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Rustic X Coffee Table

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Intermediate
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You can build a beautiful coffee table out of lumber!  For about $50 in materials, this solid wood coffee table with it's X detailing could be yours.  Our free plans include step by step diagrams, shopping lists and cut list - everything you need to get started.

Also in this collection: Rustic X Console Table, Rustic X End Table, and Rustic X Bench Plans

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Rustic X Collection
rustic x coffee table plans
rustic x coffee table plans
rustic x coffee table plans
rustic x coffee table plans
rustic x coffee table plans

Beginner Friendly Option

With the popularity of this plan, we have created a Beginner Friendly plan that is very similar.  It uses less tools and the overall cost is under $40.

farmhouse coffee table

The beginner plan is slightly smaller and has a slatted bottom shelf.  You can find the plans here.

 

 

Rustic X Coffee Table Plans

Remember a bit back when Hillary  from The Friendly Home built this amazing Rustic X Console Table from 2x4s? 

We've had so much interest from readers, we thought we'd add a coffee table plan to the collection.  

This coffee table is so gorgeous, it's hard to believe it's made from standard off the shelf lumber!

I ENCOURAGE you to stop over and visit Hillary and read about how she battled a wild fire to build this coffee table!  

PS - Hillary is also sharing her finishing tutorial.
 

Pin For Later! 

Rustic X Coffee Table

Dimensions
rustic x coffee table dimensions
Dimensions are shown above

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 2 – 2x4 – 8 feet or stud length
  • 4 – 2x2 – 8 feet
  • 1 – 1x12 – 8 feet long
  • 5 – 2x6 – stud length
  • 1 ¼” and 2 ½” Pocket Hole screws
Cut List
  • 4 – 2x4 @ 16 ½” (legs)
  • 4 – 2x2 @ 41” (side trim)
  • 4 – 2x4 @ 22 ½” (end trim)
  • 2 – 1x12 @ 41” (bottom shelf)
  • 2 – 2x2 @ 22 ½” (both ends cut at 60 degrees off square, long point to short point, ends are parallel)
  • 4 – 2x2 @ 11 ¼” (long point to short point, one end cut at 60 degrees off square, other end cut at 30 degrees off square, ends are not parallel but are cut in same direction)
  • 5 – 2x6 @ 52” (tabletop boards)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

First build the two side trim pieces.

Step 2

Then connect together. Hide top pocket holes on top, bottom pocket holes on bottom. NOTE: This plan is sized for 1x12 boards measuring 11 1/4" wide - measure your 1x12 boards, double that number, and cut your side trim to fit - see next step.

Step 3

Build your bottom shelf with 3/4" PHs/1 1/4" PH screws down center. Then drill 3/4" PHs around all outside edges and attach to the bottom shelf.

Step 4

Now attach cut and build the X braces. Attach in place. These are mostly decorative, so don't stress about getting them super screwed in place. Some good glue and screws will do the trick.

Step 5

For the top, we recommend building the entire top with 1-1/2" pocket holes and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws on a flat level surface.

Then attached the completed top to the base.
 

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Project Type
Coffee Tables
Room
living room
Style
Farmhouse Furniture
Rustic Furniture Plans

Comments

dmcarwin

Mon, 07/09/2012 - 11:13

Ana everything you do with this site is perfect! It is a happy moment in my day when I check to see what cool new thing Ana has that I might someday build! Keep up the great work! And I LOVE LOVE LOVE this table, thanks again for another amazing plan!

brookifer86

Mon, 07/09/2012 - 11:59

You just keep doing it! Every time I build a coffee table, you post plans for ANOTHER one I want to build! Love this. It's absolutely fantastic, and I just have to build it and find a friend who needs one ;)

zookeeperjay

Mon, 07/09/2012 - 16:30

Love love! The providence bench was beautiful and I can't wait to get this started! Maybe in a great aqua or bright sky blue. Thanks for the site and all of the encouragement Ana! Blessings. Warmly Jay. ;o)

I Rub

Wed, 07/11/2012 - 17:37

Great table !!!
When you drill to attach the tablet top to the base, do you drill from above and fill the holes in the table to with wood filler ?

MamaHowell09 (not verified)

Thu, 07/12/2012 - 10:29

CAN'T WAIT for the end table plans!!!!! This plan is so so beautiful!!!

Cheryl Lowery (not verified)

Fri, 07/27/2012 - 06:58

Hi Chris,
Check out the link at the top for Hillary, she as step by step instructions on the oxidizing process she uses to get that awesome grayish color. I can't wait to make this!!
Cheryl

Cheryl Lowery (not verified)

Fri, 07/27/2012 - 07:04

Chris, you should check out the link at the top of the page for Hillary. She has step by step instuctions for the process she uses to make the wood that beautiful grayish color. Check it out!

Meagan84

Thu, 08/09/2012 - 15:10

I just finished building this table this morning! It is awesome but I still need to sand and finish it. I will submit a brag post later when finished (if my oxidizing finish turns out as good as Hillary's). The only thing that happened to me though was I needed 3-2x2's not just 2. I didn't see any way to cut the 2 that I had to be able to make the side aprons and the x braces. Maybe it was just me and my inexperience though. Either way, I'm very happy with my new table! Thanks Ana and Hillary!

Meagan (not verified)

Fri, 08/17/2012 - 11:38

Hi Hillary. I submitted a brag post. I don't know why it's not showing up here, but it is on Ana's homepage. I'm really happy with the results, but if I could go back I would have sealed it with poly instead of wax. While I love the feel and subtle sheen of the wax, it is not holding up well against the kids. It's only been a few days and it is scratched from my little ponies and matchbox cars. It won't be long before I haul it back out to the garage and reseal it. :( we live and learn though, right?!

Autum (not verified)

Thu, 09/06/2012 - 14:01

Hi. I am in the process of building this table. I have a question about the placement of the pocket holes for joining the top pieces. Lets call the top boards piece A,B,C,D and E. When joining A to B then B to C and so forth, do you recommend drilling all the pocket holes in board A with the screws going into board B or would it be better to alternate, drilling every other hole in A, with screws going into B, and the alternating holes would be drilled into B with screws going into A.
I hope this question makes sense. It sounds complicated but I have no idea how to word it more simply.

Thank you so much Ana and Hillary for the amazing plans and beautiful example. I am so excited to get this built. It will be a house warming gift for my best friend's son.

Hillary (not verified)

Sun, 09/23/2012 - 11:36

Hi, Autum. I just go one way. So drill into one edge of each board except the last one, and then join A to B, B to C, C to D, etc. The joints are really strong, especially with glue between the boards. No need to complicate it. :)

Natalie Spear (not verified)

Sun, 09/23/2012 - 14:19

My husband and i are getting ready to make this - can't wait!!!! Thank you for all your plans - and even more for making them free!!! Its wonderful to be able to afford beautiful pieces!

WTG (not verified)

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 16:56

If you are building this, be sure to purchase three (3) 2x2's by 8-ft long as the material list above is not sufficient. Also, if you are wanting to put baskets on the bottom shelf, be sure to measure the height of the baskets prior to cutting the legs - you may also want to modify the height of the legs or space between the bottom shelf and top support to allow enough space.

KevinPelo (not verified)

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 10:55

My wife and I really want to build this table. However, I am confused about something... The tools list says that you'll need a countersink drill bit, but nowhere in the building instructions does it say anything about countersinking screws. According to the plans, all of the wood is joined with pocket holes and screws using the Kreg Jig.

Do I need a countersink drill bit?

orangesugar

Mon, 11/26/2012 - 15:51

Where does everyone buy their 2x4's? Do you just use the dimensional lumber from orange or blue? It's usually pretty rough and dinged up. Can you buy better quality 2x4's somewhere?

billy (not verified)

Fri, 11/30/2012 - 19:48

how is the bottom shelf held up????

Chris Hluchyj (not verified)

Sun, 12/02/2012 - 15:42

Where was the hardware bought from?

Ben E. (not verified)

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 12:29

I like the design, made one for myself.
http://www.midsouthmakers.org/2012/12/diy-rustic-x-c…eekend-project/

This is what I purchased to cut down on waste.

SHOPPING LIST:
3 – 2x4 – 8 feet or stud length ripped excess boards down to 2x2's on the table saw.
1 – 1x12 – 8 feet long
2 – 2x6 – 10 feet
1 - 2x6 - 8 feet
1 ¼” and 2 ½” PH screws

jwarner (not verified)

Fri, 12/14/2012 - 10:19

I was looking at the diagram, and the X is attached at the top and bottom, but when it was made it was attached to the sides. Shouldn't the cut list be different if it is attached to the sides? Or is this just Hillary's version? Looks good either way, just curious.

jwarner (not verified)

Fri, 12/14/2012 - 10:20

I was looking at the diagram, and the X is attached at the top and bottom, but when it was made it was attached to the sides. Shouldn't the cut list be different if it is attached to the sides? Or is this just Hillary's version? Looks good either way, just curious.

Chad (not verified)

Sun, 12/16/2012 - 18:45

I have a silly question: is the X strictly necessary? I'd prefer to have both ends open. Would I need to reinforce it some other way?

Carina Vause (not verified)

Mon, 01/14/2013 - 14:25

Please excuse the simple nature of my questions. I have never done a woodworking project and hope to make this my first.

1) How many PH's per board to attach each of the top boards and shelf boards to one another?

2) When you attach the bottom shelf I assume you flip it over and attach them from the bottom with PHs. What holds the board in place while you are trying to screw it upside down. Seems ackward the way I am visualizing it, but I'm sure there is a way that you experience people know of.

Thanks so much!

JessicaB (not verified)

Mon, 01/14/2013 - 21:11

Hi Ana! I'm obsessed with your site and am now convinced (and confident!) to build my own coffee table. I live in a small one bedroom in manhattan. I was hoping not to purchase a saw as this is 1) expensive and 2) takes up much needed storage! Do you think I would get by if I just had home depot cut the wood to the specified sizes? If not, is there a compact, affordable and safe saw that you would recommend? Thank you so much!

Hillary @ The … (not verified)

Mon, 01/14/2013 - 21:57

Hey, Jessica! I doubt that you can get someone at Home Depot to make these cuts...unless you make good friends with one of the employees! Too many cuts for this and too much precision required. Plus, I've heard from Daniel at Manhattan Nest that the HDs in your city are pretty crappy with their cuts. A shop teacher from a local high school might be willing to make the cuts for you, for a small fee.

Any small miter saw will do most of what you need for Ana's plans and miter saws are the safest and easiest to use of all the saws out there, I think. Pawn shops and Craigslist are great resources for inexpensive ones -- you don't need a brand new one, though you might want to invest in a new blade. Or get yourself a nice handsaw and a miter box.

Good luck!

Yanira (not verified)

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 21:17

What are the dark L shape things on the corners? Is that purely decorative? Thank you for all the contributions everyone makes to this site. I'm so glad I came across it. You all have inspired me to start building furniture. This will be my first project. Looking forward to some daddy and me time. :)

MyKidRides

Sun, 02/03/2013 - 22:01

This was the first thing I built from your blog. I simply could not find anything in the stores that fit my style, that and I hate buying anything when I could build it myself. I had a lot of fun with this and it was great being able to get back into woodworking after so many years of metal fabrication. Wood is so much warmer. Thank you for the plans. I'll post a picture soon.

cnads

Sat, 04/13/2013 - 10:48

Thanks for the plans!

I have been working on building this. The only problem is that I just could not find enough 2x6es that are completely straight. Any tips for dealing with bent wood?

cnads

Sat, 04/13/2013 - 10:48

Thanks for the plans!

I have been working on building this. The only problem is that I just could not find enough 2x6es that are completely straight. Any tips for dealing with bent wood?

jbayer80

Wed, 04/24/2013 - 04:59

I'm sure you don't need this anymore but when I ran into this problem, I found the below link and it worked. I think it took about 2/3 days and was not perfect but was very improved. I seem to run into this problem with 2x2's from Lowes. I went to the mom and pop lumber yard yesterday and just about passed out when I was told the total to make this table. I will not be going back there for anything except 2x2's because everyone they had was perfect.

Good luck!

http://www.ehow.com/how_2078078_repair-warped-wood.html

jbayer80

Wed, 04/24/2013 - 04:54

How did everyone make the 60 degree cut? My miter saw does not go that far. I know I can "eye", cut and test until I get it to fit but was wondering if someone on here had a easier way to make the X's.

P.S. so far this is crazy easy to build. I hate to say that having to still cut the X's. NOTE: You WILL need 3 2x2's to make this.

Lady Goats

Wed, 04/24/2013 - 09:25

I think what people are doing is placing the boards against the wood at the angles they'll go, scribing with a pencil and then angling the wood/blade to match the cut. I saw one blogger do it that way, anyhow. What I have done to get a cut that excels my miter saw's angles is to place my board at a 90 to the blade (needed two people to do this - couldn't support the board and make the cut - but I was also doing a 6' long board so you may be able to get away with this) and then do the math to get it to the proper angle. Ok, I make no sense. In this case, if you put the board at a 90 to the saw, you would set your miter saw at 30 degrees. Depending on your saw and the board you're cutting, this may not be safe. Another option would be to use a protractor to mark the 60 degree cut and cut it with a circular saw.

mainman38

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 22:04

Can someone point me in the right direction where to get the decorative bolts and the corner brackets in black or any decorative type of color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!