Floating-Top Console Table

Cut four Legs to length from 2x2 boards (we used clear pine), as shown in the cutting diagram.

• Cut two Short Rails Legs to length from a 1x4 board, as shown in the cutting diagram.
• Then, use a compass to lay out the arcs in the upper corners, as shown.
• Cut the arcs with a jig saw, and then sand them smooth. With your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes where shown.

• Cut two Long Rails Legs to length from a 1x4 board, as shown in the cutting diagram.
• Then, use a compass to lay out the arcs in the upper corners, as shown.
• Cut the arcs with a jig saw, and then sand them smooth. With your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes where shown.

Now you can attach the Short Rails to the Legs using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. Use coarse-thread if you’re building from a softwood like pine, and fine-thread if you are building from a hardwood, such as oak or maple. Note that the Rails are set in 1/4" from the outside face of the Legs.

Next, attach the Long Rails to the Legs to complete the main table base. Again, use 1 1/4" pocket hole screws, and make sure that the Rails are inset 1/4" from the outside face of the Legs.

Cut three Top Supports to length from a 1x4 board, as shown in the cutting diagram. With your pocket hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the Top Support where shown.

Now you can attach the Top Supports to the Rails, as shown, using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. Note that the supports are positioned 1/4" above the Long Rails.

Cut three Top pieces to length from 1x6 boards (we used soft maple), as shown in the cutting diagram. Before you attach the Top, now is a good time to stain, paint, or finish the Top pieces and the base. This is especially true if you plan to do a painted base and natural top, as we did.

Now you can attach the Top, as shown, using 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. The easiest way to do this is to lay the Top pieces face down on a flat surface, then position the table base upside down on them. That makes it easy to check all of the overhangs and the gaps between boards.