STEP 1 | Cut boards to length

For this project, you will need to cut the boards to length. Wait to cut the table leg stretchers last to ensure you cut them to the exact length.

Tip: Use a stop block to cut the planks to the exact same length.

Cut list:

1x4 board - 4 @ 47”

1x4 board - 2 @ 43”

1x4 board - 4 @ 16”

1x2 board - 4 @ 45.75” (stretchers)

1x6 board - 9 @ 47”

STEP 2 | Sand all of your boards

Sand all boards with 80 grit, 100 grit, then 120 grit to get the best results when you stain your project. You may need to sand a few sections after assembly, but it should be minimal.

STEP 3 | Drill pocket holes

Drill pocket holes into the ends of your 43” and 16” boards. Each board will need two pocket holes on both ends. All of your pocket holes should be on the same side of the board.

Note: Make sure your Kreg jig is set up for the width of your board.

STEP 4 | Connect the boards to build the base of the coffee table

This is where you finally get to see your project come together!

Start with the top of your base. Lay out the two 47” and two 43” boards together in a square. Add wood glue to the end of a 43” board then use the pocket hole drill bit to insert a pocket hole screw into each hole. Repeat this process for the second 43” board.

Important: When you screw your boards together it is important to hold the joint together or else your the joint won’t be tight.

Next you will add feet to your base. Grab all four 16” boards. Face the feet perpendicular to the 43” board, but you’ll be screwing into the 47” board. Glue the 16” board end and join the boards with pocket hole screws.

For the bottom of your coffee table base, take the last two 47” boards and join them with the 16” feet. Glue the bottom of the feet and join them with pocket hole screws.

Last, you will measure and cut your 1x2 stretchers to length to fit your coffee table. Attach the stretchers by adding glue to the ends before putting the stretchers in place. Take 1 1/2” wood screws and screw them into the outside of the base all the way through to the end of your stretcher.

STEP 5 | Create the top for the coffee table

This step can be tricky if you don’t have the right tools. I used a pipe clamp to glue my top together. If you do not have a pipe clamp or do not want to get one you have another option I’ll outline below.

Method 1: Glue 1x6 planks together

For this method, you will need to glue the sides of your 1x6 planks, then lay all planks right next to each other. The goal is to have as few cracks between the boards as possible. Grab a pipe clamp or any clamp that is long enough and clamp the top together. Don’t tighten your clamps too much or else the board will bow. To keep all 9 boards straight, you can use some 47” long scrap wood covered in painters tape to push the boards down while you clamp.

Method 2: Buy plywood with a nice top

You can purchase some plywood such as maple, birch wood, or white wood. You’ll want to grab something that is 3/4” or thicker and you need to be able to cut out a 47” x 47” piece.

STEP 6 | Sand & stain the coffee table

First, clean up any excess wood glue with a sander or a chisel. Find your favorite stains and wood conditioner! I used a black stain for the bottom and Fruitwood by Minwax for the top. Finally, add a few coats of polyurethane to seal your project.

STEP 7 | Connect the top to the base

Gather 1 1/2” wood screws to join your top to your base. Place the top on the ground face down, then flip your base on top of it. Go around the base and add 12 pilot holes to the top of the frame into the coffee table top. Go around again with your wood screws to screw them into your pilot holes.

Complete!

That’s it! You’ve built your very own coffee table under $100. Comment below if you have any questions or need help with this project. Thanks!