DIY Side Table

Building a do-it-yourself side table allows you control over the look, size and color of your table. These tables are relatively easy to build with materials found in any hardware or home improvement store, and using tools found in most homes. The wood chosen will range in cost from simple pine and plywood to the more expensive hardwoods and solid wood panels. Construction is the same for any type of wood. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut two pieces of 1-by-3 lumber to a length of 20 inches each and two to a length of 16 inches. Sand the newly cut edges smooth with light-grit sandpaper, and use a drill to place 1/8-inch diameter holes in each piece 3 inches from both ends.

2

Place a piece of 18-by-22-by-3/4-inch plywood on a flat, level surface. The bottom surface should be face up and the chosen top surface down. Measure in 1 inch around all sides and use a straight edge to place a pencil line the entire perimeter.

3

Squeeze a line of wood glue along one of the pre-drilled edges of the four 1-by-3 boards. Lay each 20-inch board along opposing sides of the tabletop and inside the perimeter guideline. Insert 3 1/2-inch drywall screws into the holes in the boards and connect them securely to the tabletop. Place the two 16-inch pieces on the other two opposing edges in the same manner.

4

Cut 3/4-inch flat decorative molding into two 18-inch and two 22-inch-long pieces to cover the edges of the plywood top. Bevel the short edge of each piece at a 45-degree angle to help round the edges slightly. Use a brad nailer to affix these pieces over the edge of the top pieces. A nail set hammered into each brad slightly will set the nail head below the surface slightly.

5

Apply wood glue to two of the sides of the top end of all four spindle legs. These are placed inside the four 90-degree corners created by the 1-by-3 boards. Do one leg at a time, and place 1 1/2-inch drywall screws through the outside of the board and into the legs on both sides. Stagger the screws slightly, one higher than the other so they don't intersect. Repeat for the other three legs.

6

Place the table upright on the four legs and verify that it is level. If not, you may need to remove one of the legs and either trim or shim it to make the table level. For any sanding, use light-grit sandpaper and try not to scar the wood surface. Paint or stain the wood to the finish required, and place a coat of polyurethane over all surfaces to protect the finish.