Wifey asked for a table next to the La-Z-Boy. The one we had there was too small and it didn't have a drawer. We discussed it and agreed on this design.

This Instructable jumps around from element to element and doesn't accurately follow the steps I used to build it. I broke it down this way for an easier explanation of how it all went together. If you have any questions, just ask away.

Step 1: THE PLAN AND MATERIAL

For as long as I can remember I've been able to picture a completed project in my mind before I started; thus, I work from a very loose sketch. No drafting detailed plans. No Sketchup.

The supplies used were few. Four legs from Lowe's. A beautiful walnut board I got from a neighbor who was closing his woodworking shop. Some 1/2" plywood and 1/4" plywood I had in my lumber cart. The only other stuff I used: dark walnut stain and poly.

Step 2: THE LEGS

The legs I used matched the legs on the console table I built. They were too long so I cut them down and reassembled them.

Console Table

Step 3: THE TABLE TOP

I ripped out strips from the walnut board, squared up the edges, glued them together, cut out a template from 1/2" ply, and used a pattern bit to make the circular top.

Step 4: SECRET DRAWER COMPARTMENT

I cut two circles out of 1/2" plywood smaller than the diameter of the tabletop. The flush trim bit was used to make them exactly the same. I notched where each leg would go using the cut-offs leftover from making the legs shorter since they were the same dimensions as the reassembled legs. I glued and nailed one circle to the bottom of the table.

TIP: Glue spreader is an old credit card trimmed with Wifey's pinking shears.

I determined the width and depth and height of the drawer by measuring the table leg and attached the dividers and second circle accordingly.

Step 5: ATTACHING THE LEGS

The top of each leg had an attachment screw. Using a cut off piece as a guide I punched a hole in the bottom of the tabletop and drilled a hole to accommodate this screw, stained the legs dark walnut, and secured each with Super Glue.

Step 6: THE DRAWER

The drawer was built out of 1/4" ply and had 3/4" ply curved fronts. The top of the drawer was veneered with walnut.

Step 7: THE BOTTOM SHELF

Using 3/4" oak scrap I built a bottom shelf and attached it with trim screws.

Step 8: THE EDGING

Using scrap pallet wood, I cut, chamfered, and nailed the edging in place, trimming the final two pieces to fit each of the four sides, drawer included.