Build an Upcycled Coffee Table
by Rick
19 Materials
While walking back from the park with the kids I stumbled upon two chairs that my neighbors were throwing away curbside . So under the cover of darkness I TOOK those chairs and ran awkwardly into my garage. It sounds much creepier than it actually was. Or maybe not. In any case, today I’ll be using the legs from those chairs to make an amazing and cheap upcycled coffee table!
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Grab some cheese and crackers and veg out on the video above or scroll down to check out the step by step guide to build your own upcycled coffee table!
A table can generally be divided into three parts: The top, the legs and the piece that connects the legs to the top called an apron.
First up I’ll be creating the top by joining (5) 1x6’s cut to 46-3/4″. In this post I’m using what are called pipe clamps to join the wood, but you join wood with glue and strategically placed heavy objects if push comes to shove. I've done it! Don’t let your lack of tools stifle your inner coffee table maker. It's your destiny!
When joining wood it’s imperative that you alternate the grain of each piece so that when your table runs into different levels of temperature and humidity one summer day, it will be able to hold a competent conversation and your coffee rather than FREAK OUT and crack at the (change in) pressure.
Glue is all that we need to join the boards, so liberally apply your favorite wood glue and then squeeze the boards together with clamps or whatever you have!
This is how the finished top should look!
Next up is the apron. Cut your 1x4’s to the following: (2) 1x4 @ 30-1/4″ and (2) 1x4 @ 18″.
Set your Kreg Jig to accommodate 3/4” material and pre-drill holes along both sets of apron pieces. Space your holes about 2" from each edge and 6-8" apart thereafter.
I'm using Valspar's Chalky Finish Paint in "Kid Gloves" to paint my legs.
Three coats and they've transformed!
Layout and attach the two short pieces of apron 2-3/8” from each edge and the longer pieces 2-1/8" from the edge.
Finally we’re going to cut (4) mitered support 1×4’s @ 3-15/16″ at 45 degrees. These will attach to the apron and the legs.
To attach the mitered piece to the apron I use my Kreg jig at a slight angle and pre-drill two holes on each side. I'll attach these pieces to the apron using glue and 1" wood screws.
After a few coats of Minwax Polycrylic (clear coat), that's a wrap!
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3 of 104 comments
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Embarassed my grandson ,dumpster diving after the college students leave school,
They dont want to take stuff home.
Their loss.
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One of my all time favorite things to do!!
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Absolutely beautiful work!! Thank you!!😀