Rustic Coffee Table
This rustic coffee table plan is a simple small woodworking project that is easy to build and doesn't require much material. If you use old weathered 1x4 fencing (as indicated in this plan), your coffee table material can be virtually cost free (with the exception of a handful of screws or nails).
These plans assume that you are using 1x4 cedar fence boards where the actual thickness of the material is something close to 3/4 inches, and the width is close to 4 inches, but it doesn't have to match exactly. If you want, you can easily alter the plan to accommodate the materials of your choice.
Materials List (all 1x4s)
Although these coffee table plans can be modified to use any size material, this particular plan uses 1x4 fence boards exclusively.
| Description | Size | Quantity |
| Framing (Sides) | 39" | 4 |
| Framing (Ends and Middle Supports) | 15 1/2" | 8 |
| Blocking | 8" | 8 |
| Legs | 16" | 8 |
| Table Top | 42" | 5 |
| Galvanized Wood Screws | 2 1/2" | 100 (Approx.) |
Building the Rustic Coffee Table
First, cut the four 39-inch sides of the 1x4 frame. Next, cut the eight 15 1/2-inch ends and middle supports. Assemble the sides, ends, and middle supports using two screws at each connection point. (see diagrams)
Once the two 39x17 inch (finished size) frames have been assembled, stack one on top of the other, and attach them together using two 8-inch blocks per inside corner (see diagrams) - align the corners of the frames and screw from the outside of the frame into the blocks - two screws on the upper frame and two more on the lower frame (per 8-inch block). Be careful not to screw the 2 1/2-inch wood screws into your fingers while holding the 8-inch blocks in place!!
Cut the eight 1x4 leg pieces @ 16 inches each. Cut a 45 degree bevel on one edge of each of the eight leg pieces, while trying to preserve as much of the width of the board as possible.
This step is not required, but I think it adds to the look of the coffee table: Once you have cut and matched up the four 2-piece leg assemblies, measure 2 1/2 inches from the bevel cut and make a mark on the bottom edge of the leg part. Measure up 8 inches from the bottom of the 1x4 leg and make another mark on the edge. Using a straight-edge, connect these two points and cut off the triangle piece with a saw (see diagrams for details).
Note: If you perform the above step, the eight 16 inch leg parts will not be exactly identical, since the two-part leg assemblies have a sort of left-hand / right-hand element.
Assemble each of the two-piece leg assemblies using two or three 2 1/2-inch wood screws. Attach the assembled legs to the frame using four 2 1/2-inch wood screws on each leg.
Cut the five 42-inch table top boards and place them all on top of the completed frame. Center them on both ends and on each side, then attach them to the rustic coffee table frame using two 2 1/2-inch wood screws on each framing member.
Success!
What next?
