Make Your Own Side Table

Home improvement expert says it can be simple to make your own side table.  So, if you aren’t finding what you want, Robin Hartl shows us how easy making it is.

Materials Needed:

2”x2”x4” Cedar Pickets 14
221/2” x 221/2” tempered glass 1
Titebond II Wood Glue, 3” screws, finish nails

Cut the frame for the tabletop. Make a miter cut on one end of a 2x2.  Cut about 13 2x2 blocks to 4” in length. These will be used as spacers in the table top later on. (1) Place the blocks along the 2x2 against each other and at the last block, mark the short end of the miter and cut. Then cut four identical length frame members with miter cuts on each end making a picture frame for the table top.

Assemble three sides of the frame using the wood glue, install two legs in the corners of the assembled sides using wood glue and nail with a finish nailer. (2) Cut longer 2x2’s to fit tightly between the frame pieces. Add the short and long 2x2’s working toward the open side, then add the last mitered frame piece and two legs using wood glue and nail the legs.

Measure the distance between the legs close to where they meet the tabletop, the measurements should be the same on all four sides. Build the cross member assemblies (3) using a square to make sure the ends are even. Use little scrap blocks (4) to prop the leg assemblies at the right height, then secure them in place with 3 inch long screws. Apply a clear coat of finish and place the glass piece on the top.