Build a new coffee table with loads of storage. This sturdy modern coffee table is easy to build and has a large (8” x 45”) storage bin for storing toys, blankets, games, and more. A moveable shelf slides over the storage area allowing easy access and creating a shelf to hold the remote so the top of the coffee table stays clutter free.
Tools
Kreg Tools
Other Tools
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Miter saw
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Table saw
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Circular saw
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Drill
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Impact driver
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Orbital sander
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Hot glue gun
Materials
Wood Products
- 2 Boards , 2"x10"x8'
- 1 Half sheet of plywood , ¾”x4'x4'
Hardware & Supplies
- 1 Box of 2 ½” pocket hole screws (See tools list)
- 1 Box of 1 ¼” pocket hole screws (See tools list)
- 1 Wood glue
- 1 Peel and stick grasscloth wallpaper
- 1 Plywood edge banding
- 1 Felt
Cut List & Parts
- 2 Top , 1 ½” x 9 ¼” x 48”
- 4 Legs , 1 ½” x 9 ¼” x 16”
- 1 Bottom , ¾” x 14 ½”x 45”
- 2 Sides , ¾” x 8” x 45”
- 1 Shelf , ¾” x 17” x 22”
Directions
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Build top & legs
Rip ¼” off the inside of the top and leg boards to create a flat surface edge and get a 9” wide board (can be skipped, but you will have a larger recess when attaching the storage bin). Set your Kreg pocket hole jig for 1 ½” thick material and drill pocket holes along the inside edge of one top board. Pocket holes should be 6-8” apart. Add wood glue to the inside edge and attach the two boards together with 2 ½” pocket hole screws to create an 18” wide board. Use a face clamp to keep the boards flush as you attach them. Repeat with the leg boards to build 2 legs.
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Attach the legs
With your Kreg pocket hole jig still set for 1 ½” thick material, drill pocket holes along the top inside edge of each assembled leg board. Attach the leg boards to the top creating a U shape. Secure with wood glue and 2 ½” pocket hole screws.
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Cover the outside
Roundover the top corners of the coffee table with a sander using coarse grit sandpaper (or you could use a palm router with a large roundover bit). Sand the entire piece. Vacuum it clean and remove any remaining dust with a tack cloth. Apply peel and stick wallpaper to the outside and wrap it around to the inside, cutting at the corners and wrapping like a present, to completely cover the top and legs.
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Build the storage bin
Set your Kreg pocket hole jig for ¾” thick material and drill pocket holes on both ends of the side boards and all 4 edges of the bottom board. Attach the two sides to the top according to the diagram using wood glue and 1 ¼” pocket hole screws. Use the 90 degree clamp to hold the corners tight as you secure. Apply plywood edge banding to the top edges of the bin. Then sand and finish the storage bin.
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Attach the storage bin
Center the storage bin between the top/legs. It should be recessed 1” in from the front and back and flush with the bottom. Secure the bin with 1 ¼” pocket hole screws using the pocket holes previously drilled in the side and bottom boards. Attach feet to the bottom of the coffee table if desired.
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Finish the shelf
Add plywood edge banding to all sides of the shelf piece. Center it on top of the storage bin front to back and mark the edge of the bin. Router a ¼” deep and slightly larger than ¾” wide groove in the underside of the shelf at this line so that the shelf glides along the top of the bin. Stain/seal the shelf then glue a piece of felt into the groove to protect the top of the storage bin from scratches as the shelf slides.
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Enjoy!
Place the shelf on top of the storage bin and enjoy your new coffee table. The shelf can easily move out of the way to allow access to the storage, and acts as a shelf for storing things without cluttering up your coffee table. And visit me at Housefulofhandmade.com for more fun things to build for your home!