Craftsman-inspired solid wood coffee tables never go out of style. All you need is a simple joinery technique to create a beautiful, long-lasting piece of furniture.
The coffee table design we’ll build in this guide comes from Build-Basic blogger Jenn Largesse. It uses No. 2 pine lumber, splayed legs, faux-tenon details, and faux-breadboard ends to look sleek and advanced. Find detailed step-by-step plans, plus a cut list, at build-basic.com.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you start, gather the tools and materials for the project.
Required Tools
To complete this project, you’ll need the following tools:
- Clamps
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- Miter saw
- Pencil
- Pocket-hole jig
- Safety gear (goggles, dust mask, hearing protection)
- Sander
Necessary Materials
Prepare these materials before starting your build:
- 1 1/4-inch pocket screws
- Pine boards (or your chosen wood)
- Protective finish
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Stain or paint (optional)
- Wood glue
Consider using scrap wood for prototypes or test cuts. By making a few practice measurements and cuts, the actual project will be far more hassle-free.
Preparing Your Materials for Building a Coffee Table
Cut all the pieces except for the trim to length with a miter or table saw. Use a pocket-hole jig to drill angled holes for the 1 ¼-inch pocket screws that hold the table’s components together.
Pocket-Hole Pointers: When using a pocket-hole jig, make sure to adjust both the jig and the stop collar on the bit to match the thickness of your stock — both settings are typically shown right on the jig. Also, pay attention to grain direction: the wood grain of the piece receiving the screws should run perpendicular to the screw, because screws driven into end grain won’t hold. Finally, adjust your drill’s torque clutch so that the pocket-screw heads sit tight to the bottom of the pocket without stripping the hole, and always double-check that the screw tip won’t exit the opposite face of the wood.
Building the Table Base
The base of your coffee table sets the foundation for your design. Glue and pocket-screw the legs, rails, and crosspieces. Attach the faux-tenon blocks following the angle of the legs. Set the 1×4 slays on the shelf cleats with a ½-inch gap between them and glue them to secure.
Adding the Tabletop
Now comes the time to add the tabletop. You’ll want the surface to be as smooth and attractive as possible, so pay close attention to how you arrange and fasten the boards together in this step.
Arrange the boards lengthwise, then glue and pocket-screw the edges together. Glue and fasten perpendicular faux breadboards at each end, then add trim with a frame of mitered 1x2s.
Use figure-8 fasteners to attach the tabletop to the base. These fasteners allow the wood to expand and contract naturally with the surrounding humidity.
Pro Tip: Norm Abram, This Old House master carpenter, advises: Before gluing, arrange the boards so that their end grains alternate between curving up and curving down. “That will help to prevent the top from cupping.” He also recommends using a biscuit joiner to cut matching pairs of slots every 10 to 12 inches, staying 3 inches away from the ends, to keep the boards aligned during the glue-up.
When gluing up the tabletop boards, use five evenly spaced pipe clamps — three underneath and two on top of the assembly — to apply even pressure. Use a damp cloth to immediately wipe away any glue squeeze-out before it dries, which will save you significant sanding work later.
Finishing Touches
Proper finishing will protect your coffee table and help it fit better with the rest of your living room. Begin by sanding the entire table. Start with coarse grit, then move to progressively finer grits for a smooth finish.
If you’re painting your coffee table, add your topcoat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’re staining the table, apply it according to the directions and let it dry completely. Then, apply a polyurethane finish to protect the table against moisture and wear. For the best results, use thin coats, sanding lightly between each one.
Pro Tip: Tom Silva, This Old House general contractor, recommends starting with a medium sandpaper around 150 grit for factory-finished surfaces, noting: “We just want to get rid of some of the blemishes.” He also cautions against using a belt sander on furniture: “I don’t want to use a belt sander because for all we know this might be a thin layer of veneer.” Hand sanding gives you total control and helps open up the wood’s pores so they’re receptive to whatever finish you apply.
Tips for Customization of Your Coffee Table
Personalize your coffee table to suit your style and needs.
Adjusting Height
If you prefer a taller or shorter table, adjust the leg length accordingly. However, you should keep proper proportions with the tabletop size. Test different heights with temporary supports before you make your final cuts.
Modifying the Design
Consider adding a lower shelf for storage, changing the leg style, or experimenting with different trim styles to make your table your own. You can even incorporate elements like small bookcases to create a unique hybrid piece.
