Stair Leg Flip Top Console Table

Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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Make this flip top console table with free plans from Ana-White.com! DIY it today!

We all know Brooke makes beautiful things.

Like this amazingly beautiful distressed surf board and bench set she built for a charity event.  

And the scooter ... it is so darling.  But I think we will all agree, Charlie is definitely Brooke's most amazing project ever.

So it's no surprise when Brooke takes a pile of stair legs, $30 bucks in new lumber, vintage hardware and makes this console table.

Brooke and I worked on the design of this plan, opting for a flip top to hide anything from magazines to mail - or how about creating a charging station in there??? and using false drawer fronts.  All the charm, more storage, easier to build - my kind of plan!!!

That's one huge storage compartment!!!

And Brooke was also so kind to document and share how she finished this console with a Turquoise Chocolate Glaze.  Must check it out!!!

For lots more details and say thanks to Brooke - please stop over and visit her at Killer B Designs.  Thanks Brooke!

Dimensions
Dimensions are shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – set narrow profile hinges
2 knobs
2 – 2x2 @ 8 feet long or other legs (Brooke used stair parts)
1 – 1x6 @ 10 feet long
1 – 1x12 @ 8 feet long
1 – 1x4 @ 8 feet long

Common Materials
1 1/4 inch finish nails
120 grit sandpaper
Cut List

4 – 2x2 @ 29 ¼” (legs)
2 – 1x6@ 11 ¼” (assumes your 1x12s are 11 ¼” wide – side aprons)
1 – 1x12 @ 40” (bottom shelf)
2 – 1x6 @ 40” (Front/back aprons)
2 – 1x4 @ 15 ½” (false drawer faces)
1 – 1x4 @ 48” (back top)
1 - 1x12 @ 48” (front top)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Attach side aprons to legs, flush to insides. The best method is a Kreg Jig set for 3/4" stock and 1 1/4" PH screws.

Step 2

Now add bottom shelf. TIP - drill 3/4" PHs around all sides of bottom to attach to side and front and back aprons.

Step 3

Add the front and back aprons attaching to legs and bottom.

Step 4

Now nail and glue the false drawer fronts on. TIP: Attach hardware first so you don't have to drill through two layers of wood.

Step 5

Step 6

And then hinge on the front top. Done deal!!!!

Step 7

Brooke finished this console with a turquoise chocolate glaze - the tutorial is here.

Thanks Brooke!

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

patrickhosey

Fri, 06/01/2012 - 08:09

The flip top is awesome! I've been wanting to do something like that with end tables to keep my daughter from clearing the tops off so much. Great job.

wimsy (not verified)

Thu, 06/21/2012 - 07:44

This looks like a taller companion to my old piano bench! It now does double duty as a coffee table for storing hand sewing projects, drawing paper, colored pencils etc. But you've made it even better with the drawer fronts. Thanks for sharing this great project. I found some stair spindles at Habitat's ReStore, so I'm making a table this weekend!

ADoyle (not verified)

Wed, 11/28/2012 - 07:26

I've been looking for a small console table that I can put in my bathroom as well as a piece that I can store jewelry in. This flip top console table is a two-birds-one-stone solution! Thanks!

porrickaca

Wed, 04/22/2015 - 06:29

I tried doing this with cheap stair spindles but it was impossible to find 4 that weren't warped beyond using. Spend a little more and get a good solid leg otherwise you'll be back to the store later.

Bubbles17z

Thu, 06/30/2016 - 07:11

Is this table top heavy? To me it seems it could easily fall or tip if hyper dogs bump it or small curious children. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks