A Catalog Inspired End Table with a Classic Look
If I have enough room in what will become our new living room (or sitting room, if you will), I am definitely building this piece! The DIY furniture plans to build a Metropolitan End Table (inspired by Pottery Barn) features a rectangular top with tapered legs and two shelves. The end table is so incredibly easy to build using countersunk screws, and as an added accent, trim can be secured to the apron under the top.
Materials:
- 1-1/4″ screws (<– affiliate link!)
- 1-1/2″ brad nails
- Edge banding (<– affiliate link!)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
- Finishing supplies (stain & sealer or primer & paint)
Lumber:
- 1 – 1×2 at 8′
- 2 – 1×3 at 6′
- 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood
Cut List:
- 4 – 1×3 at 24-1/4″ – Legs
- 2 – 1×2 at 15-1/2″ – End Aprons
- 2 – 1×2 at 20-1/2″ – Side Aprons
- 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 15-1/2″ x 15-1/2″ – Shelves
- 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 18-1/2″ x 22″ – Top
Notes about the project:
Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood prior to assembly.
Step One
Cut the pieces for the legs, as shown in the drawing. The taper can be cut using a tapering jig on a table saw (<– great read!) or by using a jigsaw.
Step Two
Cut the pieces for the end aprons. Secure the end aprons to the tapered side edges of the legs using glue and countersunk 1-1/4″ screws.
Step Three
Cut the pieces for the side aprons. Secure the side aprons to the flat faces of the legs (covering the ends of the end aprons) using glue and countersunk 1-1/4″ screws.
Step Four
Cut the pieces for the shelves and cut the notches using a jigsaw. Secure the shelves to the legs using glue and countersunk 1-1/4″ screws through the flat faces of the legs into the shelves.
Step Five
Cut the piece for the top. Secure the top to the aprons using glue and 1-1/2″ brad nails. The top will overhang the aprons by 3/4″ on all sides.
Finish as desired.
This end table can be finished in a variety of ways to match any decor, and is the perfect weekend project! Have any questions about the DIY furniture plans to build a Metropolitan End Table? Leave a comment below!