Chunky Leg Coffee Table
Build your own coffee table - this beginner friendly project is easy and economical. We love this coffee table with its square shape, large bottoms helf, and stylish with chunky legs. This square size is perfect for corner sofas. with build diagrams and video from
Specifications
| Project type | Coffee Tables |
|---|---|
| Room | living room |
| Difficulty | Beginner Projects |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- 2 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long
- 2 - 1x3 @ 6 feet long
- 3 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 2x6 @ 92-5/8" or 8' long
- 16 - 2" self tapping star bit screws (SPAX or similar)
- 1-1/4" brad nails
- wood glue
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- drill
- jigsaw
- compound miter saw
- nailer
- sander
Step-by-step Instructions
Measure the end of the 2x6. It should be 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
Mark on ends of four of the 1x12 boards. Cut out with a jigsaw carefully on the inside of your pencil marks. If you have a Kreg Jig, you can attach the tabletop boards together (recommended).
Step 2
Measure between your cutouts and cut the 1x3 side aprons to this length for a perfect fit.
Step 3
Attach the 1x3 frame boards together with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue. Do not attach to the 1x12s yet - this is just to show how the frame fits on the 1x12s.
Step 4
Then measure the inside (perpendicular to the 1x12 board grains as shown in the diagram) of the frame and cut 1x2s to fit - should be about 29-1/4". Attach to the inside of the 1x3 frame with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails. Remove the frame and apply glue between all the 1x12 boards. Attach the entire frame with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails to the tabletop, with about 1-1/2" on each side overhanging. It will be flush on the cutout ends with the cutout. NOTE: You will do the same steps to build the bottom frame, but the 1x3s will be substituted for 1x2s. See step 6.
Make sure you are on a very level surface.
Attach the 2x6 legs to the top frame through the 1x3s with the 2" screws. Screw at a slight outward angle, this will keep the coffee table from wobbling. TIP: I just did one screw for now, then added the second screw after the bottom shelf was attached and I was happy with how the tabletop was postioned.
Build the bottom shelf the same as the top, except replace the outer frame 1x3s with 1x2s.
Set inside the legs and attach with the 2" screws.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/chunky-leg-coffee-table-square