Do It Yourself: Side Tables

A side table is almost a necessary piece of living room or bedroom furniture. It is the designated place for lamps, alarm clocks and charging cell phones. Instead of purchasing one that could easily cost over $100, make a side table that is perfect for you in just about two hours. Simple side tables are just a top with four legs, so there is no need to spend a large amount of money on something you can very easily do yourself. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Make a square with the four pieces of 1-by-4 inch boards. Place the 14-1/2-inch pieces on the inner edges of the longer pieces and hammer together with brads at each joint.

2

Place one 2-by-2 into a corner of the square and check that the top of the 2-by-2 is flush with the top of the square. Apply wood glue to the two sides of the 2-by-2 that will touch the inside of the square. Nail brads through the outside of the square into the 2-by-2 leg. Repeat for the other three legs.

3

Place a 1-by-1-by-11-1/2 in between two of the legs along the 14-1/2 inch side of the square. Apply wood glue and nail in brads through the cleat into the square. Repeat with the other 11-1/2 inch cleat.

4

Place the remaining cleats in between the legs on the 16-inch sides of the square. Apply wood glue and nail brads through the cleat into the square.

5

Place the top of the table right-side down and place the square with the legs attached on top of it with the legs pointing upward. Nail brads through the 1-by-1 inch cleats into the table top.

6

Fill the holes in with wood putty and allow to dry according to the package directions.

7

Sand the entire table with a hand sander and apply paint or stain as desired.