Plans to Build an Alex End Table

An Easy to Build End Table with Storage

The table only looks complicated… If you can cut an angle, you can build it! The plans to build an Alex end table are really easy, I promise! Featuring an X base, a roomy top, and a drawer (for hiding snacks!), this table would look great in any decor!

Materials:

• 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• 1-1/4″ screws
• Edge banding (<– affiliate link!)
• 1 set of 18″ drawer slides (<– affiliate link!)
• 1 cabinet pull
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Lumber:

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

Cut List:

• 2 – 2×2 at 29-5/16″ – X Base
• 4 – 2×2 at 13-15/16″ – X Base
• 2 – 2×2 at 17-13/16″ – X Base
• 1 – 2×2 at 17-3/4″ – Lower Support
• 2 – 1×2 at 17-3/4″ – Upper Supports
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 20-3/4″ x 22-1/4″ – Bottom & Top
• 3 – 3/4″ plywood at 5-3/4″ x 20-3/4″ – Sides & Back
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 16-1/2″ x 18-1/4″ – Drawer Box Bottom
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 4″ x 16-1/2″ – Drawer Box Sides
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 4″ x 19-3/4″ – Drawer Box Front & Back
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 5-1/2″ x 20-1/2″ – Drawer Front

 

Click on the drawings for a larger view!

Step One

Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood prior to assembly.

Cut the pieces for the X base. All of the angles are cut at 46° unless notes otherwise (one end of each of the shorter base frame pieces will be cut at 2°) – see the drawing. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material. Drill pocket holes in one end of the shorter pieces (the 2° end) and in each end of the horizontal framing piece (shown in green) – the pocket holes for this piece are not shown in the drawing but will be drilled in each end along the angle. Assemble each X frame as shown using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Two

Cut the pieces for the supports. These pieces will actually connect each X together to form the base. Drill pocket holes in each end of the 2×2 piece. Reset the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the 1×2 pieces. Secure the 2×2 piece to the X assemblies where they cross using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Secure the 1×2 pieces at the top using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Three

Cut the piece for the bottom. Position on the X base, then secure using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the sides and back. Drill pocket holes along the lower edge of each piece, as well as the side edges of the back piece. Secure the side pieces to the bottom using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws. Secure the back piece to the bottom and sides using glue and 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

Step Five

Cut the piece for the top. Secure to the sides and back using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Step Six

Cut the pieces for the drawer boxes. Drill pocket holes in all four edges of the bottom as well as each end of the sides. Assemble the drawer box as shown using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. Install the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, locating them ¾” back from the front edge of the sides. For an easy tutorial, see my post on how to install drawer slides. Make any necessary adjustments.

Step Seven

Cut the pieces for the drawer front. Mark the position for the cabinet pull and drill the holes. Shim the drawer front in the opening – there will be a 1/8” gap around all sides – then drive screws through the holes for the drawer pulls into the drawer box. Open the drawer, and secure the drawer front using countersunk 1-1/4” screws from the inside. Remove the screws from the holes for the drawer pull then finish drilling the holes. Install the drawer pull. To make things easier, see this post on installing drawer fronts.

Finish as desired.

This table would be fabulous as a pair in a living room or as nightstands in a bedroom. Maybe with one finish for the base frame and another finish for the drawer cabinet? Awesome! Have any questions about the plans to build an Alex end table? Contact me at cher {at} designsbystudioc {dot} com!

Originally posted 2014-04-24 08:00:55.