How to build a coffee table that hides a toy box! Clean up your living room in seconds with this clever coffee table with toy box trundle.

Preparation
4 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long
3 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
1 - 1x3 @ 6 feet long
1 - 1x12 @ 12 feet long
1 - 1x2 @ 10 feet long
1/4 sheet of - 1/2" plywood
4 - 1 1/2" caster wheels with an overall clearance of 2"
4 - 2x2 @ 21 3/4" (cut to length of your leg sides)
2 - 2x2 @ 43 1/2"
5 - 1x6 @ 45"
8 - 1x6 @ 14 1/4"
4 - 1x2 @ 22" (side trim - cut to fit)
2 - 2x2 @ 15 1/2" (for caster wheels with overall clearance of 2" - most commonly 1 1/2" diameter wheels)
2 - 1x3 @ 27 1/2" (cut to width of tabletop)
TRUNDLE
2 - 1x12 @ 43"
2 - 1x12 @ 23 1/4" (1/4" less in length than the side trim)
2 - 1x2 @ 43"
2 - 1x2 cut to fit most likely around 11"
1/2" plywood cut to fit bottom
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
There's a number of different ways you can go about putting this pretty simple coffee table together. I actually put mine together in a different set of steps: I first built the top, then the leg sides, then added the top to leg sides, followed by trundle construction. But what happened is this table is highly dependent on the tabletop as the main structure, and I had some not quite straight tabletop boards. This created a ton of problems for me, so I wanted to present these plans in a different order to help alleviate issues for you.
If you have straight boards and a Kreg Jig, it may make the most sense to just build the tabletop, build the leg sides, the frame, and the trundle, and then put the pieces together.
Either way we go, let's build those sides first. Because 1x6 boards can be a little "off" and end up changing overall widths, cut the trim pieces to match the width of four 1x6s as shown above. Nail and glue on.
TIP: for pocket hole jig users, also join center of each 1x6 to neighboring 1x6 edge to edge.
Step 2
Step 3
Now we will build the 2x2 frame. Remember, because the sides can vary ever so slightly in widths, you will want to build the 2x2 frame to the same width as the sides. Easiest way? Cut the 2x2 supports to the same length you cut the side trim too.
It's super important to use straight 2x2s and build the frame square, so take your time here and get it right. Because the trundle basically acts like one big drawer, it's exceptionally important that the table is square so we don't have on giant cockeyed drawer that sticks. Ugh!
Step 4
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
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
bundaboy
Tue, 03/06/2012 - 00:50
Best DIY Blog
Hi Ana (or anyone) - how can I vote for you? Is there a link?
Ana White
Tue, 03/06/2012 - 01:14
Thank you! The link is here:
Thank you! The link is here: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/best-diy-blog-nominations-the-homies-2012-166618
bundaboy
Tue, 03/06/2012 - 04:51
Done! Come on every one - get
Done!
Come on every one - get behind Ana and vote!
In reply to Thank you! The link is here: by Ana White
spiceylg
Wed, 03/07/2012 - 03:01
Still time to vote!
Please go over to that site and vote for Ana now, the clock is ticking!!!
spiceylg
Tue, 03/06/2012 - 02:56
HURRY AND VOTE FOR ANA, TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
See the link in her comment above. Please vote! Ana, you deserve all the kudos for sure. You rock. I LOVE this coffee table! In the current configuration of our furniture I don't have room, but for future, I'm keeping this in mind. BTW - yours is much better than the inspiration piece!
Bunnie1978
Tue, 03/06/2012 - 06:38
Ditto
`"yours is much better than the inspiration piece!" I second!
This coffee table is wonderful. The finish is so charming. I am now giving second thoughts to doing the Tryde coffee table.. This would so much more functional!
At the very least, I am making a mental bookmark of this table to refer back to for the wonderful finish.
Maria R (not verified)
Tue, 03/06/2012 - 06:48
What a great idea!
This would be so great in a living room even in a home without kids!
Bunnie1978
Tue, 03/06/2012 - 06:51
Actually..
As I think more about this....
I'm planning to do the apothocary style console table to replace my current TV/Computer cabinet so that I can build in a sliding shelf to put the printer inside the cabinet with the computer....
Perhaps it would also be easy to merge the apothocary style into the trundle and have them coordinated... Perhaps a row of small drawers and under that a shallow trundle for my son?
Hm... it could then replace the big black plastic trunk in the living room that I'm currently using to tidy up toys that migrate from his room (because I am a stuff-things-out-of-the-way-type too!)
What do you think?
Ana,
Thank you so much for your site... I love building and making my home a better representation of myself! It is so fulfilling to visualize something and then bring it to fruition. It's also so much more cost effective... most of the time you can build good solid pieces for cheaper than getting something comparable in the particle-board isle at Wal-Mart! LOL.
In reply to Actually.. by Bunnie1978
Ana White
Tue, 03/06/2012 - 09:58
Hi Bunnie, I think your idea
Hi Bunnie, I think your idea is really smart! And even easier to make than this table. I would use plywood for the ends, and then just add the apothecary details to the trundle. Oh now you have me thinking!!!
@Everyone, thank you so much for voting, supporting, commenting! I'm so glad you like the coffee table - we love it too (especially me!).
On the finish, I'm now loving stain more than paint! Give it a try on scrap wood first or the underside of the table. We did lots of testing to get the finish we wanted.
Good luck building and thanks tons for reading and supporting!
mebohn
Tue, 03/06/2012 - 06:55
Thinking now...
Thinking I need to build this right now. Anything beautiful with storage is for me! Oh yes, and already voted for you! Hope you win!