Chunky Leg Coffee Table (Square)

Measure the end of your 2x6 — it should be 1-1/2" x 5-1/2". Mark that shape on the ends of four of the 1x12 top boards and cut the notches with a jigsaw, staying just inside your pencil lines so the legs fit snug. Sand to a tight fit rather than cutting to the line and leaving gaps.

Measure between your cutouts and cut the 1x3 side aprons to that length for a perfect fit around the leg notches.

Join the 1x3 frame boards together with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue into a square frame. Don't attach it to the 1x12s yet — dry-fit it on the top boards to confirm the notches and frame line up.

Measure the inside of the frame, perpendicular to the 1x12 grain, and cut the 1x2 cross supports to fit — about 29-1/4". Attach them to the inside of the 1x3 frame with glue and brads. These stiffen the top and give the boards something to fasten to.

On a very level surface, attach the 2x6 legs to the top frame through the 1x3s with 2" screws. Drive them at a slight outward angle — that tiny splay is what keeps the finished table from rocking on an imperfect floor.

Build the bottom shelf the same as the top, except use 1x2 for the outer frame instead of 1x3. Set it inside the legs at your chosen height and attach with 2" screws. Sand everything and finish.