How to Build a Console Behind a Sofa

A console table stands behind a couch. The narrow, long table is relatively simple to build, especially if you make a simple design with straight legs and without much embellishment. Stain the table to match the rest of your furniture. If you are using the table between the sofa and a wall, you can leave it unstained, since no one will see it. You will use power tools to build the table, so be cautious and wear eye protection. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut the 2-by-4-inch boards into four 30-inch long pieces using the circular saw or the hand saw. Wear eye protection while cutting. These are the legs for the table.

2

Cut the 2-by-1-inch boards into two 9-inch long pieces and two 36-inch long pieces. Sand the edges of the boards so that they are smooth.

3

Drill four 1/2-inch deep holes across the long, narrow side of each 36-inch long, 2-by-1-inch board. Space the holes evenly apart, starting 3 inches in on each side. Also drill three 1/2-inch deep holes across the long, narrow side of the 9-inch long, 2-by-1-inch board.

4

Drill two 1/2-inch deep holes on each short side of the 36-inch and 9-inch long boards. Space the holes 1 inch apart, 1/2 inch in from the top and bottom edges. Drill two 1/2-inch deep holes on two sides of each 2-by-4-inch board, spaced 1 inch apart, 1/2 inch in from the top of the board. When you assemble the table, you want the holes on the table legs to line up with the holes on the sides of the table.

5

Drill a 1/2-inch deep hole into the center top of each table leg. Make sure the top hole is on the side of the leg that also has the four holes.

6

Measure 2 inches away from the short ends of the 15-by-2-inch board, which is the table top. Make a mark at these spots, as this is where the 9-inch boards will attach to the top. Also measure 1 inch away from the long ends of the table top and make a mark.

7

Drill three holes on each side of the table top, between the marks you made 2 inches in. Drill four holes on each side of the top, between the marks you made 1 inch in. These holes should line up with the holes on the sides of the 36-inch and 9-inch boards.

8

Coat the ends of the 1-inch dowels with wood glue and push into the holes on the table top. Coat the ends that stick out of the table with glue and push the 9-inch and 36-inch boards into the proper spots to assemble the undersides of the console table.

9

Position the table legs on the underside of the table top, between the 9-inch and 36-inch boards on each corner. Trace around the outside of each leg with a pencil. Remove the legs and find the center of the square you just traced. Drill a 1/2-inch hole in the center.

10

Coat the remaining dowels in glue and insert into the short sides of the 9-inch and 36-inch boards as well as into the leg holes in the table top. Coat the opposite ends of each dowel with glue.

11

Slide the table legs on top of the dowels and press to secure in place. You'll have to wiggle the legs a bit to get them to fit into each dowel. Leave the table upside down and allow to dry overnight.

12

Stain the console table if you wish using a foam brush. Paint in one direction so that there aren't any streaks. Let the stain dry for a day or two before placing the console behind the sofa.