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Rolling C End Table or Sofa Table

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Submitted by Ana White on Tue, 11/09/2010 - 19:17
Difficulty
Beginner
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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.

Its funny how the simplest designs can take on new life with just the right shade of oooops paint.

I've had this design drawn up and even printed out and on my work bench for quite some time now, but it just seemed to simple for the smart people that read our blog.

And it is almost too simple.  But check this out.

She rolls . . .

She serves dinner.  She checks email.  She entertains laziness.  Laptop anyone?  Or chips and dip?  I must say, I LOVE this table.  I know I say that quite often, but this table took just a few minutes to build, took color incredibly well, and is super functional.  I guess I kept thinking it was too simple considering the other DIY project in the photo . . .

We'll get to that when I finish staining the feet.  (PS - this couch is special, it holds a storage compartment and is made from a paint drop cloths, an old camping pad, recycled stuffed animals, and scrap 2x4s and plywood).

Today, it's the C table, or as Grace refers to it, the scooter.  And for those of you worried about the strength, the number one reason I built this table before blogging was to test it's strength.  I can't give you a load limit, but I can tell you this: It's built of MDF and my 40 pound preschooler was sitting on the outer unsupported edge while her cousin pushed her around and there was no deflection.  (what is it with kids and wheels?) So we know it can handle a 40 pound live load.  If you have a weight limit beyond that, let me know, and I'll do some testing for you.

Dimensions
Dimensions shown above.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – 1×12, 6 feet long (How about using a cheapo shelf that is 12″ wide?)
1 – 1×6, 2 feet long (How about a cheapo shelf that is 6″ wide?)
1 – 1×2, 6 feet long (these are a buck each – ask for MDF for the already primed ones)
4 – 1 1/2″ caster wheels (wheel diameter is 1 1/2″)
2″ wood screws (drywall screws for MDF) 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!
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) 

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