The Treadplate Coffee Table

If you'd like to replace your old, ugly, 70's coffee table with something a bit more interesting, you might wanna try just making a new top for it. 

Shopping List:
Sheet of Treadplate (cut to size when purchased)
4 lengths of aluminium extrusion
4 flightcase corners

Other stuff you'll need:
A saw to cut the aluminium extrusion
A metal file
Super glue (cyanoacrylate)
Gaffa tape

Step 1: Measure Up

Measure your coffee table so you know how big your treadplate sheet has to be and how long your aluminium sides have to be. Most places that sell treadplate sheeting will have the ability to cut it for you and I'd definitely recommend this as it will save you a lot of time and effort and probably give a nicer more uniform finish to your table top.

Do remember when measuring your extrusion that the size of the table will be the inside length of the extrusion, so allow for the additional thickness of the extrusion in your measurements to ensure a snug fit.

Comments

[spiny]

rivetting the corner pieces in place would give an extra bit of strength too :)

[duncanwilkinson]

Hey spiny - I was actually thinking I should add round-headed screws when I was writing it but rivets are a great idea and would look better. Thank you - I'll get on it! :)

[LinkTGF]

"Chicago" screws would also work in this capacity - one side looks like a rivet, the other side is a screw head, if you ever need to take it out easily.

[Oldbear]

Look online for some funky fasteners... tamper proof screws, torx head, etc. but rivets will look cool too.

[Horef]

nice :D

[ledguy315]

I like this. It seems half '50s and half modern.

[GeeDeeKay]

Great project. Industrial but functional. Love it. For a smooth surface, why not inset the treadplate a little bit, seal the edge where the plate meets the extrusion, and pour some epoxy to make a nice, clear, flat surface atop the treadplate? Just a thought...

[Azzurro]

must be easy to write on :D

[MissouriVillian]

It looks modern, but seems to almost feel old school. Definitely a nice piece, and no need for a coffee table book to spark conversations.