How to Build a Short Coffee Table

A short coffee table suits interior designs that use large floor pillows for seating. A low-to-the-ground coffee table also can double as an activity table. Standard-height coffee tables are the norm in furniture stores, however, so building a table to your own specifications is an option. Accurately measuring and building a short coffee table ensures it reaches the height you want and provides the stability you need. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Clamp the planks of wood together, so that the smaller piece is centered on the larger pieces. Leave 3-inch margins around all sides of the smaller plank of wood.

2

Drill three 2 1/4-inch-deep pilot holes into the long sides of the smaller plank of wood, for a total of six holes; use the 1/4-inch drill bit. Position the holes 9 inches apart and 1 inch from the edge.

3

Screw the 2 1/2-inch wood screws into the holes using the Phillips screwdriver, making sure to tighten the screws until the heads fit flush against the surface of the wood.

4

Drill four leg holes using the drill fitted with a 3/8-inch drill bit. Position the holes 2 inches in from each corner of the smaller plank of wood.

5

Screw the precast legs into the 3/8-inch leg holes. Screw in the legs until each one fits snugly into the hole. Do not overtighten, or the precast threads that create grooves in the leg holes will strip, causing the leg to loosen eventually and potentially fall out.

6

Seal the table with polyurethane, applying it with a paintbrush. Apply it in an even coat that creates a uniform wet appearance. Make sure not to leave any dry patches.

7

Allow the polyurethane to dry for 24 hours.