How to build a console table

This step by step diy project is about how to build a console table. Building a console table is a basic project that can be done by any woodworking amateur. Nevertheless, there are a few tricks that you should know, if you want to keep the costs as low as possible and to get a professional result. Select the lumber with great care and attention, making sure the boards are in a good condition.

There are many things that you should take into account when building the console table. Therefore, you should choose a design that really suits your needs and tastes and invest in quality lumber, such as redwood, pine or cedar. Mark the cuts lines on the lumber after taking accurate measurements and adjust their size at the appropriate dimensions, by using a saw with a sharp blade.

If this particular design doesn’t appeal to you, we recommend you to take a look over the rest of the furniture plans, as you might found another design that suits your needs. After getting the job done, we recommend you smooth the surface with medium-grit sandpaper. Clean the surface with a damp cloth and apply a few coats of paint of stain, in order to protect the components from decay. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

Building a console table

Materials

A – 4 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 27” long LEGS
B – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 3/4” long, 1 piece – 37″ long STRETCHER
C – 2 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 3/4″ long, 2 pieces – 37″ long FRAME
D – 1 piece of 2×12 – 48” long TABLETOP

3 pieces of 2×2 lumber – 8 ft
1 piece of 2×12 – 4 ft
2 1/2″ screws
1 1/4″ screws
glue, stain
wood filler

Tools

Safety gloves, glasses
Miter saw, jigsaw
Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
Drill machinery and drill bits

Tips

Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface

Time

One Day

Console table legs

The first step of the project is to build the legs of the console table and to lay out the contour in a professional manner. As you can notice in the image, we recommend you to use 2×2 lumber when making the legs. In addition, adjust the width of the console table, according to the size of the board you are going to use for the tabletop. If you use 2×12 lumber, you should adjust the size, if the boars is 11 1/2″ or 11 1/4″ wide.

Attaching the stringer

The next step of the woodworking project is to lock the legs together by installing the stretcher. Cut the wooden components at the right size and lock them together with galvanized screws. Drill pilot holes trough the legs before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. In addition, add glue to the joints, if you want t create a rigid structure. Check if the corners are right-angled after fitting component.

Installing the tabletop frame

Continue the project by installing the frame of the tabletop. Therefore, use 2×2 lumber to build the required components and lock them to the legs, after aligning them at both ends. Check if the frame is horizontal with a spirit level. Alternatively, you could drill pocket holes and insert appropriate screws, if you want to hide the head of the screws.

Attaching the tabletop

One of the last steps of the project is to install the top of the console table. As you can see in the image, you need to center a piece of 2×12 lumber to the frame of the console. Drill pilot holes trough the tabletop frame and insert 2 1/2″ galvanized screws into the wooden board. Add a good wood glue to enhance the bond of the components.

How to build a console table

Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues.

Thank you for reading our project about how to build a console table and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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