Saturday, May 18

DIY Simple Minimalist Coffee Table (Day 14)

We've had several easy builds in the DIY Coffee Table series, but this one just might take the cake! It's a super simple project that even the beginning-est beginner can take on. It has a modern/minimalist vibe, but you can warm it up with a couple large baskets on the shelf (that would also add a ton of storage for toys or games!).

You can build matching end tables here!




Measure twice, cut once (seriously, though). Use glue in every step (be careful to clean up any drips, because they can mess up your finish at the end!). Read through all the instructions before you begin. Use 1 1/4"" screws unless otherwise indicated. Pre-drill and countersink all your screws. Be safe, have fun, and let me know if you have any questions! Please note I have not built from these plans myself (you might be the first!), so double check everything as you go.

Shopping List:
1  -  sheet 3/4" plywood
1 1/4" wood screws
Optional: Kreg Jig + 1 1/4" pocket hole screws (instructions in italics)
wood glue
wood filler
optional: plywood edge banding
sandpaper and finishing supplies


Dimensions:  37 1/2" long  x  20" wide  x  16 1/2"  tall 
(but it's super easy to customize the size!)

Cut List:
(A)  2  -  plywood  @  20" x 16 1/2"  (sides) 
(B)  2  -  plywood  @  36" x 20"  (top/shelf)
(C)  1  -  plywood  @  36 x 3 1/2"  (support)

Attach the sides (A) to the top and shelf (B). The top should be set down 1" from the top. I've drawn the shelf set up 2" from the bottom, but you can actually put it at any height that fits your needs. If you have certain baskets or books you want to store an the shelf you can position it accordingly! To attach them, drill through the side boards into the ends of the top and shelf boards with 1 1/4" wood screws. Don't forget the glue! If you have a Kreg Jig, drill pocket holes along the short ends of the top and shelf. Use the pocket holes to attach the sides with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws.


Install the support board (C). This adds support to the top and also adds stability to table. Center it with 9 5/8" space on either side. Drill through the top and side boards into the edges of the support board with 1 1/4" wood screws. If you have a Kreg Jig, drill pocket holes along both short ends and one long side of the support board. Use 1 1/4" pocket hole screws to install the support board with the pocket holes.


That's it, guys!

To finish, fill any visible holes with wood filler then sand everything down really well. This is the most important step for a professional finish! Start with a rough sand paper, then go over everything with a medium paper, then again with a fine paper. Once it's super smooth, finish it with whatever paint or stain and sealer you like. Also note that the edges of plywood will not take stain or paint as well. It's a more obvious difference with stain, but even with paint the edges probably won't quite match the rest of the table. You can solve this problem by applying 3/4" plywood edge banding. It's usually an iron-on strip of thin wood that will stain to match the plywood. Honestly, though, I usually just roll with the regular plywood edge and it doesn't bother me. But be warned, if you're a bit of a perfectionist you'll probably want the edge banding. All hearts clear?


I love to see your finished projects! Tag me on instagram @more.like.home or share them on our facebook page!

Want more plans? Check out the rest of the coffee table series here and all our other building plans here!

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