DIY methods for making a coffee table

Think everything through before you start

Before creating your first masterpiece, in addition to the idea of ​​how to make a coffee table with your own hands, you need to think through all the little things in advance. Is there enough material available now? If not, does the budget allow you to purchase everything you need?

Tools for work must be available and in good condition. If you don’t have the skills to use a certain tool, it’s important to think about who to ask for help and whether he will be around in the near future.

Model-specific assembly steps

When independently assembling coffee tables from plywood, solid wood, laminated chipboard or MDF and other available materials, it is worth thinking through the algorithm of actions in advance, preparing tools and fasteners. The minimum level of complexity is for products made of panel materials with rectangular or square shaped parts. The maximum is for type-setting or figured structures.

From laminated chipboard

For the simplest coffee table made of chipboard with a laminated coating, in addition to the panel itself, you will need at least 8 confirmations and 16 screws, 4 plastic corners (can be replaced with minifixes), wheels or edges for closing the legs. The production of furniture from laminated chipboard is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. The panels are marked and cut.
2. Holes are drilled on the racks, bottom, and shelf, and the elements are fixed with self-tapping screws.
3. The racks are strengthened with plastic corners, the structure is turned over and attached to the tabletop.
4. If possible, homemade furniture is installed on wheels in order to increase its functionality. All exposed areas are protected with a laminated edge.

The finished table does not need additional decoration; it already looks laconic and stylish. If desired, the inner shelf can be made of glass, but in general this is not necessary. If there are children in the house, the top tabletop is rounded.

From a wooden barrel

To make a homemade table you will need: a wine barrel with hoops in satisfactory condition, solid wood or boards with a thickness of 20 mm or more. You also need to prepare bolts, screws, wood glue, abrasive and paint materials and a set of tools (tape measure, circular saw, clamps, jigsaw, drill, screwdriver). Cutting and assembly are carried out in the following sequence:

1. The barrel is cut longitudinally into 2 halves with a circular saw.
2. The metal surfaces of the rim are cleaned of rust and covered with fresh paint, the wooden surfaces are sanded, if necessary restored with oils or wax, and covered with stain.
3. 2 stable fastenings are prepared: on a wide board, a sketch of the part is marked with a pencil, taking into account the diameter of the barrel, the need for centering and at least a 5-centimeter offset from the floor in the central part. The cut is carried out with a jigsaw after checking the size compliance. To avoid mistakes at this stage, you should use cardboard templates.
4. The sawn legs are strengthened from below with a strong horizontal bar, screwed with self-tapping screws. The structure is assembled and reinforced with at least one board in the center (holes for it are made in advance, at the cutting stage).
5. The base of the tabletop is prepared: 4 flat, wide boards are adjusted to each other, coated with glue and clamped in clamps. After drying, the tabletop is reinforced with two transverse boards.
6. A frame for the tabletop is prepared, with matching dimensions and cutting the butt elements at an angle of 45°.
7. All surfaces are sanded again and covered with stain.
8. Using bolts and screws, the entire structure is assembled: a barrel is screwed to the base, after which the frame is attached to it. To provide access to the spacious interior, the tabletop remains removable (later this part is simply placed on the frame).

How to assemble a simple coordinate table with your own hands, tips for craftsmen

Wooden surfaces are coated with stain or coloring compounds in advance and only then screwed. The assembled wooden coffee table is varnished or tinted again. Old, dry barrels are cleaned extremely carefully and, if possible, soaked in oils. To enhance the decorative effect of your countertop, look for wood with a beautiful texture. Beech, oak, walnut or ash boards have suitable characteristics.

Cut the barrel into 2 halves

Sand wooden surfaces and apply stain

Clean metal elements and paint

Prepare fastenings

Strengthen your legs

Assemble the structure, reinforce it with a board according to class=”aligncenter” width=”650″ height=”866″[/img] Prepare the base of the tabletop, reinforce it with two transverse boards Make a frame for the tabletop

Sand all surfaces and coat with stain

Assemble the entire structure

Ready table

From an old suitcase

To work, you will need a minimum of tools and materials: a vintage suitcase, 4 stable curly legs, nuts and washers for fixing them, a drill, paints with brushes, a tape measure. Assembling a coffee table with your own hands begins with preparing the suitcase. A product in good condition is simply washed and dried; in poor condition, it is strengthened from the inside and along the edges, and painted. The further course of action is simple:

1. Holes for the legs are marked and drilled on the bottom of the suitcase.
2. The legs are sanded, painted in the desired color and screwed on (the main washer is hidden inside).
3. The structure closes and turns over.

The above scheme is relevant when working with old leather products in good condition; if serious restoration is necessary, the algorithm becomes more complicated. To strengthen leaky walls, ordinary plywood or wooden planks assembled into a lattice are best suited. External surfaces are painted with acrylic paints using spray cans, fabric, a washcloth or film (brushes leave traces of drips).

An interesting effect is achieved by upholstering a suitcase with fleecy furniture fabrics or eco-leather.

Transformer

For a transforming coffee table, in addition to a set of standard tools, you will need a spring transformation mechanism (MT-2 from the Glazov Metal Products Plant or its analogues), a sheet of laminated chipboard 22 mm thick, bolts, and screws. When choosing a folding mechanism, preference is given to products from Russian manufacturers who include drawings with the dimensions of the recommended type of transformable table in the box. To mark laminated chipboards, you should use applications or programs for cutting furniture (PRO100, Astra Cutting, Master 2). Panel cutting and edging of parts can be done in the store or at home.

Drawing of a dressing table for making it yourself, stages of work

Immediately before preparing the holes for the hardware, you need to assemble the coffee table without them to check the dimensions. After this the following is carried out:

1. Drilling holes for confirmations (on dark laminated chipboard this is easier to do with the help of stickers).
2. Assembling the main box of the coffee table.
3. Fastening the transformation mechanism to through hardware.
4. Assembly and fastening of legs. At this stage, the coffee table is turned over, the side of the legs must cover all technical holes, and the bottom edge must be laminated.
5. Placing the panels of a larger tabletop on hinges. Drilling holes for fastening, sequential installation of small and large parts.

If there is no space in the room, it is best to make your own table from solid wood with a folding tabletop and legs. This design can be made from any available materials, including pallets.

Draw a drawing of the future table

Creative models may not require diagrams and drawings of how to make a coffee table, but often when working with wood they are simply necessary.

For the drawing you will need the most ordinary stationery and a construction tape. A tape measure is needed to measure the space where, as planned, the table will stand; all data must be transferred to paper.

In the future, it is better to adhere to the dimensions clearly stated in the drawing when cutting parts.

Coffee table made of chipboard and glass

This is another way to create original furniture, spending a minimum of time and effort. For production you will need:

• a piece of tempered glass (650x900 mm) with a thickness of at least 10 mm;
• three elements made of chipboard (chipboard, MDF, OSB or plywood): two parts with dimensions 300x400 mm, one - 300x900 mm.

In this case, a design is used that is similar to that used in the manufacture of a round table. Cuts are also made in blanks made of board or plywood. Their width corresponds to the thickness of the selected material, and their length corresponds to half the width (height) of the part.

1. After receiving the elements, markings are applied to them for future cuts.
2. Then they are cut out, the parts are coated with glue, and assembled together. To adjust the frame horizontally, use a “gentle” rubber mallet.
3. The base is sanded, painted or varnished. After it dries, install the glass tabletop.

Since the weight of this piece of glass is quite large, it does not require any additional fixation.

Selection of materials for work

You can use whatever is at hand; it should be noted that if you have no practice working with glass, it is better to seek help from a specialist.

When choosing material for the legs, you need to take into account both the weight of the table itself and the weight of things in the future lying on it. The tabletop and legs should be compatible with each other in color.

Preparatory work

Before you begin the process of making a table, you need to decide on its type. After this, you should make drawings of each element and cut out patterns. The diagram below shows the relevant parameters. The following set of tools will help you create a coffee table:

Diagram 1. Dimensions of a coffee table.

• pencil and ruler;
• roulette;
• screws;
• hammer;
• screwdriver;
• Chipboard, you can use laminated boards 16 mm thick;
• hacksaw or jigsaw;
• drill;
• furniture pipe with a diameter of 30 mm;
• flanges for pipes;
• insulating tape;
• sandpaper;
• wash;
• overhead profile;
• glue;
• rubber wheels.

It is necessary to put patterns on the chipboard, trace along the contour with a pencil and scratch with a nail so that the canvas does not split later. At the bottom of the tabletop pattern, the outline of the legs is cut out, which need to be transferred to the parts. Drawing a center line, mark 3 holes 1.2 cm deep and cut them out with a drill (8 mm). To control this procedure, it is recommended to use electrical tape. On the outside of the canvas it is also necessary to mark the locations of the holes that will be required to support the shelves. To do this, measure 8 mm from the plane of the parts and the same distance from the beginning of the bend. The figure will clearly show how this should be done.

The ends are finished with a U-shaped profile, the texture of which should match the slab. To work with chipboard, it is recommended to use an overlay profile that can cover each part on both sides without fastening grooves. The profile also needs to be glued to the legs. After this, each end must be sanded. The last parts are connected using a dowel to the shelf, onto which the profile is then placed and cut on the other side.

Emphasis on the shape of the product

The tabletop will attract the attention of guests; its appearance should emphasize the design of the room. The shape can be chosen as desired, round or square, or perhaps a unique appearance.

It’s hard to call such furniture a thing you can’t do without, but it fits well into the interior. A room with such furniture looks cozy and comfortable, making a person feel comfortable with it. There are many ideas and step-by-step instructions on how to make a coffee table by spending little money on materials.

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Dining table models

What do designers do when they need to fit everything they need into a small kitchen, and the owners say that they love to receive guests and seat them at such tiny tables? And the apartment is one-room, and you have to console yourself that, they say, it’s cramped, but no offense...

In this case, designers understand that the hostess must be pleased. And they suggest putting an extendable table in the kitchen. When folded, it stands quietly against the wall and does not interfere with the owners moving around the kitchen, cooking, washing dishes and cleaning. When unfolded, such a table can take up the entire space - but guests will sit comfortably, and all the dishes will fit on the tabletop.

Photo by ReRooms

Dining table in a dining room design project from ReRooms

Champions in their ability to transform from an almost flat bedside table that merges with the wall into a huge table for almost ten people - book tables and butterfly tables. They differ from each other in the shape of the tabletop: the first one is square, the second one is rounded, like the wings of a butterfly. When folded, such a piece of furniture takes up almost no space in the kitchen at all - and one person can even drink coffee or have a snack on such a “stand” 15-20 centimeters wide.

Depending on the number of people seated at such a table, either one plane or both can be raised and unfolded using a stand. And folding chairs can fit inside such a table.

The most original models of dining tables that look great in any kitchen and living room are transformable tables. While they stand folded in the room, it is sometimes difficult to guess what they can turn into when the owners decide to demonstrate all their hidden capabilities.

Inexpensive simple table

A simple option would be a table made of two metal or plastic boxes, on top of which there would be a tabletop in the form of a large wooden board.

Here you need to secure all the parts in a high-quality manner, choosing between each other the position you like between the improvised legs.

Round table

A round kitchen table is suitable for large sizes. A dining item of this type is placed in the center of the room. Otherwise it won't look good at all. Can be supported on several legs or a central support. A big plus is that a little more people can fit behind it than a square one.

If you are a family with children, then it is better to purchase this form. Such interior elements are safer; they do not have corners.

Table with deep meaning

The basis of such a copy will be from books glued together and placed on top of each other; making a coffee table with your own hands has never been so simple.

Glue a small glass tabletop on top; for this you need to use silicone sealant; it will not leave visible marks under the glass after drying.

Round coffee table made of chipboard

This is the easiest and fastest way to create quite nice furniture. This model consists of 4 elements: two circles (tabletop and lower base) and two rectangles, which serve as their original legs, dividing the space into 4 identical sectors.

To ensure that all the parts are in perfect shape, it is better to order a cut. If the master is confident in his abilities, the blanks can be made independently. Before assembly, the ends of the parts are protected: they are covered with melamine film using an iron.

1. In rectangles, a cut is made exactly in the center of one long side, with the help of which both workpieces are connected to each other. The width of these holes is equal to the thickness of the material. Their depth is slightly more than half the height of the rectangles.
2. The cuts of the prepared parts are coated with glue and then connected. They move on to the next stage only after the structure has dried.
3. The upper part of the “cross” is coated with glue. A tabletop is laid on top, which is nailed with thin nails in the center and to each leg.
4. If the table is of medium size, then more fasteners will be required. Do the same with the support element for the rollers, use glue and five nails.

Hats are hidden under putty, or homemade “putty” is used as camouflage. All surfaces are treated with hydrophobic impregnation and covered with varnish, paint or stain. After the coffee table has dried, wheels are screwed to its base.

Designer approach to business

In a chaotic manner, you need to connect all the flat parts together. Simple and with character, you need to use books and cutting boards of different lengths for making. After connecting the entire structure, add a stylish touch.

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What material can it be made from?

The first stage of making a coffee table with your own hands is the choice of material. The most popular of them:

• Beam or wooden cut;
• Panel wood;
• Glass;
• Metal;
• Vine or polyrattan.

You can also use any available materials for the base of the table. For example, an old suitcase, barrels, pallets, logs and much more.

Thanks to this option, you will not only save a decent amount, but also realize your creative potential.

Particular attention should be paid to the table legs, as they are the support of the entire structure. Therefore, they must be strong and reliable so that they can withstand not only the weight of the tabletop, but also the objects that will be located on it.

Such a cute table will decorate any living room, stylishly and without pretension.

Use of warehouse supplies

Tables using pallets are now very common, and they can increasingly be seen on the summer areas of cafes and pizzerias.

Using your imagination, such equipment can be easily assembled at home. You can buy pallets for little money, so the table will not cost much.

Things that have gone out of use

The idea of ​​creating a table from old boxes will help you add style to your interior. Connecting to each other, they simultaneously serve as legs and as a table top. To create such a masterpiece you will need four large boxes.

Such furniture not only needs to be assembled, decorating and updating coffee tables with your own hands plays an important role in achieving a good combination with the interior.

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Working with decor is the final part in creating a masterpiece; it is distinguished by a responsible approach. A variety of ideas and ideas, combinations of a variety of thoughts about aesthetics, will come in handy here.

Tables using wooden materials can be decorated with designs carved into their details. Using burning devices, you can achieve the uniqueness of such furniture.

You can make a glass tabletop using your creativity and glue it together from pieces.

If you plan to use fabric, you need to be careful and only take one that is similar in hairiness to the coat.

You can create the appearance of a table covered with a tablecloth if you stick fringe and lace around the edges; such accessories will add a vintage touch to the table.

In any case, the work done will look bright and exclusive; varnishing will add nobility to the product.

General recommendations for constructing the structure

The work begins with the choice of material, shape, size and design of the product. In the absence of experience, combined with high demands for exclusivity, the design and/or production of this furniture is entrusted to professionals. In other cases, you should use a ready-made drawing of a coffee table or develop it yourself, taking into account other people’s or your own ideas.

Selection of materials and tools

A variety of materials are used to make your own coffee table, including:

1. Wooden beams (solid or glued), tree cuts. Coffee tables made of timber are in perfect harmony with loft-type interiors, fireplaces, stone cladding, and brick. This option has many advantages, but is not always suitable for beginners - for all its attractiveness, natural wood needs proper processing and protection from cracking.
2. Wood panel materials (chipboard, MDF) are an ideal option for beginners; the design is light, practical, and stylish. Processing these materials does not require expensive equipment; cutting slabs for a coffee table can be done in a store.
3. Tempered glass from 5 mm thick. Not everyone can work with it correctly; most often this material is combined with wood, chipboard or metal and used to make countertops.
4. Metal. With the highest processing complexity, this material outperforms others in decorativeness, durability and strength. When forged, it is ideally combined with wood or glass.
5. Natural wicker or polyrottan. If you have a stable base, any beginner can weave a coffee table with their own hands. Frameless volumetric structures require more experience, but they look very beautiful.

Coffee tables made with your own hands from scrap materials look especially stylish: vintage suitcases, barrels, pallets, logs, wheels, old books. Due to the low cost of raw materials, this option is ideal for beginners.

A standard set of tools when working with wood and its derivatives includes a jigsaw, drill, screwdriver, saw, hacksaw, clamps, screwdrivers, hammer, level, and ruler. If it is necessary to cut glass, a glass cutter is added here; for metal processing - a grinder, a welding machine, and hacksaws with special blades. Fasteners, edges, fittings, protective, adhesive, paint and varnish compositions, decorative inclusions are selected separately, taking into account the type of coffee table.

Wooden beam

laminated chipboard

MDF

Strained glass

Metal Vine

Polyrattan Tools for work

Dimensions and drawings

When creating a drawing, you need to take into account that the dimensions are selected based on the furnishings and the purpose of the product. So, if possible, place a small table 40 × 40 or 50 × 50 cm near the upholstered furniture, ideally round. If it is necessary to accommodate a large number of people, its dimensions are increased (but not more than half the length of the sofa and 2/3 of its total dimensions). In general, the parameters of hand-made tea tables and art decor elements vary from 30 to 80 cm in length (tabletop side) and from 50 to 85 cm in height, but there are no clear standards.

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When drawing up sketches yourself, you should remember the following nuances:

• dependence of the stability of structures on the area of ​​supports;
• the need to reveal the beauty of the material - if, for example, a glass coffee table made by yourself can be anything, then with wicker products the tabletop looks more elegant with dimensions of more than 50 × 50 cm, and the larger the wooden structure, the better its natural appearance will be visible structure;
• The purpose of the coffee table is that the structures to be served should not be very small.

Small-sized products with complex configurations are perceived as objects of art decor, and models with a regular geometric shape of the tabletop are, on the contrary, as functional furniture.

There are quite a lot of ready-made drawings for making coffee tables from wood with your own hands, the same applies to glass, wood or improvised materials. But the number and method of fasteners for them are not always indicated; this point should be clarified separately. Cardboard table templates help to check the correctness of complex designs.

DIY photo of coffee tables