DIY Furniture Plans to Build a Messner Coffee Table

A Quick and Easy Coffee Table to Build

This coffee table is a super-easy build… The DIY furniture plans to build a Messner coffee table feature a roomy top, chunky legs that have decorative tapers at the bottom, and a slatted shelf. This table is an excellent first project and can be finished in a variety of ways!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<-affiliate link!)
• 2″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Wood glue (<-affiliate link!)
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits) (<-affiliate link!)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 5 – 1×2 at 8′
• 2 – 1×3 at 8′
• 2 – 1×4 at 6′
• 1 – 4×4 post at 8′
• 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 4×4 posts at 17-1/4″ – Legs
• 2 – 1×3 at 15″ – Upper Side Stretchers
• 2 – 1×4 at 15″ – Lower Side Stretchers
• 2 – 1×3 at 38″ – Upper Stretchers
• 2 – 1×4 at 38″ – Upper Stretchers
• 2 – 1×3 at 19-1/2″ – Top Supports
• 17 – 1×2 at 15″ – Shelf Slats
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 20-1/2″ x 43-1/2″ – Top Panel
• 2 – 1×2 at 20-1/2″ – Top End Trim
• 2 – 1×2 at 46-1/2″ – Top Side Trim

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs. Each leg has a decorative beveled bottom. I demonstrate how to cut these bevels in this tutorial on how to cut posts for a deck. It is easiest to cut them on a miter saw but a jigsaw or a bandsaw can also be used. Mark the legs at 1″ in from the sides, and 4″ up from the bottom, then cut the tapers.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the side stretchers. With the pocket hole jig set for 3/4″ material, drill pocket holes in each end of each piece. Secure the stretchers to the legs as shown using glue and 2″ pocket hole screws. The upper side stretchers will be located 1/2″ back from the outside face of the legs.

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the legs using glue and 2″ pocket hole screws. The upper stretchers will be located 1/2″ back from the outside face of the legs.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the top supports and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the supports to the upper stretchers using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the slats and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure the slats to the lower stretchers using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The spacing between the slats will be 3/4″, and the first slat will be spaced 1/4″ from the lower side stretcher.

Step Six

Cut the pieces for the top panel and top trim. Drill pocket holes in all four edges of the top as well as each end of the shorter trim pieces. Assemble the top as shown. Use a router and a decorative bit to cut a nice edge along the outside of the top.

Position the top on the leg frame so that it overhangs by 3/4″ on all sides. Secure the top to the frame and legs using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Finish as desired.

Like this plan? Here are a couple more coffee table plans to consider:

• A Super Easy Coffee Table
• Trunk-Style Coffee Table

The style of this table will fit into any decor and if finished properly, would look great outside on the deck or a patio! Have any questions about the DIY furniture plans to build a Messner coffee table? Leave a comment below or contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2014-08-04 08:00:34.