How to Build a Side Table

This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build a side table. If you want to build a simple side table with an unique design for your home, we recommend you to check out the instructions described in this article. Adjust the size and the design of the table to suit you needs and tastes. As a general rule, we recommend you to invest in durable lumber, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as they also have a nice natural finish.

There are so many designs and materials to choose from, that we really recommend you to spend some time researching the most suitable plans for your needs. If you still haven’t found what you are looking for, we strongly recommend you to pay attention to these instructions and to check out the related projects, if you want to get more ideas and potential projects for your home and garden. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

How to Build a Side Table

Assembling-the-side-table

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 19 1/4″ long LEGS
• B – 4 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 10″ long ARPONS
• C – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 13“x13″ long SHELF
• D – 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 14″x14″ long TABLETOP

• 1 piece of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 6 ft
• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 3’x3′
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 1 1/4″ 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

• Side Table Plans 

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Building a side table

Assembling the sides for the table

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the sides of the side table. As you can easily notice in the plans, we recommend you to build the posts out of 2×2 lumber and the aprons out of 1×3 lumber.

Drill pocket holes at both ends of the aprons and secure them to the legs by using 1 1/4″ screws. Make sure the corners are square and add glue to the joints.

Assembling the frame

The next step of the project is to assemble the frame of the side table together, by using the information described in the diagram. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the aprons and secure them to the sides, as described in the image.

Shelf for side table

Building the bottom shelf for the side table is a straight-forward process, but you need to take several aspects into account. Therefore, we recommend you to mark the cut lines on the 3/4″ plywood piece and to make the cuts with a circular saw. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper and remove the residues with a vacuum cleaner.

Fitting the bottom shelf

Drill pocket holes along the sides of the bottom shelf and secure it to the legs, as described in the image. Plumb the legs with a spirit level and make sure the corners are right-angled.

Top Tip: Add glue to the joints and remove the excess with a damp cloth. Place a spirit level over the shelf in order to make it is horizontal before inserting the 1 1/4″ screws into the legs. Smooth the edges with sandpaper and remove the residues with a cleaner.

Fitting the tabletop

After assembling the frame of the side table, we recommend you to drill pocket holes through the aprons. Build the tabletop out of 3/4″ plywood and center the frame of the table to it, as described in the diagram.

Insert the 1 1/4″ screws into the tabletop and add glue to the joints in order to create a rigid structure. Make sure you remove the excess glue before it dries out.

Building-a-side-table

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: In order to protect the lumber from water damage, we recommend you to cover the components with several coats of paint. Place the wood kids bench in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a side table. 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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