How to Make Coffee Tables

Creating your own coffee table from plywood and broken ceramics or tile is an simple building and craft project that will add eclectic beauty and interest to your family room. Making a custom coffee table allows you the freedom to size the table to your space and to design the shape of the table that best suits your room. It's easy to add bits and pieces of ceramic or glass to create a mosaic top for your coffee table that you and your family will enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Determine the size and shape of your coffee table. Purchase your building materials from a home improvement store and employees will cut the inch wood panel to size for you. You can choose to purchase mosaic tiles from the home store, or you can collect ceramic and thick glass objects from yard sales and thrift stores for your mosaic table top.

2

Lay your wood panel on a flat surface. Sand one side and all of the decorative table legs. Wipe the sanded surfaces clean with a damp cloth. Apply stain to the sanded and cleaned surfaces. Let the stain dry and apply a second coat if needed, particularly to the legs.

3

Drill pilot holes for the table leg screws. These starter holes make it easier to insert the screws into the wood panel. Attach the coffee table legs. Stand your coffee table upright.

4

Place your ceramic objects into a plastic bag and wrap the bag with a towel. Tap the objects with a hammer to break them into pieces for your mosaic.

5

Spread a small amount of Thinset onto the top of your coffee table with the trowel. Press the bits of ceramic into the Thinset. Work in small sections until you completely cover the top and the sides. Let the adhesive dry.

6

Spread grout into the crevices between the ceramic pieces with the grout float. Remove any grout from the surface of the ceramic before it dries with warm water and a sponge. Apply grout sealer after the grout is dry. This will protect your coffee table from stains and moisture in the grout.