You can build a beautiful coffee table out of lumber! For about $50 in materials, this solid wood coffee table with it's X detailing could be yours. Our free plans include step by step diagrams, shopping lists and cut list - everything you need to get started.
Also in this collection: Rustic X Console Table, Rustic X End Table, and Rustic X Bench Plans
Beginner Friendly Option
With the popularity of this plan, we have created a Beginner Friendly plan that is very similar. It uses less tools and the overall cost is under $40.
The beginner plan is slightly smaller and has a slatted bottom shelf. You can find the plans here.
Rustic X Coffee Table Plans
Remember a bit back when Hillary from The Friendly Home built this amazing Rustic X Console Table from 2x4s?
We've had so much interest from readers, we thought we'd add a coffee table plan to the collection.
This coffee table is so gorgeous, it's hard to believe it's made from standard off the shelf lumber!
I ENCOURAGE you to stop over and visit Hillary and read about how she battled a wild fire to build this coffee table!
PS - Hillary is also sharing her finishing tutorial.
Preparation
- 2 – 2x4 – 8 feet or stud length
- 4 – 2x2 – 8 feet
- 1 – 1x12 – 8 feet long
- 5 – 2x6 – stud length
- 1 ¼” and 2 ½” Pocket Hole screws
- 4 – 2x4 @ 16 ½” (legs)
- 4 – 2x2 @ 41” (side trim)
- 4 – 2x4 @ 22 ½” (end trim)
- 2 – 1x12 @ 41” (bottom shelf)
- 2 – 2x2 @ 22 ½” (both ends cut at 60 degrees off square, long point to short point, ends are parallel)
- 4 – 2x2 @ 11 ¼” (long point to short point, one end cut at 60 degrees off square, other end cut at 30 degrees off square, ends are not parallel but are cut in same direction)
- 5 – 2x6 @ 52” (tabletop boards)
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
First build the two side trim pieces.
Step 2
Then connect together. Hide top pocket holes on top, bottom pocket holes on bottom. NOTE: This plan is sized for 1x12 boards measuring 11 1/4" wide - measure your 1x12 boards, double that number, and cut your side trim to fit - see next step.
Step 3
Build your bottom shelf with 3/4" PHs/1 1/4" PH screws down center. Then drill 3/4" PHs around all outside edges and attach to the bottom shelf.
Step 4
Now attach cut and build the X braces. Attach in place. These are mostly decorative, so don't stress about getting them super screwed in place. Some good glue and screws will do the trick.
Step 5
For the top, we recommend building the entire top with 1-1/2" pocket holes and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws on a flat level surface.
Then attached the completed top to the base.
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
MamaHowell09 (not verified)
Thu, 07/12/2012 - 10:29
End Tables....
CAN'T WAIT for the end table plans!!!!! This plan is so so beautiful!!!
Hillary (not verified)
Wed, 08/01/2012 - 12:15
No plans yet, but here is how
No plans yet, but here is how I did the end table. Hopefully plans will follow, although it was super easy to modify the coffee table plans. :)
http://thefriendlyhome.blogspot.com/2012/08/oxidized-x-end-table.html
Wilsjac1
Tue, 07/02/2019 - 16:08
Thanks!
Thanks!
Cheryl Lowery (not verified)
Fri, 07/27/2012 - 06:58
Wood finishing
Hi Chris,
Check out the link at the top for Hillary, she as step by step instructions on the oxidizing process she uses to get that awesome grayish color. I can't wait to make this!!
Cheryl
Cheryl Lowery (not verified)
Fri, 07/27/2012 - 07:04
Chris, you should check out
Chris, you should check out the link at the top of the page for Hillary. She has step by step instuctions for the process she uses to make the wood that beautiful grayish color. Check it out!
Meagan84
Thu, 08/09/2012 - 15:10
Supply list
I just finished building this table this morning! It is awesome but I still need to sand and finish it. I will submit a brag post later when finished (if my oxidizing finish turns out as good as Hillary's). The only thing that happened to me though was I needed 3-2x2's not just 2. I didn't see any way to cut the 2 that I had to be able to make the side aprons and the x braces. Maybe it was just me and my inexperience though. Either way, I'm very happy with my new table! Thanks Ana and Hillary!
Hillary (not verified)
Wed, 08/15/2012 - 17:02
I can't wait to see your
I can't wait to see your photos! Let us know how the oxidizing went. Crossing my fingers for you. I feel personally responsible. ;)
Meagan (not verified)
Fri, 08/17/2012 - 11:38
Hi Hillary. I submitted a
Hi Hillary. I submitted a brag post. I don't know why it's not showing up here, but it is on Ana's homepage. I'm really happy with the results, but if I could go back I would have sealed it with poly instead of wax. While I love the feel and subtle sheen of the wax, it is not holding up well against the kids. It's only been a few days and it is scratched from my little ponies and matchbox cars. It won't be long before I haul it back out to the garage and reseal it. :( we live and learn though, right?!
Hillary (not verified)
Mon, 08/27/2012 - 22:35
Bummer! The good news is that
Bummer! The good news is that it is really easy to take wax off. All you need is a rag and some vinegar -- that should take it off. I'll go find your brag post!
In reply to Bummer! The good news is that by Hillary (not verified)
Meagan84
Thu, 08/30/2012 - 16:53
Thank You!
Thank you for the tip! I was wondering how I was going to get the wax off. That helps a lot!