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A two-shelf coffee table with 2x6 legs notched directly into the corners of the tabletop boards — the legs pass through the top rather than sitting under an apron frame.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L | Material | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legs | 4 | 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" × 17" | 2x6, 8 ft or stud length | ☐ |
| Tabletop boards Corners notched to fit the legs. | 4 | 3/4" × 11 1/4" × 47 1/2" | 1x12, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Top frame ends Measure and cut to fit. | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 19 1/2" | 1x3, 6 ft | ☐ |
| Top frame sides | 2 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 43" | 1x3, 6 ft | ☐ |
| Top frame cross pieces Measure and cut to fit. | 3 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 18" | 1x2, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Bottom frame ends Measure and cut to fit. | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 19 1/2" | 1x2, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Bottom frame sides | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 43" | 1x2, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Bottom frame cross pieces Measure and cut to fit. | 3 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 18" | 1x2, 8 ft | ☐ |
| Item | Qty | ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| 2x6, 8 ft or stud length | 1 each | ☐ |
| 1x12, 8 ft | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1x3, 6 ft | 2 each | ☐ |
| 1x2, 8 ft | 3 each | ☐ |
| Self-tapping star bit screws, 2" | 16 each | ☐ |
| Brad nails, 1-1/4" | 60 each | ☐ |
| Wood glue | 4 oz | ☐ |
| Sandpaper, 120 and 150 grit | 4 sheet | ☐ |
| Paint or stain | 1 set | ☐ |
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 or stud length, 1x12, 8 ft
Measure the ends of the 2x6 legs to confirm they're 1-1/2" x 5-1/2", adjusting if necessary. Cut the corner notches out of the tabletop boards with a jigsaw and lay them out.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Miter Saw. Materials: 1x3, 6 ft, 1x2, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4", Wood glue
Measure between the cutouts and cut the top frame ends to fit. Nail the outer 1x3 frame together at the corners with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails, then measure the inside and cut the cross pieces to fit, nailing and gluing them inside.
Tools: Brad Nailer. Materials: 1x12, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4", Wood glue
Glue the tabletop boards edge to edge on a flat, level surface. Glue the back of the top frame and nail it to the underside of the boards.
Tools: Brad Nailer, Random Orbit Sander. Materials: 1x2, 8 ft, Brad nails, 1-1/4", Wood glue, Sandpaper, 120 and 150 grit, Paint or stain
Repeat the frame and panel steps for the bottom shelf, using a 1x2 outer frame instead of 1x3. Sand, stain, or paint both shelves and all four legs before assembly.
Tools: Drill / Driver. Materials: Self-tapping star bit screws, 2"
With the top shelf face down on a level surface, set the legs in place and attach with 2" star bit screws, two per leg, angled slightly outward for stability.
Mark the legs 2-1/2" down and set the bottom shelf in place. Attach with two angled screws per leg.