Side Table Plans

This step by step diy woodworking project is about side table plans. If you want to learn more about building a basic side table, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the article. Work with great care and invest in high-quality materials, such as pine, cedar or redwood. Take accurate measurements and use a professional tool to adjust the size of the components.

Adjust the size and the design of the side table to suit your needs before assembling the components together. Work with attention and plan everything from the very beginning, in order to save time and to reduce the wastage. Use pocket screws to lock the components together. In addition, we recommend you to add waterproof glue to the joints, in order to create a rigid structure. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Side Table Plans

Building a side table

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 15 1/4″ long LEGS
• B – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 17 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 17 1/4″ APRONS
• C – 4 pieces of 1×4 – 3 1/2″ long BRACES
• D – 8 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 33 1/4″ long, 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 19 1/4″ long TABLETOP

• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• wood filler
• wood glue
• stain/paint

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Simple coffee table plans
• Small table plans

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Building a side table

Building the frame of the side table

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the frame of the side table. As you can notice in the diagram, we recommend you to cut the 1×4 lumber at the right size.

Top Tip: Drill pilot holes at both ends of the side components and insert the 1 1/4″ galvanized screws. Alternatively, you could drill several pocket holes and add waterproof glue to the joints. Make sure the corners are square.

Attaching the legs

Continue the woodworking project by attaching the 1×4 legs to the frame of the side table. Align the legs in a professional manner and check if the corners are right-angled before inserting the 1 1/4″ screws into place.

Top Tip: Plumb the legs with a spirit level and secure them into place with galvanized screws. Round the exposed edges of the legs with a router before fitting them to the frame.

Fitting the supports

Fitting the supports to the bottom of the side table is a necessary step, as it will not only enhance the rigidity of the table, but it will also enhance the look of the project. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and secure them to the legs with 1 1/4″ galvanized screws.

Attaching the tabletop

In order to enhance the rigidity of the wooden table, we recommend you to secure these supports to the four corners. Cut a piece of 1×4 lumber at 3 1/2″ using a proper saw. Afterwards, cut the piece of lumber on diagonal, in order to get two supports for the table.

Make sure the corners are square before fitting the supports into place. Drill pilot holes through the supports before setting them into place with galvanized screws.

Attaching the tabletop

Lay 1×3 slats on a level surface, making sue you leave about 1/4″ between them. Place pieces of plywood between the slats in order to create even gaps. Center the frame of the table on top of the slats before installing the cleats.

Drill pilot holes before drilling pilot holes and inserting the galvanized screws into the slats. Afterwards, secure the cleats to the frame of the table. Make sure the joints are rigid, otherwise the structure won’t be durable.

Cutting the tabletop slats

In order to add character to the side table, we recommend you to make the ends of the tabletop curved. Determine the center of the tabletop and secure a nail into place. Tie a 16 1/2″ long string to the nail and to a pencil, at the opposite end.

Continue the woodworking project by making the curved cuts with a jigsaw. After removing the excess material, we suggest you to smooth the edges with fine-grit sandpaper.

Side table plans

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: If you want to enhance the look of the woodworking project and to protect the bar from decay, we recommend you to cover the components with paint or stain. Place the side table in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about side table plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook and Google + to be the first that gets out latest projects.

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