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A two-tier coffee table where thick 2x6 legs poke up through notched cutouts in the plank top. The notched top is the whole trick.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legs | 4 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 17" | 2x6 | ☐ |
| Tabletop boards Two per shelf; notch the top for the legs. | 4 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 47 1/2" | 1x12 | ☐ |
| Top frame ends Measure and cut to fit. | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 19 1/2" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Top frame sides | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 43" | 1x3 | ☐ |
| Top frame middles Measure and cut to fit. | 3 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 18" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Bottom frame ends Measure and cut to fit. | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 19 1/2" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Bottom frame sides | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 43" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Bottom frame middles | 3 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 18" | 1x2 | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 2x6, 8 ft (Pine) Legs. Stud length is fine. | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1x12, 8 ft (Pine) Top and bottom shelf boards. | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1x3, 6 ft (Pine) Top shelf stiffening frame. | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1x2, 8 ft (Pine) Bottom shelf frame. | 3 each | ☐ |
| Self-tapping star-bit screws, 2" | 16 each | ☐ |
| Brad nails, 1-1/4" | 1 box | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 6 oz | ☐ |
| Wood filler and finish | 1 kit | ☐ |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.
Tools: Jigsaw, Tape Measure. Materials: 2x6, 8 ft, 1x12, 8 ft
Measure the ends of your 2x6 legs to confirm they're really 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" and adjust if needed. Lay out and cut the leg notches into the ends of the 1x12 top boards so the legs will pass through flush. Cut tight to the actual leg stock — a loose notch means gaps to fill.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Miter Saw, Tape Measure. Materials: 1x3, 6 ft, 1x2, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4", Wood glue
Measure between the notches and cut two 1x3s to fit, then build a frame with the 1x3s at 43". Nail the outer frame corners together with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails, then measure the inside and cut the middle pieces to fit.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x12, 8 ft, 1x3, 6 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4", Wood glue
Apply glue between the 1x12s and lay them out flat and level. Apply glue to the back of the 1x3 frame and nail it to the underside of the top boards with 1-1/4" nails. The frame stiffens the glued-up top so it stays flat.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 1x12, 8 ft, 1x2, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4", Wood glue
Repeat for the bottom shelf, but use 1x2s for the frame instead of 1x3s. Tip: sand, stain, or paint both shelves and the four legs now, before assembly — finishing flat parts is far easier than finishing an assembled table.
Tools: Drill / Driver, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: Self-tapping star-bit screws, 2", Wood filler and finish
With the top shelf face-down on a level surface, set the legs into the notches and attach with 2" star-bit screws, two per leg, driven at a slight outward angle for stability. Then mark the legs 2-1/2" down and set the bottom shelf in place (turning the assembly on its side helps), two 2" screws per leg at a slight outward angle. Fill, sand, and finish.