Contemporary Coffee Table Plans

This step by step diy project is about contemporary coffee table plans. I have designed this contemporary coffee table inspired by one of Bren‘s projects. He used oak to make an amazing table, so I had to make some plans so that you can build one as well, if you like the design. Take a look over the rest of our woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day.

Projects made from these plans

DIY Oak Coffee Table

DIY Modern Coffee Table

  

Contemporary Coffee Table Plans

Building a coffee table

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 44 1/2″ long, 2 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 21 1/2″ long 2xSHELF
• B – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 17 3/4″ long, 4 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 17 3/4″ long LEGS
• C – 4 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 39″ long, 2 pieces – 17″ long TRIMS

• 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 1 piece of of 1×4 lumber – 8′
• 1 piece of 1×2 lumber – 8′
• 1 1/4″ screws
• 1 1/4″ brad nails
• wood glue, stain/paint
• wood filler 

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Farmhouse dining table plans
• Coffee table plans

How to build a oak coffee table

Building the shelves

The first step of the project is to build the tabletop and the lower shelf for the coffee table. Cut the components from 1×6 lumber and the battens from 1×3 lumber. Leave no gaps between the slats and clamp them together, after making all edges are aligned. Fit the battens to the slats, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 1/4″ screws to secure the slats together tightly.

Next, you need to make the legs from 1×4 and 1×3 lumber. Make angle cuts to the bottom of the legs, in order to enhance the look of the project and to obtain that contemporary design.

Assembling the legs

Continue the project by assembling the corner legs together. Align the edges, as shown in the image and add glue to the joints. Clamp the legs together tightly so you create a rigid joint between the components.

Attaching the legs

Attach the legs to the tabletop and to the lower shelf. Drill pilot holes through the legs and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the battens. Make sure the corners are square and use a spirit level to plumb the legs. In addition, make sure the shelves are perfectly horizontal. It is essential to countersink the head of the screws, so you can fill the holes with wood putty.

Fitting the side trims

Fit 1×3 trims to the sides of the coffee table. Fit the slats to the sides of the table, making sure the corners are square. Use 1 1/4″ brad nails to secure the slats into place properly.

Fitting the front and back trims

Continue the project by fitting the trims to the front and to the back of the coffee table, as well. Align the slats with attention and insert 1 1/4″ brad nails to secure them to the shelves.

Contemporary coffee table plans

Last but not least, you have to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty, as well as the dents. Smooth the surface gradually starting with 120 grit up to 220 grit. Remove the residues with a damp cloth and apply a few coats of stain. Seal everything with a few coats of poly.

Coffee table plans

This is a super simple project anyone should be able to build in a few days without much effort. Remember that you need to adjust the size of the components so they suit your particular own needs. The best step of the project is that this design will match any style of indoor or outdoor furniture. You can also use this project as a side table for your outdoor patio set.

This woodworking project was about contemporary coffee table plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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