Chunky Leg Coffee Table - Rectangle

rustic modern coffee table bulky legs wood free plans
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Free plans to build a modern, chunky leg coffee table!  These are easy plans that most novice woodworkers can tackle with basic tools.  You can do this!

diy living room tables

I refreshed my living room by building a new coffee table and end table (plans coming soon) with a chunky, modern edge. 

modern coffee table

More Plans in This Collection

These tables turned out so awesome, and were actually fun and easy to build!  I KNOW they are going to be a big hit, so wanted to come through for you with plans for these tables in different sizes.

In this post, I'm sharing the Rectangle Coffee Table Plans - suitable for most standard sofas, couches and sectionals.  

Build Video

But if follows the same steps as the square coffee table, so please, take a second to watch that build video:

Thank you for using my plans. We are grateful we can share and that you trust us with your builds! Free plans follow!

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Chunky Leg Coffee Table- Rectangle

Dimensions
rectangle coffee table dimensions
Rectangle coffee table is suitable for sectionals and sofas.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 - 2x6 @ 8' or 92-5/8" stud length

2 - 1x12 @ 8 feet long

2 - 1x3 @ 6 feet long

3 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long

16 - 2" self tapping start bit screws (SPAX or GRK or similar)

1-1/4" brad nails

wood glue

120 and 150 grit sand paper

paint or stain

Cut List

4 - 2x6 @ 17" - legs

4 - 1x12 @ 47-1/2" - tabletop boards

 

Top frame

  • 2 - 1x3 @ about 19-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
  • 2- 1x3 @ 43"
  • 3 - 1x2 @ about 18" - measure and cut to fit

Bottom frame

  • 2 - 1x2 @ about 19-1/2" - measure and cut to fit
  • 2- 1x2 @ 43"
  • 3 - 1x2 @ about 18" - measure and cut to fit
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Safety Glasses
Drill
Jigsaw
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Measure the ends of the 2x6 to make sure they are 1-1/2" x 5-1/2" - adjust if necessary.

Cut out ends of the 1x12 boards as shown.

Lay the 1x12s out.

Step 2

Measure between the cutouts and cut two 1x3s to fit this measurement.

Step 3

Using the 1x3s cut in the previous step, create a frame with the 1x3s @ 43".

Nail the outer frame 1x3s together with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails at corners.

Then measure the inside measurement and cut 3 1x2s to fit.  Nail and glue inside the frame with 1-1/4" brad nails.

Step 4

Apply glue between the 1x12s and lay out on a flat level surface.

Apply glue to back side of the 1x3 frame and nail and glue to the underside of the 1x12s with 1-1/4" nails.

Step 5

Repeat these steps for the bottom shelf, but the outer frame is 1x2s instead of 1x3s.

TIP: sand, stain or paint the two shelves and the four legs at this stage for a more professional looking finish.

Step 6

With the top shelf (1x3 frame) face down on a very level surface, set the legs in place and attach with 2" self tapping star bit screws, two per leg, screws at a slight outward angle for increased stability.

TIP: You can set just one screw per leg now, and further secure after the bottom shelf is in place as well.  I did this to help get the bottom shelf placed and make sure everything was level.

Step 7

Mark the legs 2-1/2" down and set the bottom shelf in place.  I actually turned on it's side to do this step.

Two 2" screw per leg, at a slight outward angle.