How to Build a Book Storage Table

This step by step woodworking project is about how to build a storage table. This is Episode 2 of my countryside series of projects. I have designed this simple table so I can store the magazines and the books I found in the old house that is on my countryside property. The concept is really simple: a modern box on caster wheels with an easy access on both sides. The books will go on two rows, so the structure needs to be really sturdy. See the rest of the countryside projects HERE. This project only requires common materials and super basic tools, so anyone can get the job done in one weekend. Make sure you check out all my other DIY tutorials HERE.

We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Made from this plan

Storage Table Plans

Building a storage table

Materials

A – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 36″ long, 2 pieces – 27″ long 2xFRAME
B – 8 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 14 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
C – 10 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 30″ long SIDES
D – 5 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 37 1/2″ long TOP
E – 10 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 17 1/2″ long BASE
F – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 36″ long SHELF

5 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 6′
8 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 6′
3 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8′
1 1/4″ screws, 1 1/2″ finishing nails, 2 1/2″ screws
2″ caster wheels
stain, glue

Tools

Tips

Adjust the size of the project to suit your needs

Time

One Weekend

Building a storage table

Building the frames

Build the frames for the storage table from 2×2 lumber. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the vertical components and use 2 1/2″ screws to lock them together tightly.

Assembling the frame of the table

Assemble the frame of the table by attaching the 2×2 supports. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure them into place tightly.

Side slats

Fit 1×4 slats to the sides of the table. Align the edges and use 1 1/2″ brad nails to secure the slats to the frame.

Tabletop slats

Fit the 1×4 slats to the top of the frame. Leave no gaps between the slats.

Base slats

Attach the 1×4 slats to the base of the table. As you can easily notice, you need to make notches to the slats that are placed at both ends.

Fitting the shelf

Fit the 1×4 slats to the cleats, to make the shelf.

Storage Table Plans

Make sure you take a look over the step by step tutorial, so you learn how to build this storage table.

Corner-clamp

The first step of the project was to cut the components for the frame. Afterwards, I drilled the pocket holes, as shown in the plans. I used a corner clamp to align the edges and to make sure the corners are square. Add glue to the joints and insert the 2 1/2″ screws.

Frames

Repeat the process for the other frame of the storage table.

Building-the-frame-of-the-table

Next, I attached the supports to one frame. I used a carpentry square to make the corners are right-angled.

Frame

Next, I attached the other frame into place.

Fitting-the-middle-supports

I continued with the rest of the supports. Everything fitted together tightly.

Fitting-the-tabletop

Attach the 1×4 slats to the sides of the storage table. Align the edges and use brad nails to lock them together tightly. Add glue to the joints and make sure you leave no gaps between the slats. Fit the slats to the tabletop and to the base of the cabinet.

Fitting-the-caster-wheels

I decided to add 2″ caster wheels to the bottom of the storage table, so I can move it around easily.

Fitting-the-sides

Fill the holes with wood putty then let it dry out for a few minutes.

Sanding-the-table

Use 120-220 grit sandpaper to smooth the surface thoroughly. Although I used B quality lumber, I managed to get make it look and feel really nice. Honestly, I didn’t have a lot of time for this project so I went through the steps pretty quickly. However, I am pleased with the end result.

DIY-Book-Storage-Table

Last but not least, I fitted the shelf slats and then applied a few coats of stain over the exterior of the table. Then, I sealed the finish with clear lacquer.

How-to-build-a-book-storage-table

Remember that you can easily adjust the size of the storage table to suit your needs. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a book storage and I recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.

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