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Rolling C End Table or Sofa Table

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This simple little C table makes a modern nightstand or a quick snack table. Rolls under the couch to put a laptop in your lap.

This is a free project plan to build your own C table with step by step diagrams, shopping and cut list from Ana-White.com

free plans c table
Dimensions
c table plan diagram
Dimensions shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1 – 1×12, 6 feet long 
  • 1 – 1×6, 2 feet long 
  • 1 – 1×2, 6 feet long
  • 4 – 1 1/2″ caster wheels (wheel diameter is 1 1/2″)
  • 2″ wood screws OR 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws for pocket holes
  • wood glue
  • paint and primer
  • 120 grit sandpaper
  • wood filler
Cut List
  • 2 – 1×12 @ 20″ (Top and Bottom)
  • 1 – 1×12 @ 21″ (Back)
  • 1 – 1×6 @ 21″ (Center)
  • 2 – 1×2 @ 20″ (Side Footer)
  • 2 – 1×2 @ 10″ (End Footer)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Level
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

Box

After you have cut all your boards, predrill either pocket holes or countersinking holes and build the box as shown above. Keep outside edges flush. Use glue.

Step 2

Center

Now measure at the top, middle, and bottom as shown in the diagram and mark. Position 1×6 and screw through predrilled holes to secure in place. Use glue

Step 3

Footer

The footer on this one is purely decorative. You can use finish nails or screws, and glue. Attach to the bottom.

Step 4

Footer Ends

Attach the footer ends to the bottom and the side footer. You may not be able to reach a direct screw into the back footer – don’t worry. This piece is purely decorative, and glue and screws to the side footer will be plenty.

Step 5

Finishing Instructions
Finish Used
I finished my table by applying a coat of wood filler (been using Elmer’s with great success). Let that dry completely, then went over it with another coat. I also filled any imperfections, as I wanted a super smooth look. Then I sanded with 120 grit sandpaper, paying special attention to the edges. Very important to clean your work space with a vacuum and wipe clean your project to remove any sawdust. Then I primed and added two coats of oooops paint (Valspar premium satin). Done!
Project Type
Side and End Table Plans
Room
living room
Style
Modern Style Furniture Plans

Comments

keri (not verified)

Tue, 11/09/2010 - 19:30

ahhhhh!!! cb2 inspired much? i had drawn this up and measured it based off of cb2's to make it myself....now you made my life even easier!!
muah!

Stacy (not verified)

Tue, 11/09/2010 - 19:36

Anxious to see your "other" project in the works - my husband and I are trying to that very thing!

Nice table though - cute and functional!!

Theresa (not verified)

Tue, 11/09/2010 - 20:09

I love this. I need a day off to make this. Thank you for this one Ana. Maybe I like it because my scooter was my favorite toy...

Jim Reeves (not verified)

Tue, 11/09/2010 - 21:10

Very nice anna, great project was wondering, would it be difficult to make a thin sliding drawer even 2-3 deep for remote, pen note pad etc when using laptop just curious if possible how would l need to design it then add to C table?

jim Ontario, Canada

Sharon Lambirth (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 01:25

I look at your plans and always think how to modify it to what I can use. Now that my bed is on risers, I am thinking that these will make awesome nightstands that can also be used as a tray table for soup-in-bed-sick-days or whatever! A perfect solution for my too-short nightstands that I have now. And a sneaky way to keep down the clutter on Hubby's side of the bed! Heehee! THANKS Ana!

Rachelle (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 02:41

OK! Love the table, slick little idea. But, YOU built that couch, didn't you? Such a teaser--I hope we get to hear about the rest of that project soon!

Rachelle (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 02:42

+And by the way, love the 'you can build this room' feature. It's really nice to see finished projects in finished rooms. So inspiring.

cathy (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 02:58

Oh you tease! You designed us an upholstered sofa? loveseat? chair? All of the above?? Can't wait to see the plans!

Robin (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 03:30

OH MAN!!! I cannot wait to build this!!!! Thanks, again, Ana for coming through with another amazing plan.

Kate (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 04:22

I must say, I was interested in the side table, but now that you hint to use about the couch... I can't WAIT to see that finished!

Amy K (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 05:31

This is PERFECT for this stupid laptop my husband has permanently sitting on one of the end tables! I love it...as usual! Thanks for the continued inspiration!

Anna (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 07:00

I knew it!!! I've been thinking.. pretty soon she will try her hand at seating for indoor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are buying a house this spring.. am I more excited for the house or the fact I plan on building everything for it room by room!!!! Everytime I am tempted to "pick up" storage at Target for toys or books ect. I visit your site for a better more quality DIY project!!!

aklenox (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 07:32

Love it! Once again you have made something that looks complicated into such simple plans.

We have a large sectional in our family room and I desperately need to get rid of the coffee table which is not kid friendly. I figure I can make one for each section and they can be moved around as needed.

Thanks!

Lisa (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 08:07

OMG - I cannot wait for "the other DIY" in the photo!! I have exhausted Google looking for some decent DIY plans for that, and I just started to give up.

Alejandra (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 11:20

Am I right to assume you made that couch and you're going to tell us how to make it!?!?!?!? That would be a dream come true!!!! Couches are SOOOO expensive and we don't have one yet! Haha!

mickelle (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 11:26

Yup. We're ALL dying for the couch plans. It sure would be nice to build it for a family Christmas present. (Okay, maybe a Momma Christmas present. But still. Dying.)

lianatempera (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 11:29

That is wonderful! It might just be perfect for my house...We don't have a lot of room for end tables, but we need some.
I can't wait to see the sofa plans! (I DESPERATELY need a new one--my husband broke ours--it had stupid legs that not only spun around and around, but were also angled on one side so when they spun, they also tilted off the base of the leg).

Peggy (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 11:33

I always felt sheepish (though I used a bunny!) when I stuffed a couch cushion with my abandoned stuffed animals. And yeah, the couch is amazing! You are a star! in the world of homemaking! Thanks for your generosity in sharing your good works!

HammerTime (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 11:39

Wow! I love this! This is going on my "to build" list for sure. Can't wait to see the couch! I was going to make a daybed but I'll hold out to see the couch plans first.

Heather (not verified)

Wed, 11/10/2010 - 13:28

Add me to the list of people drooling over the couch. I see no reason to stain the legs - we can imagine them. We just want the plans! (maybe I'm a tad impatient LOL)

Markus (not verified)

Thu, 11/11/2010 - 02:31

This is a great design. I've been pricing the heavy duty metal ones online and this looks much nicer! Do pocket holes work on MDF? I've tried it on .5" with glue and patience had bad results so I'm a little hesitant to use the 1" thick variety. Coarse or fine thread screws? At any rate, I'll be building a couple.

Ana White (not verified)

Thu, 11/11/2010 - 07:22

Lindsay, the 1x12 is going to be about 8 to 10 dollars, the 1x6 about 3 dollars, the wheels (if you find the cheap ones in packs of two) about 4 dollars together, 2.50 for oops paint, some screws . . . under $20. Build two and you can probably do both for under $30. Good luck, we love this little table!

Kelly (not verified)

Thu, 11/11/2010 - 08:31

Looks great! How high off the ground is the base? I want to make sure my couch isn't sitting too low for it to roll underneath.

Lynn (not verified)

Fri, 11/12/2010 - 01:45

I love your whole site and have been looking for plans like these. I can't wait for the sofa plan. I have been trying to figure out how to get rid of the monstrosity I have now and make something more sleek and comfy! Would be great for gift projects too! Can't wait to make your plans and share photos!

Tanya Preston (not verified)

Fri, 11/12/2010 - 14:13

Love it! Please.....can we have the couch plans right away? I am desperate for a new couch but I can't stand the prices and this looks awesome!!! I would love to build it before Christmas:)

Rochelle (not verified)

Thu, 11/18/2010 - 12:23

I can't tell you how excited I am about this project! Our couch is too big for our space so we have no room for any end tables and our huge ottoman is in the place of a coffee table. Didn't plan well, did I? Well, we are just renting. Anyway, I've been wanting an end table so that drinks weren't accidentally spilled anymore. I have the perfect spot to roll this to when not in use but someone wants to sit there. Now, if only I could have made that couch before buying the one we have life would've been a lot simpler! Thanks!

Josie (not verified)

Fri, 12/10/2010 - 05:35

I love your site and your ideas! Great job!
I am going to try and make this for my bed and see if I can add hinges so that I can fold it and tuck it under the bed when I am not using it. Will let you know how it goes!

AJ (not verified)

Tue, 03/06/2012 - 07:55

Hi Ana,
First I love your blog and your hard work is appreciated.

I really wanna do this as my first project, but I'm very very beginner at this so I have a few questions that may be stupid.

I'd like to adjust the size of this to make it fit my laptop & a mouse, probably 2'x2'. Do I need to make the center piece larger too or will a 1x6 work still?

And where do the screws go? On the main part, I guess from the top into the back piece right? What about the center piece? And how many screws did you use on each part to secure it? I know, I'm clueless!

Celestina (not verified)

Mon, 04/16/2012 - 14:40

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for.
I saw it around a year ago and forgot to bookmark. Now I spent the last few days searching the net for that awesome endtable.
I'm very glad I found it again and will start building it tomorrow.

DIY Dork Kevin (not verified)

Mon, 06/18/2012 - 17:16

Love this design! Ever since college, I've had a fascination with plywood & casters. And since I've been getting CB2 catalogs... my mind's been spinning with ideas. This one is definitely going on the "to do" list. :)

MAB2012 (not verified)

Sun, 06/24/2012 - 14:39

This is awesome! I can't wait to try making one for me. Just one question--where do you pre-drill the holes for the screws to attach the pieces? I'm assuming in the back piece, but I'm new to this and want to me sure! Thanks!

hoonay

Fri, 04/01/2016 - 18:36

Admittedly, it LOOKS like my first build but I feel SO victorious here, I know it won't be my last.  I'm a little obsessed with plywood, so that's what I used for mine.   THANK YOU for your site.  I have dozens of projects saved from here and now that I've purchased a small arsenal of power tools (and a kreg jig), I can finally start living the dream.  

Jess carpenter

Sat, 06/04/2016 - 04:19

I would lile to modify this table to match your famous X tables. 

I need a wedge side table and would like to keep the theme of the Xs. I can do the wedge but having trouble figuring out how to make the x in the center. My thought is, if i build the box with of space left over on the ends then I can just build and X on the end...can someone help me out? (If you can understand what Im talking about lol) 

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!