Hey there, fellow woodworking enthusiasts! I recently embarked on a mission to craft a brand new coffee table for my living room, and let me tell you, the end result was nothing short of spectacular. I stumbled upon a fantastic design on Ana-White.com, but being the creative soul that I am, I decided to add my own personal touch. Instead of a regular tabletop, I opted for a charming breadboard style. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly project that yields stunning results, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the world of rustic woodworking and build a coffee table that’s both stylish and functional.

Tools and Materials

Before we get started, let’s gather our arsenal of tools and materials. Don’t worry, you won’t need a workshop full of fancy equipment.

Tools:

Mitre saw (a circular saw will also work)
Orbital sander
Sanding block
Drill
Kreg Jig (a must-have for creating strong pocket holes)
Measuring tape
Pencil
Safety glasses

Materials:

(4) 2x6x8′ pine boards (for the tabletop)
(2) 2x4x8′ pine boards (for the legs and end supports)
(3) 2x2x8′ pine boards (for the side stretchers)
(1) 1x12x8′ pine board (for the lower shelf)
2 1/2″ Kreg screws
1 1/4″ Kreg screws
2 1/2″ wood screws (for attaching the base to the tabletop)
120 and 220 grit sandpaper
400 grit sandpaper
Wood stain (I used Minwax Walnut)
Semi-gloss polyurethane
Wood glue
Wood filler (optional)

Planning and Cutting

Step 1: Cut List
Here’s a breakdown of the cuts you’ll need to make. Remember to double-check your measurements before you start cutting!

(5) 2×6 @ 41″ (tabletop)
(2) 2×6 @ 29″ (breadboards – trim later)
(4) 2×4 @ 16 1/2″ (legs)
(2) 1×12 @ 41″ (shelf)
(4) 2×2 @ 41″ (side rails)
(4) 2×4 @ 22 1/2″ (end rails)
(2) 2×2 @ 22 1/2″ (both ends cut at a 60-degree angle)
(4) 2×2 @ 11 1/4″ (60-degree angle on one end, 30-degree angle on the other)

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Step 2: 60-Degree Angle Jig
Creating a jig for the 60-degree angle cuts will ensure accuracy and safety. To build a jig, nail three 1×4 boards together to form a right triangle. The 90-degree corner will be a guide for your saw. Align a 2×2 board with the jig and set your miter saw to 30 degrees. Because of the jig, the saw will make a 60-degree cut on your workpiece.

Lumber from Home Depot

Assembling the Coffee Table

Now that we have all our pieces cut and ready, let’s start putting this rustic masterpiece together!

Step 3: Assembling the Sides
Grab your 2×2 side rails and drill two pocket holes on each end using your Kreg Jig. Attach the side rails to the 2×4 end pieces using 2 1/2″ Kreg screws. Make sure the pocket holes on the lower rails face down for attaching the shelf later.

Step 4: Attaching the End Supports
Drill two pocket holes in each 2×4 end support and attach them to the top of each side assembly using 2 1/2″ Kreg screws.

Step 5: Adding the Lower Rails
Measure 2 1/4″ up from the bottom of each leg and attach the 22 1/2″ lower rails using 2 1/2″ Kreg screws.

Step 6: Building the Shelf
Drill pocket holes along the edges of your 1×12 shelf boards, spacing them about 8-10 inches apart. Use 1 1/4″ Kreg screws to join the boards together. Next, drill pocket holes around the perimeter of the shelf.

Step 7: Attaching the Shelf
To make attaching the shelf easier, temporarily remove the lower 2×2 side rails. Drill pocket holes into the shelf, aligning them with the rails. Reattach the rails to the table legs. Lift the shelf into place and secure it to the lower rails using 2 1/2″ Kreg screws.

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Step 8: Adding Cross Supports
For added stability and rustic charm, attach the 2×2 cross supports to the upper and lower side rails. Use a nail gun or hammer and finish nails for this step. Refer to your cut list for the correct angles and lengths.

Step 9: Creating the Tabletop
Arrange your five 2×6 tabletop boards, ensuring they fit snugly. Drill pocket holes every 8 inches along the edges of the boards, except for the center board. Use 2 1/2″ Kreg screws to join the boards, clamping them together for a tight fit.

Step 10: Attaching the Breadboard Ends
Position the breadboard ends against the sides of the tabletop and trim them to match the overall width. Drill pocket holes through the breadboards into the tabletop boards and secure them using 2 1/2″ Kreg screws.

Step 11: Joining the Top and Base
Carefully flip the table base upside down. Center the tabletop on the base and secure it using 2 1/2″ wood screws, driving them through the 2×2 supports and into the tabletop. Use 3-4 screws per side.

Finishing Touches

Congratulations, you’ve successfully built the rustic coffee table! Now, let’s add some character and protect your hard work.

Step 12: Sanding
Use an orbital sander with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out the entire table. Sand with the grain for best results.

Step 13: Distressing (Optional)
This is where you can get creative! Use tools like a hammer, chisel, or even a chain to create dents, dings, and scratches that mimic the look of aged wood. Remember to keep it random and subtle for a natural, rustic appearance.

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Step 14: Staining
Once you’re satisfied with the level of distressing, it’s time to apply the stain. I chose Minwax Walnut for a rich, warm tone, but feel free to experiment with different shades to match your style. Apply the stain evenly with a brush or rag, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 15: Applying Polyurethane
After the stain has dried, protect your coffee table with a few coats of polyurethane. I used Minwax Semi-Gloss for a balance of durability and sheen. Apply thin, even coats, allowing ample drying time between each coat.

Step 16: Enjoy Your Rustic Masterpiece!
And there you have it – a beautiful, rustic coffee table that will be the envy of all your guests. Style it with your favorite décor, prop up your feet, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Conclusion

Remember, building furniture is a rewarding experience that allows you to express your creativity while adding unique pieces to your home. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this project your own! For more inspiration and DIY projects, browse the rest of the Robert Kline Art website. Happy woodworking!