home.
The family is fundamental to living out the Catholic faith. It is in our families that we first experience God’s love, learn about Jesus, and have an opportunity to live out the faith. We can evangelize and pray as well as forgive others for the inevitable mistakes made. Creating environments in our homes that allow these actions to take place and promote a connection to our faith and the family should be a priority when thinking about the home.
Tools Needed
- Circular Saw
- Drill or Impact Driver
- Sander
- Tape Measure
- Paint Brush/Sprayer/Rag
- Mask (N95) or Respirator for Sanding
Materials
This project makes use of untreated softwood lumber commonly found in hardware stores. The project materials can be purchased for under $40.
- 2 x 6 x 8 ft QTY: 4
- 2 x 4 x 8 ft QTY: 1
- 2 x 2 x 8 ft QTY: 3
- Wood Glue
- 2-1/2″ Deck Screws
- P120 Sandpaper
- P220 Sandpaper
- Wood Stain or Paint
- Wood Filler (Optional)
- Caster Wheels (Optional)
How To
STEP 1
You will begin by cutting the lumber to the required lengths below. A circular saw or other method can be used.
Cut List
- 2 × 6 @ 46″ QTY: 4
- 2 × 6 @ 18″ QTY: 10
- 2 x 4 @ 16-1/2″ QTY: 4
- 2 x 2 @ 37″ QTY: 4
- 2 x 2 QTY:4 (CUT TO FIT FOR X PIECES, INSTRUCTIONS IN LATER STEP)
STEP 2
The first step after cutting everything will be to build the two leg ends of the table. You will need the 2 x 6’s @ 18″ and the 2 x 4’s @16-1/2″. I found the best way to assemble was to lay the top 2 x 6 on a flat surface and screw in the 2 x 4’s from the sides. You can then flip over the assembly and use another 2 x 4 scrap to space the lower 2 x 6 off the ground while screwing it in. Make sure to use wood glue and 2 screws at each joint.
STEP 3
The next step is to add the 2 x 2 frame rails to the legs. Flip over each leg set to lay flat and glue/screw each of the rails into place. Use two screws for each joint. Flip the table over to secure the lower rails into place. The same technique of using a scrap piece of 2 x 4 for spacing underneath can help for the lower rails.
STEP 4
The next step is cutting the 2 x 2 “X” shape pieces for the sides of the table. These are non structural and any shape could be made if desired. I took my 2 x 2 and held it up on the side of the table to make pencil marks of where to cut. Once you have a piece that fits, make a total of 4 of these. The first two can be glued/screwed into position. The other pieces can be installed offset behind this one or scribed with a pencil to be cut into two pieces. The two pieces will need to screwed at some odd angles if you desire a perfect X shape. I opted to shift mine a bit lower/higher so I could get a screw in from the top and bottom of the X crossing area.
STEP 5
The next step is to add a 2 x 6 @18″ in the center of the table top secured between the rails on the same plane as the other 2 x 6’s
STEP 6
I recommend pausing assembly to begin sanding at this step. I assembled everything on my own table first and had a difficult time sanding/staining some difficult to reach areas. Begin with a P80 or P120 grit sandpaper over all surfaces you wish to stain. Make sure to sand the boards already assembled and those still left to be assembled. You can then move onto the finer P220 grit sandpaper for a more finished surface. I only used the P220 on my top surface to save some time.
STEP 7
Lay out all the 2 x 6’s @ 46″ on the ground with your best surface face down. Center the table top onto these boards. Make sure the 2 x 6’s are as tight together as possible and use a clamp if available. You can then screw through the bottom of all 3 of the 2 x 6 x 18″ pieces to secure the table top to the lower frame. Use as many screws as needed.
STEP 8
The lower shelf slats ( 2 x 6 x 18″) can now be glued/screwed into position. Start with one in the middle and evenly space the others out to the edge. I left a little tighter gap between the outer two edge boards to make measurements easier as shown in the diagram below. Use at least two screw per board.
STEP 9
Finish any P220 final sanding needed before staining your table. Another optional step is to use some wood filler to cover the exposed screws. This worked well on my table because of the dark stain which evened out the color difference. It may not work as well on a lighter stain. The stain used in the photo is a matte finish indoor Espresso stain/sealer. After staining, casters can be added if desired to make the table easy to move around the room. I have included a link in the material list for some casters that worked well.
