How to Build Your Own Modern Coffee Table

Modern coffee tables are great additions to living rooms and dens that need a new look. Many different coffee table designs fit into the "modern" category. Some of these tables are very abstract and loud and can require a good deal of artistry to build, while others are rather basic in design but are still appealing. Modern coffee tables tend to be very expensive, especially when they are made with high-end materials. Building your own will allow you to save money and express your creativity at the same time. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Put on your safety glasses and set the table-saw blade at 45 degrees toward your fence. Set the fence at 20 inches away from where the bottom of the table-saw blade meets the table. Bevel the edges of all your 20-inch-wide boards at 45 degrees. Set the table-saw fence at 13 inches and 50 inches to bevel all the edges of every piece of oak. The four edges on each board should be beveled on the same side and should not affect the original length and width of the boards.

2

Lay one of the 13-inch-by-50-inch boards flat and horizontal so the beveled edges are slanting down toward your workspace. Screw one of your 11-inch pine boards to the oak so it is parallel and centered with the 13-inch side and flush with beveled edge. None of the beveled edges should be covered. Repeat this process on the other side, and then screw your last two 11-inch pine boards to the other 13-inch-by-50-inch board in the same manner.

3

Screw your 45-inch board along the 50-inch beveled edges of the 20-inch-by-50-inch board. The 45-inch board should be centered along the 50-inch edge. None of the beveled edges can be covered.

4

Match the 13-inch beveled edge of the 13-by-50-inch board to the 13-inch beveled edge of the 13-by-20-inch board. They should meet at a 90-degree angle. If cut well, it will have a tight seam. Screw through the pine board on the 13-by-50-inch board into the 13-by-20-inch board. Repeat this process on the opposite side.

5

Place the last 13-by-50-inch board perpendicularly against the 13-by-20-inch board so the edges are flush. The 45-inch pine board should be on the same side as the other 45-inch board. Screw through the 11-inch pine boards into the 13-by-20-inch boards to finish your table base.

6

Lay your 20-inch-by-50-inch board flat, with the beveled edges showing. Set your table base on top of it so the 45-inch pine boards on lying on top of the board. Screw the 45-inch pine boards to the 20-by-50-inch board.

7

Turn your table upright, sand your project down, and wipe it down with the tack cloth. Apply your wood stain and let your table dry according to the stain manufacturer's instructions.