Here’s the perfect place to park your beverage, snacks, remotes; anything you want close at hand while you’re relaxing on the couch. It’s a “table,” made from just three boards, that straddles the arm of your favorite sofa or chair.
Tools
Kreg Tools
Other Tools
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Jigsaw
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Miter Saw
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Compass
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Drill (cordless)
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Sander
Materials
Wood Products
- 1 Board , 1x8 , 48"
Hardware & Supplies
- 4 1 1/4" pocket-hole screws
- 1 Stain or paint
Cut List & Parts
- 1 Back , 3/4" x 7 1/4" x 12"
- 1 Top , 3/4" x 7 1/4" x 18"
- 1 Front , 3/4" x 7 1/4" x 10"
Directions
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Cut the Parts
Cut one Back, one Top, and one Front to length from a 1x8 board, as shown in the cutting diagram.
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Add Curves and Pocket Holes
Using a compass, lay out a 2 1/2" radius on two corners of the Top, and cut the arcs using a jigsaw. Sand the arcs smooth. Then, with your pocket-hole jig set up for 3/4" material, drill pocket holes in the Back and Front, as shown.
Sand to Perfect the Shape
When cutting with a jigsaw, don’t try to cut exactly on the line. Cut just outside the line—on the “waste” side—and then sand to get the exact shape. You’ll get better, smoother results.
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Attach the Back
Attach the Back to the Top using 1 1/4" pocket-hole screws. If you’re using hardwood, such as oak, use fine-thread screws. Use coarse-thread screws for softwoods like pine.
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Attach the Front
Before you attach the front, check the width of your sofa or chair arm. You should subtract 1/2" or so in order to make sure the table will slide over and fit snugly. Once you’ve determined where to position the Front, attach it using 1 1/4" pocket-hole screws.
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Sand then Stain
After assembly, sand the table as needed, and then apply stain or finish to give it the look you want.