Why I Fell in Love with This Coffee Table Design
I recently built a similar styled console table and the 52" version (pictured below), and I couldn't resist the allure of the sleek yet rustic design. I just had to build the matching coffee table. The entire collection is simply beautiful!
Watch the Console Table Build Video
While I didn't film the coffee table build, I did capture the process of creating the matching console table. The build steps for the coffee table are very similar, so I highly recommend watching the video.
The Challenge of Building This Coffee Table
I must admit, this coffee table posed a challenge for me. However, I thoroughly enjoyed pushing my skills to the limit and creating something that I'm incredibly proud of. I must emphasize that this project should only be attempted by those with the right tools and a good amount of building experience. It is an advanced project.
To get started, I began with the lumber shown below. I ran the boards through the table saw to create square edges, ensuring all the 1x12 widths were the same. The 1x3s were ripped from 1x6 boards to achieve that perfect square edge.
Next, I cut the face frame boards using a 10" sliding compound miter saw. Although it is the smallest saw I would recommend, a 12" saw would work even better.
Afterwards, I drilled 3/4" pocket holes on the ends of the shorter face frame boards, making sure not to let any pocket holes show on the side edges. I then clamped the face frame boards and attached them with 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
The two face frames need to match exactly for a seamless finish.
Moving on to the 1x12s, I made 45-degree bevel cuts. It was quite challenging, as the boards tended to move during the cutting process. I highly recommend double-checking your cuts to ensure they are straight all the way across.
To join the two top pieces, I drilled pocket holes and attached them together. I also drilled pocket holes to attach them to the face frames.
After joining the two 1x12 pieces, I attached them to one of the face frames. These steps were repeated for the two side panels. Finally, I attached the second face frame.
For the corners, I secured them with 1-1/4" brad nails. To strengthen the top and bottom spans, I added 1x2 supports on the underside of the top and bottom shelf.
To complete the coffee table, I cut the bottom pieces, attached them together, and fit them inside the two face frames. The inside panels, made from 1x12s joined with pocket holes, were set in place and nailed on with 1-1/4" brad nails.
Once construction was finished, I filled nail holes and any small gaps with wood filler. After sanding with 120-grit sandpaper in the direction of the wood grain, I proceeded to stain the entire project with "golden oak" by Varathane. However, it didn't turn out as expected, so I added a watered-down white paint layer to achieve a beautiful whitewash finish.
To protect the finish and make it easy to clean, I added a layer of clear Polyurethane. I'm incredibly proud of the result, despite the 8 hours of work and $150 spent on lumber.
Free Plans to Build Your Own Waterfall Framed Coffee Table
Here are the free plans to build this stunning coffee table. If you decide to take on this project, please share a photo with us. We love seeing your work!
Now you can relax and enjoy your beautiful creation.
