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Sofa Arm Table

Here’s the perfect place to park your beverage, snacks, remotes; anything you want close at hand while you’re relaxing on the couch.

Cut list

Part	Qty	T × W × L	Material	✓
Back	1	3/4" × 7" × 12"	—	☐
Top	1	3/4" × 7" × 18"	—	☐
Front	1	3/4" × 7" × 10"	—	☐

Overall cost: $. Lumber varies by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure.

1. Cut the Parts
Cut one Back, one Top, and one Front to length from a 1x8 board, as shown in the cutting diagram.
2. Add Curves and Pocket Holes
- Using a compass, lay out a 2 1/2" radius on two corners of the Top, and cut the arcs using a jigsaw.
- Sand the arcs smooth.
- Then, with your pocket-hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the Back and Front, as shown.
Tip: Sand to Perfect the Shape When cutting with a jigsaw, don’t try to cut exactly on the line. Cut just outside the line—on the “waste” side—and then sand to get the exact shape. You’ll get better, smoother results.
3. Attach the Back
Attach the Back to the Top using 1 1/4" pocket-hole screws. If you’re using hardwood, such as oak, use fine-thread screws. Use coarse-thread screws for softwoods like pine.
4. Attach the Front
Before you attach the front, check the width of your sofa or chair arm. You should subtract 1/2" or so in order to make sure the table will slide over and fit snugly. Once you’ve determined where to position the Front, attach it using 1 1/4" pocket-hole screws.
5. Sand then Stain
After assembly, sand the table as needed, and then apply stain or finish to give it the look you want.