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Have you ever been working on homework or playing a board games with friends and think, "Man I wish i had a big enough and strong enough table to hold everything"? I did and I decided to do something about it. I used to work construction so I had all of the required tools and knowledge to build one, so I took some time to design what I consider, "The Ultimate Coffee Table".
After collecting all of the materials, cutting and assembling the table took me around 3 hours . I know I could make it faster, but I took my time to document each step. Depending on your skill level, I would assume it would take you the same amount of time to build this table. If you have never touched a tool in your life and don't know how to use a tape measure, it will probably take you quite a bit longer.
The Cost of this table, assuming that you have your own tools, will be right around $40. This may vary depending on where you buy your materials, I bought mine at Lowe's.
If you do not have all of the tools to complete this project, which are listed in the first step, I would recommend asking a friend to borrow their or else you will be spending anywhere between $ 70-$330. This will vary depending on the quality of the tools.
Tip: Make sure that you have a flat, level surface to assemble the table on.
After collecting all of the materials, cutting and assembling the table took me around 3 hours . I know I could make it faster, but I took my time to document each step. Depending on your skill level, I would assume it would take you the same amount of time to build this table. If you have never touched a tool in your life and don't know how to use a tape measure, it will probably take you quite a bit longer.
The Cost of this table, assuming that you have your own tools, will be right around $40. This may vary depending on where you buy your materials, I bought mine at Lowe's.
If you do not have all of the tools to complete this project, which are listed in the first step, I would recommend asking a friend to borrow their or else you will be spending anywhere between $ 70-$330. This will vary depending on the quality of the tools.
Tip: Make sure that you have a flat, level surface to assemble the table on.
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Signing UpStep 1Gathering your materials
Lumber : (Prices vary by store)
1-12'x2"x6", Pine
1-16'x2"x4", Pine
1- 3/4"x24x48, Stain Grade Wooden Panel
Recommendation: If you do not have a truck to haul the lumber to your house you can ask to get the 12' 2"x6" and 2"x4" boards cut into two 6' studs to fit them into your vehicle.
Hardware:
54-2 1/2" torque screws ($6.93+tax for 87 screws)
Tools: (Price of my tools)
Tape Measure ($15)
Drill ($200)
Star drill-bit (will come in box of Screws)
Circular Saw ($100)
Square ($5)
Safety Glasses ($10)
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A nice touch would have been to bevel the 2x4's for a nice corner treatment.
I realize this can be tough with a skill saw though. Not every one has access to miter saws.
I agree that would be a nice feature to add to the table. I might just have to do that.
They make a nice, water-based lacquer that goes on 3x as thick as just regular clear-coat. We used it on MDF and it's survived many solo-cup spills.
this thing is so strong you could park a tank on it but i guess that's good for a frat house.
now if you decide to build another for "regular" people you can easily reduced the board sizes and simplify the design. eliminate the 2x6's and use 1x2s instead of 2x4's for the table frame and it's still be really strong .......ok ....... not "fraternaty strong". cut the plywood larger and let it overhang by 6" or so. you can use iron on edging or 1x2's to pretty up the plywood edge. also recommend rethinking the details a little so that all the screws are on the inside.
good job!