Magazine Rack End Table Plans

Build a Sonoma Reading Table

This is really a gorgeous end table! These all-in-one magazine rack end table plans will serve several purposes – organize magazines, provide a place for a lamp or a drink (on a coaster!), and look ultra stylish and sophisticated in your space! The plans do involve cutting a few angles but it is no problem following my simple method!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• Edge banding, if desired
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grit)
• Wood filler
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

• 2 – 1×2 at 6′
• 2 – 2×2 at 6′
• 1 – 2′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood (PureBond plywood would be perfect for this project!)

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×2 at 21-1/2″ – Front Legs
• 2 – 2×2 at 29-1/4″ – Back Legs
• 2 – 2×2 at 8″ – Side Frame
• 2 – 2×2 at 10-1/8″ – Side Frame
• 2 – 1×2 at 13″ – Side Frame
• 2 – 1×2 at 12″ – Stretchers
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 12″ x 13″ – Lower Shelf
• 2 – 1×2 at 8-3/16″ – X Frame
• 2 – 1×2 at 9-13/16″ – X Frame
• 2 – 1×2 at 19-3/8″ – X Frame
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 10-1/2″ x 12″ – Upper Shelf
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 9-3/4″ x 12″ – Upper Shelf
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 10-1/2″ x 16″ – Top

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Notes:

There are no degrees listed for cutting the angles of the X pieces. I have an easier method that I find works well for projects like this – I mark a line on the board at the dimension shown for the angle, then draw a diagonal line from the end of the board to the end of the marked line, cut along that line and trim, if necessary. I find it makes the angles more accurate with less waste!

Finishing will be a lot easier if the pieces are sanded before assembly. Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood before assembly.

Step One

Cut the 2×2 pieces for the side frames. For the angled pieces, cut the angles first, then cut the pieces to length. With the pocket hole jig set for 1-1/2″ material, drill pocket holes in the pieces as shown. Assemble the side frames as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Cut the 1×2 pieces for the side frames. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the legs as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The inside face of the pieces will be flush with the inside face of the side frames.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Secure to the legs as shown using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The inside face of the pieces will be flush with the inside face of the side frames.

Step Three

Cut the piece for the lower shelf and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Attach to the 1×2 pieces on the side frames as well as the stretchers using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. The top face of the shelf will be flush with the top edge of the 1×2 pieces.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the Xs following the dimensions on the drawing. Cut the angles as indicated in the notes. Drill pocket holes in the pieces as shown, then assemble using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the upper shelf. Using the longer piece first, position it on the X as shown. Secure using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails through the X into the shelf. Position the second piece on the X and the first shelf piece, then secure using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Six

Cut the piece for the top. The top will overlap the sides and the back by 1/2″. Secure in place using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Finish as desired!

The magazine rack end table plans are very easy to follow so this should be a quick build but certainly not short on style! If you have any questions or get stuck on any part of the plan, contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2013-10-25 08:00:54.