5 Board Cross Brace Console or Side Table

5 board console
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
| Print this plan

How to build a five board cross brace console or side table. Free plans from ana-white.com

Now I'm as guilty as anyone when it comes to doing alot more pinning than nailing and cutting.  As charged.  Even when it's just as simple as five boards nailed together.

My friend Brooke from Killer B. Designs - yes you know Brooke, who just rocked a DIY Country Kitchen? - well, she wrote me to collaborate on a plan for this five board table to build it and share the plans with you!

PS - More nailing .... and keep on pinning!!!

Dimensions
5 board console plan
Dimensions shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long

1 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long

Fasteners for 1 1/2" stock would be either 2 1/2" pocket hole screws or 3" nails or screws and glue

Can use nails (more rustic looking) or screws for attaching cross supports

Cut List

2 - 1x12 @ 22 1/2" 1 - 1x12 @ 36" 2 - 1x6 @ 41 5/8" (both ends cut parallel to each other at 30 degrees off square, long point to short point)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Circular Saw
Miter Saw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
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

Build the basic frame of your console table. Check to make sure the table is square and the width at the legs is the same as the width at the top.

Step 2

Cut the cross supports and attach to face of sides with either nails or screws and glue. Make sure everything is square as you do this.

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

JackH

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 12:02

Your lumber materials list says 1x12, but for fasteners, you say for 2 1/2 stock you need 1 1/2" screws.

Tsu Dho Nimh

Wed, 02/06/2013 - 12:35

If you want to make it lower or longer, don't panic over the angles.

Use masking tape to make a square the same height and width as your new table or bench ... on your driveway or garage floor.

Place one of the side board diagonally across the tape so the bottom of the board just crosses the lower corner of the table outline and the other end overlaps the upper corner.

Mark it and cut it, then cut the second side brace the same way, but slanted in the opposite direction.