Side Tables Take Center Stage

Easy assembly for a quick end table.

General: Predrill for and countersink all screws. Set all nail heads, and apply wood filler.

Step 1: Using glue and finishing nails, attach the top panel to both side panels. (Refer to the illustration, right.)

Step 2: Place a caster on each bottom panel corner 1-1⁄2" from both edges. Trace holes through the caster brackets to mark for pilot holes. Drill through each marked hole with a 5⁄16" bit.

Step 3: Using glue and finishing nails, attach the bottom panel to both side panels, checking for square as you go.

Step 4: Place a flat corner brace on each back corner of the box, and mark the plywood edge for pilot holes. Drill pilot holes with a 7⁄64" bit, and fasten all four corner braces using wood screws.

Step 5: Mount the casters on the bottom panel with 5⁄16" bolts, washers, and hex nuts. Use the appropriately sized wrenches to tighten all bolts securely.

Step 6: Sand, prime, and paint to match your decor. We used American Tradition, Central Hall #93-38B, gloss, on the inside of the table and divided the outside panels into four quadrants, alternating Discovery Brown #93-38A, satin, and Rich Heritage #91-41B, satin, to create a large checkerboard pattern.

Standard items from the plumbing department give this table an industrial look.

Shopping List

A retro piece you make yourself. Lumber 1 (4' long) 1- x 20" laminated pine panel 1 (4' long) 1 x 6, pine Hardware/Finishing Materials 4 (30" long) 1 1⁄4" diameter galvanized pipes 4 (1 1⁄4" diameter) galvanized floor flanges 16 (#10 x 3⁄4") wood screws Wood glue (1") finishing nails* 4 (1 1⁄4" diameter) galvanized pipe caps Wood filler 150-grit sandpaper Primer Paint (American Tradition, Central Hall #93-38B, satin) Tools Tape measure Pencil Circular saw 1-5⁄8" hole saw Power drill with bits Wood rasp Hammer Nail set Skill level: Intermediate Rough cost estimate: $58 Rough time estimate: 1⁄2 day per table *Selection varies by market.

This end table will fit in any setting.

General: Predrill for and countersink all screws. Set all nail heads, and apply wood filler.

Step 1: Cut all pieces per the cut list.

Step 2: Measure and mark 2-3⁄8" in from both sides of each corner of the bottom panel for each leg hole. (Refer to the illustration, right.) Using the hole saw, drill leg holes. Enlarge the holes with a wood rasp, test fitting until the pipes slide through.

Step 3: Lay the bottom piece over the bottom of the top piece, and scribe hole locations onto the top panel. Line up the holes in the floor flanges with these scribe marks. Using wood screws, mount the floor flanges to the top piece.

Step 4: Attach both sides to the top with glue and finishing nails. Test fit the bottom to ensure all leg holes line up with the flanges, using a wood rasp to adjust holes if necessary. Attach the bottom panel to the sides with glue and finishing nails.

Step 5: Screw pipe legs onto the table. Mount pipe caps to the bottoms of the legs. Apply adhesive-backed felt on the leg bottoms to protect floors.

Step 6: Sand, prime, and paint to match your decor. We used American Tradition, Central Hall #93-38B, satin.

Build your own heirloom.

General: Drill pilot holes for finishing nails with the appropriately sized bit. Set all nail heads, and apply wood filler.

Step 1: Cut all pieces per the cut list, except for the tabletop. (See illustration, right.) Ensure a straight cut by clamping a poplar board to the top as an edge guide for the circular saw.

Step 2: Glue the front and back aprons to both side aprons and clamp together. Check for square, then secure with finishing nails.

Step 3: Center corner braces on the upper-inside corners of the apron, and attach with supplied screws. Repeat for the other three sides.

Step 4: Place the aprons with the corner braces down on the tabletop bottom. Center the apron box from side to side and flush with the straight edge of the tabletop. Secure with supplied screws.

Step 5: Apply glue to the legs, and clamp them to the apron’s inside corner. Fasten with finishing nails.

Step 6: Sand, prime, and paint to match your decor. We selected American Tradition, Discovery Brown #93-38A,
high gloss.