Day 22 - Build a Craftsman Style End Table

Whew, three weeks down already. :) You can see links to the complete series here, and read about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Most of our projects so far have been pretty modern, but today we're going to mix it up a little with a Craftsman Style End Table.

This table has a more traditional style and a patchwork tabletop. It's a great size to use by the couch or your favorite reading chair. Big enough to hold a lamp, a couple books, and of course a snack but compact enough to work in smaller spaces. Tuck a basket underneath to stash extra blankets, toys, or magazines. Ready to build an end table?
Shopping List:
2  -  2x4s @ 10' long 
1  -  2x4  @ 8' long

Tools:
Saw
Drill
2 1/2” screws (or Kreg Jig & 2 1/2" self tapping screws)
4" screws (or Kreg Jig & 2 1/2" self tapping screws)
Wood glue
Wood filler

2x4 Cut List:
(A) - 4  @  7" (top)
(B) - 4  @  14"  (top)
(C) - 2  @  21"  (top)
(D) - 4  @  23"  (legs)
(E) - 2  @  13"  (sides)
(F) - 2  @  17"  (front/back)

Dimensions: 21" wide x 24 1/2" tall x 21" deep

 Please read all the directions before beginning, and cut your pieces as you go, measuring before each cut. Use 2 1/2” screws or pocket holes with 2 1/2" pocket screws unless otherwise indicated. Always use glue. Pre-drill and countersink your screws. I have not built from these exact plans, so measure lots to make sure things work out! 

Step 1: Build the Top

***For all the top boards you will attach them using pocket holes and 2 1/2" pocket screws, or by drilling through the sides with 4" screw. Use glue.***

Start by attaching two top (A) boards together side by side to make a square as shown below:

Then attach the two remaining top (A) pieces across the ends of the square like this:

Now attach two of the top (B) boards across the long sides of the top. This will make the top square again.

Next attach the remaining two top (B) boards across the ends of the top like this:

Now attach the top (C) pieces across the long edges. Now your top should be square again.

Step 2: Build the Base
Use one side board (E) to connect two legs (D) as shown below. The side boards should be set down 1" from the top of the legs. Use a Kreg Jig to attach the side, or drill through the leg into the ends of the side board with 4" screws. Use glue. Repeat to build the other side.

Now use the front/back boards (F) to connect the two side sections as shown below. They should be set down 1" from the top of the legs, and flush with the outside edges of the legs. Use a kreg jig to attach the boards, or drill through the legs into the front/back boards with 2 1/2" screws and glue.

Check to make sure your table is square before you attach the top. Measure diagonally from corner to corner in both directions - the measurements should be the same if the table is square. If it's not, just shift the table a little until they match.

Step 3: Put it all together
Now attach the top to the base. Drill down through the top into the legs and secure it with 2 1/2" screws and glue. 

Step 4: Finishing
Start by filling any holes and sanding everything smooth. Then just finish with any paint or stain and polyurethane you want. Keep the craftsman style with a rich stain, or give it a modern twist with a bright coat of paint.

Project 2x4 Cost:
$6.40  -  2   2x4s @ 10' long ($3.20 each)
$2.50  -  1   2x4 @ 8' long ($2.50 each)
$8.90 Total

This is an end table built by Matt. Thanks so much for sharing, Matt! It looks wonderful!

And here's one more by Holten. Beautiful work! Keep it up, guys!

And this pair was built by Dave, who's been working his way through several projects in the 2x4 series.

Rogers copied the tabletop to create a custom pub table. The top is 28x28" and the legs are 44" (although he plans to make them 42" next time). He finished the set with a pair of 2x4 Chunky Bar Stools.

See giveaway winners here.


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