Notch- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Time
- 4–8 hours
- Cost
- $$$
About this build
Create a modern farmhouse coffee table with just 2x2s and 1x3s. The top has wood inlay in a herringbone-type pattern, but could be customized with tile, stone, or glass. Dimensions are 4′ long x 2′ wide x 18″ tall.
Tools
Essential
- Brad Nailer
- Drill / Driver
- Miter Saw
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Random Orbit Sander
- Table Saw
Optional / nice to have
- Bar / Pipe Clamps
- Tape Measure
Materials
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Board, 2x2 120" | 5 board |
| Plywood, 3/4" Thick Half Sheet | 1 board |
| Board, 1x3 96" | 5 board |
| 2 1/4" pocket hole screws | 50 each |
| 1 1/2" pocket hole screws | 24 each |
| 1 1/4" nails, 18 gauge | 50 each |
| Wood glue | 1 each |
| 120 & 220 grit sandpaper | 1 each |
| Wood filler | 1 each |
| Oil based wood stain &/or paint of choice | 1 each |
Overall cost: $$$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
Cut list
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Length frames | 4 | 2" × 2" × 48" |
| Height frames | 6 | 2" × 2" × 15" |
| Angled supports | 4 | 2" × 2" × 25" |
| Side frames | 6 | 2" × 2" × 21" |
| Table top panels | 2 | 3/4" × 21" × 21" |
| Angled inlay pieces | 12 | 1" × 3" × 14" |
| Angled inlay pieces | 4 | 1" × 3" × 14" |
| Angled inlay pieces | 4 | 1" × 3" × 14" |
| Angled inlay pieces | 4 | 1" × 3" × 9" |
| Angled inlay pieces | 4 | 1" × 3" × 10" |
| Angled inlay pieces | 4 | 1" × 3" × 5" |
| Angled inlay pieces | 4 | 1" × 3" × 4" |
| Angled inlay pieces | 4 | 3/4" × 3/4" × 3" |
What to buy
Buy 13 boards at 8 ft.
2" × 2"
6 boards
1" × 3"
5 boards
3/4" × 21"
1 board
3/4" × 3/4"
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Instructions
1Build Side Frame
Drill 2- 1 1/2" pocket holes on both ends of the height frame pieces (15"). Using wood glue and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws, attach the height frame pieces to the length frame pieces on both ends and in the exact center.
2Attach Angled Supports
Using wood glue and a cordless nail gun, attach the angled supports to the frame, by toenailing the nails into each end.
3Build Other Side Frame
Repeat step 1-2 to build the opposite side frame.
4Build Table Top
- Drill 3/4" pocket holes on all 4 sides of the table top panels.
- Drill 1 1/2" pocket holes on both ends of the table top frame pieces.
- Attach the table top panels (3/4" plywood) to the table top frame sides and frame middle using 1 1/2" pocket hole screws. Make sure all the pocket holes are on the underside of the table top, and that you use a 3/4" piece of scrap wood as a spacer underneath the top panels when attaching the screws. The panels should be flush with the top frame pieces.
5Attach Side Frames to Top
Using wood glue and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws, attach the table top frame pieces to the side length frame pieces. Then attach the panels to the side length frame pieces using 1 1/2" pocket hole screws.
6Attach Base Width Frame to Sides
Drill 1 1/2" pocket holes on either end of the base width frame pieces (2) and attach them between the two side frames using wood glue and 2 1/2" pocket hole screws.
7Dry Fit Wood Inlay Pieces
Place the longest 6 pieces of angled inlay pieces on each side of the table top. It is best not to cut the exact lengths for the remaining pieces that fit, until you measure and mark where they will fit. I found it easiest to cut an additional 8-10 lengths of the 14 5/8" pieces where each end is angled, and put it in place, marked with a pen where it needed to be cut (to get a snug fit), then cut a 45 degree angle at those marks. That way, there are less gaps.
8Nail Down Wood Inlay Pieces
Using wood glue and 1 1/4" nails, attach wood inlay pieces to the table top.
9Fill holes, Sand, Stain or Paint
- Fill cracks and holes with wood filler and let dry.
- Sand the entire surface with 120 grit sandpaper first, being sure to remove all rough areas on top and sides.
- Then sand everything smooth with 220 grit sandpaper. If staining, it is recommended to use a wood conditioner before applying stain. I stained the top using Verathane's Sun Bleached oil based wood stain, then applying Annie Sloan Dark Wax on top. I painted the legs of my table using plain white latex paint.
Tags
- Coffee Tables
- Intermediate
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