Build a Coffee Table with a Faux Marble Top

DIY Furniture Plans For An Easy to Build Coffee Table

This is the coffee table I’m building for our “sitting room” (as it is now called). The coffee table I had before – a Mid-Century Modern style built using maple plywood – was ruined when the tree fell on the house and we will eventually need a new one. Though I haven’t actually built this one yet, it is on the list of things to build as soon as I have drywall on the walls and flooring installed! The DIY furniture plans to build a coffee table with a faux marble top feature slatted sides and, yep, a faux marble top created with adhesive paper in a beautiful black and white marble pattern.

 

This coffee table with a faux marble top can be constructed with pocket hole screws or regular screws, whichever seems easiest, and the table can be constructed in a weekend!

Another Project using Faux Materials:

• Faux Metal End Table

 

Materials:

• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws (or 3″ screws) (<– affiliate link!)
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• 1″ angle brackets (for attaching the top to the frame) (<– affiliate link!)
• Sandpaper (100 grit, 150 grit, 220 grit)
• Wood glue
• Finishing Supplies
• Self adhesive paper in a marble pattern (or other pattern) (<– affiliate link!)

Lumber:

• 1 – 2×2 at 8′
• 4 – 2×3 (or 2×4 ripped to 2-1/2″ wide on a table saw)
• 3 – 3/4″ square dowels at 3′
• 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×2 at 17-1/4″ – Legs
• 4 – 2×3 at 19″ – Leg Rails
• 3 – 2×3 at 43″ – Side Rails & Lower Stretcher
• 3 – 2×3 at 19″ – Top Supports
• 6 – 3/4″ square dowels at 17-1/4″ – Dowels

Notes about the project:

All safety precautions should be in place and safety gear worn during construction. If you are unsure of using any tool, consult a professional. Remember – SAFETY FIRST!

The base is assembled and finished before attaching the top. The marble adhesive paper is optional – the top can be painted, stained, or finished however desired.

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs and the leg rails. The channels will be cut in the leg rails using a router and a 3/4″ straight bit. The channels can also be omitted, and the dowels mounted to the side rails directly using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

If using pocket holes:

Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the leg rail pieces (on the opposite side of the channels). Secure the rails to the legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

If using 3″ screws:

Drill countersunk holes at the outside top of each 2×2 leg. Secure the legs to the rails using glue and 3″ screws.

 

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the dowels. Secure the dowels inside the channels using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails. If channels were not cut, the dowels can be secured to the rails using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the side rails and lower stretcher.

If using pocket holes:

Drill pocket holes in each end of each piece. Secure the side rails to the legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Secure the lower stretcher to the center bottom of the leg assembly using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

If using 3″ screws:

Drill countersunk holes in the outside upper portion of the legs. Secure the side rails using glue and 3″ screws. Drill countersunk holes in the center bottom of the leg assembly. Secure the lower stretcher using glue and 3″ screws.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the top supports.

If using pocket holes:

Drill pocket holes in each end of each piece. Secure the top supports to the side rails using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

If using 3″ screws:

Drill countersunk holes in the outside of the side rails. Secure the top supports to the side rails using glue and 3″ screws.

Finish the base as desired.

Step Five

The piece for the top will not have to be cut, but will use the entire 2′ x 4′ piece as is. Cover the plywood piece with the adhesive paper, following the manufacturer’s instructions, then secure the top to the base frame using 1″ angle brackets. The top will overhang by 1″ on all sides.

Photos of the finished coffee table coming soon!

Have any questions about DIY furniture plans to build a coffee table with a faux marble top? Leave a comment below!