How to Make a Basic DIY Sofa Table

Assemble the Table

1. Buy Wood

   When choosing your wood, look for pieces with fewer knots if you desire a more modern look and more knots if you want a more rustic look. If you need it, most hardware stores will precut the wood for you, which is especially helpful if you have a smaller vehicle.

2. Cut Top Piece

   Use a miter saw to cut a 2 x 10 board to 72 inches in length. This is the total length of the sofa table. If a longer table is desired, adjust the length of the top as well as the long braces and bottom brace.

3. Cut Legs and Braces

   Next, cut two 2 x 2 boards into four leg pieces at 28 1/2 inches each. Using the excess, cut four short braces at 6 1/4 inches. Lastly, use the two remaining 2 x 2 boards to cut two long braces at 69 inches and cut one 2 x 4 into a 69-inch piece for the bottom brace.

4. Mockup End Pieces

   The easiest way to build the sofa table is in sections, starting with the two ends. To do this, form a rectangle with two short brace pieces and two legs. The dimensions should be 9 1/4 inches by 28 1/2 inches.

5. Assemble and Fasten End Pieces

   To assemble the rectangle, use a countersink bit to pre-drill a hole through the legs and into the short braces. Repeat on all four corners. To fasten, apply a thin layer of wood glue on both sides of each joint then secure with 3-inch wood screws. Repeat the process for the second end piece. For best results, allow the wood glue to dry for at least 30 minutes before continuing.

   Tip

   If you don't have assistance and are having trouble holding the pieces in place, use wood clamps while drilling.

6. Complete Top of Frame

   Complete the top of the frame by attaching the rectangles to the ends of the long braces. To do this, you will pre-drill and screw through the legs and into the braces, similar to the process of assembling the rectangles. The key to doing this correctly is to use a pencil to mark a solid drilling spot that will avoid the existing screws. Once marked, pre-drill using a countersink bit and join using wood glue and 3-inch screws. Repeat with the second long brace, then attach the second rectangle on the other end of the braces.

7. Complete Bottom of Frame

   To complete the bottom of the frame, you'll use the 69-inch 2 x 4. For positioning, use a tape measure and pencil to mark the middle of the lower short braces. This mark should fall exactly at 4 5/8 inches. Next, use a tape measure to mark the middle of each end of the 2 x 4. This mark will fall exactly at 1 3/4 inches. Align the marks and use a countersink bit to pre-drill two holes through the sides of the braces into the end of the 2 x 4. Next, apply wood glue to each side of the joint and secure with 3-inch wood screws. Repeat on the other end.

8. Align Top and Drill Pilot Holes

   To attach the top, simply place the top on the ground with the prettiest side facing down. Place the frame upside down on top of the top piece. After checking the alignment, use a drill bit no longer than 2 inches to drill pilot holes along the length of the braces and into the top piece. At least 4 holes per side and one on each end should be plenty.

9. Attach Top Piece

   Temporarily remove the frame and apply a thin layer of wood glue to the entire joint, both on the frame and the top piece. Replace the frame and secure with 2 1/2-inch wood screws. Once finished, flip the piece right-side up.

Sand the Table

1. Fill Screw Holes

   Before sanding, use a putty knife to fill all countersunk screw heads with wood filler and let dry according to the provided instructions. If there are any imperfections or undesired knots, you can fill these with wood filler as well.

2. Sand Entire Table

   Sand the entirety of the table using an orbital sander with 100-grit sandpaper until smooth. Focus on the edges to minimize splintering as well as the end grain. Once smooth, repeat with a higher grit paper. Continue this process, working your way up to at least 220-grit sandpaper.

Paint Table

If you plan to paint the sofa table, follow these steps for the best results.

1. Prime Table

   If painting, you should first apply a high-quality primer with knot-sealing qualities. This will allow the paint to better adhere to the raw wood as well as prevent future leakage from the knots. Apply one to two coats and let dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some primers require sanding between coats for best results.

   Warning

   Whenever applying paint or stains, especially oil-based varieties, work in a well-ventilated area and wear masks rated for fumes.

2. Paint Table

   Paint the table using either a paintbrush or spray paint in your desired color. Depending on the quality of the paint, more than one coat may be necessary for ample coverage and a durable finish.

Stain and Seal Table

If you plan to stain the sofa table or leave a natural finish, follow these steps.

1. Apply Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner

   Softwoods are notoriously poor for accepting stains. To achieve a higher-quality finish on softwoods, it's recommended that you first apply a pre-stain, following the instructions on the label. If you desire to leave the wood natural, skip ahead to step 3.

2. Apply Stain

   Directly after pre-stain, follow up by applying your chosen stain according to the manufacturer's provided instructions.

3. Seal Wood

   Seal the wood using a clear wood sealing product such as polyurethane. Most products require light sanding between coats, but you should follow your sealer's specific label for proper application.

Complete Project

1. Install Rubber Feet

   To finish up your new sofa table, all you have to do is install rubber feet on each leg.