This simple console table is ideal for building with a nailer, if you have one. It uses mostly 1x boards, so will be lightweight and sturdy. Many of our readers have had success with this project. Special thanks to one of our readers, Jen, for sharing their photo with us.
Preparation
3 - 1x3 boards, 8' length
A) 4 - 1x3 @ 29 1/4" (Fronts and Backs of the Legs)
Instructions
Step 1
Construct your legs by nailing through the 1x3 legs into the edge of the 1x2 legs with 2" nails and glue. The legs will be positioned with the 1x3s to the front, 1x2s to the side, as shown in the diagram.
Step 2
Start by marking each of the legs 5" from the bottom of the board. This will be the bottom of the side support, C. Nail C to the legs, using 1 1/4" nails and glue, from the inside.
Step 3
Now add the stretcher, D, centering D on the support, C, but keeping the top edges flush. D will lay flat, with the wide side up. This is demonstrated above. Use glue and 2" nails, nailing through the support, C, into the end of D.
Step 4
Add the side trim pieces, E. First, nail through the supports C into E, using 2" nails. Then nail down the length of the stretcher, taking care to keep the top edge of the stretcher (D) perfectly flush with the top edge of the stretcher support (E). Use glue and 2" nails.
Step 5
Step 6
Do the same for the front and back apron pieces, G, as shown above. Nail through G into the legs using 1 1/4" nails and glue. Keep top edges flush. Take a minute to check for square
Step 7
Now add the base top, piece H. Keep the front and back edges flush with the legs, but let the sides overhang 4" on either side. Nail into the legs and the apron using 2" nails and glue.
Step 8
Use glue and 1 1/4" nails to attach the breadboard ends to the base top. Keep all outside edges flush.
Step 9
I recommend not cutting the final piece, J, unitl you have taken an exact measurement. Add the final piece, using glue and 1 1/4" nails.
Comments
ZEHRA
Tue, 01/24/2012 - 13:30
Type of wood
Hi ana,
I love this simple console table plan but what type of wood would u recommend for this?
David (not verified)
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 04:12
Final pieces
Hello Ana !
Wanted to know why is the final pieces made out of 3 parts ?
Pauirdad
Mon, 11/17/2014 - 22:49
Done and Built!!!
I built this piece for the living room. This is my first full project with my new tools!!!!! Easy to build and easy to customize. Had to add a little height and and decrease the depth to fit. Also, I only used (1) 3/4" board for the top. Came out really well. Used spray on primer after sanding with 120 sandpaper and used Painters Touch Expresso with a foam roller for a smooth finish. Great job Anna on the plans. Easy to follow for the first build. Would love to attach a pic but don't know how here.
Side notes:
- Measurements on wood are not as they say. A 1"x4" board is shorter in width and not as thick. Make sure you measure as you build or adjust measurements before cutting.
- Nail gun is not needed but would love to have one since hammering the nails sucks!
- You can use any type of wood. I used the cheap stuff at Home Depot (new favorite store) and it came out great. Better wood probably would have sanded better and wouldn't be warped.
- This is a very sturdy table and unfortunately after making this table you will want to build more!!!!!
Swampworks
Thu, 05/11/2017 - 09:07
Dimensions Question
The plans call for the top to be made using a 1x12. A 1x12 is actually 11 1/4" wide. The legs are constructed using 1x3 and 1x2 boards with a spacer that is 10" long between them. Standard 1x3s are actually 3/4" thick. If you have 2 - 3/4 boards spaced apart 10", the total width will be 11 1/2" which is wider than the top. Am I missing something?
In reply to Dimensions Question by Swampworks
JoanneS
Thu, 05/11/2017 - 15:34
Dimensions
Hi Swampworks, it looks like the plan assumes the 1x12 on the shopping list is 11 1/2" (which I think they may be up in Alaska where Ana gets her wood). You can still make ths plan work by reducing the length of pieces C and F to 9 3/4" and piece I to 11 1/4".