Nesting side tables with cute cottage charm for your living room! DIY plans to build these nesting end tables inspired by Pottery Barn Pratt Nesting Side Tables.
Do you ever get excited when you see a new plan, excited to see photos and read how the project is put together? Yeah?
Preparation
SMALL TABLE
2 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
1 – 2x4 @ 4 feet long
1 – 1x4 @ 8 feet long
1 – stick 5/8” cove base moulding @ 6 feet long
LARGE TABLE
1 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
1 – 2x4 @ 8 feet or stud length
1 – 1x4 @ 10 feet long (if you are building small table, you can buy an 8 footer and use scraps from small table)
1 – stick 5/8” cove base moulding @ 6 feet long
1 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long
FOR BOTH
2” screws
1 ¼” finish nails
SMALL TABLE
4 – 2x2 @ 20”
2 – 2x4 @ 12”
2 – 2x4 @ 11”
4 – 1x4 @ 15”
5/8” cove moulding cut to fit4 – 2x2 @ 24 3/4”
LARGE TABLE
2 – 2x4 @ 17”
3 – 2x4 @ 14 1/2”
5 – 1x4 @ 20”
5/8” cove moulding cut to fit
6 – 1x2 @ 7” (Longest point to longest point, both ends cut at 45 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel)
2 – 1x2 @ 14 ½”
1 – 1x2 @ 17”
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
Attach legs to aprons to create two leg sets.
Step 2
Then attach the remaining aprons to the leg sets to create a table! How easy is this???
Step 3
Add planking to the top for a rustic look. Go ahead, ding up the top with a hammer - it'll just add to the handmade vintage rustic appeal.
Step 4
This is optional, but I'm so glad Brook put the moulding around her tables. It's just such a nice touch. Glue and nail on. If using a hammer, nail with a nail set to push nails below surface of wood. Corners should be mitered at 45 degrees off square.
Step 5
Step 6
Only difference is we add a center support on this one.
Step 7
Planking for the top ...
Step 8
Moulding if you are going that route.
Step 9
And now the fun part. Add the stretcher and angle braces.
Step 10
And then on the back. And that's it!!!
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.
We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.
Comments
In reply to Making square by claydowling
claydowling
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 13:57
Trust but verify
Never assume that the 0 degree marker on a miter saw table is actually 0 degrees from perpendicular until you've verified with with a square. Likewise, don't assume that the blade is perpendicular to the table until you've verified it with a square. Most saws are not properly lined up from the factory, and I found it necessary to retrue my miter saw about once a year. One of the reasons it's sat unused in the garage for the last year, in favor of the hand saws that cause me less trouble.
I recommend the little 4" machinists squares that most hardware and home improvement stores carry. They're indispensable for furniture building anyway.
I'm not sure how you're attaching the parts for your table. I'd need to see pictures to understand I think. The assembly step is where things can go horribly wrong, but it's also where earlier errors start to make themselves visible.
Angel Rose
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 14:08
Check and check again . .
I think the error must have been human. My fiance and I set up the saw with a square when we took it out of the box. I am almost sure it was on the actual construction of the wood. I predrilled holes and countersinks before I attached . . . I am almost certain it was keeping the wood where I wanted it as I drilled. I did have a clamp, but it was not agreeing with me. . . . .sadness. I thought I chose the most simple plan to start with. I could be wrong. Is there some trick to keeping it all together when you work by yourself?
In reply to Making square by claydowling
claydowling
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 14:31
Can't tell from description
Any number of factors could have caused problems. Stock that was warped or twisted is one possibility. Joints that were out of square are another. Joints that aren't tight are an additional option.
BrandyK
Wed, 02/24/2016 - 20:03
Small rectangle
Has anyone varied these plans to make the tables smaller or rectangular? I have a need for some end tables in my small living room. I have a spot next to the couch to store the tables that is 14 inches wide. I would love to have a second table that can be pulled out and temporarily used. That is why I love these stacking tables....plus they look beautiful. Any suggestions?