Rough Sawn Coffee Table
Problem
When we bought a sectional couch, we found that the people in the middle had no place to put things down, mostly coffee. So, we needed a coffee table.
Methodology
Using only scrap wood from our fence, I set out to build a coffee table.
Photos
Before I did anything else, this was just a fence panel that was falling apart in storage. I also had the cut tops of the four by four posts.
First, I cut coffee table legs out of the what used to be the tops of the four by four fence posts. Fun fact, the fence guys cut off the tops of the posts with a chain saw. But, I had to make a cut on each side with my circular saw to cut through them. Standard coffee table height is 14 to 20 inches. So, I cut them to 15 inches long. The addition of the top boards thickness will still be well within the normal range.
After cutting the legs, I cut the pieces that run between the legs and form the frame. The length and width of the table is based on the size of the sectional and room to walk around. You could say this coffee table is custom made for our space.
Here is the completed coffee table frame. I attached the frame pieces to the legs with four inch screws. The holes were predrilled. I was going for a pocket screw type connection, but I did not have the jig for that. If I had to do it over again, I would set the frame pieces even farther back from the edge to prevent splitting.
Finally, I added the top boards. I attached the top boards with salvaged fence nails to maintain the look. I cut them all at once so that they were even. Here is the final picture with the top boards attached. I love the fact that one of the boards is weathered. We also staged it with coffee and remotes for fun.
Amazing Tools
A pocket screw jig would have made this easier. I tried to make do without one.
Surprise Issues
- I had to add a horizontal support piece in the center to keep the boards from sagging. It also makes the table more rigid.
- Since the boards on top are only attached with tiny fence nails, they do move a bit when you prop up your feet.
- It stains easily with wine. Hence the coasters in the final picture.