A simple affordable pine coffee table made out of 2x4s.

Step 1: Create a Plan

First I drew out the plans to scale (see plans for dimensions)

Step 2: Purchesing Material

I purchased the following material in order to build the coffee table:

2x4x96 (8 or 9)
- When picking your wood look at the pattern of the wood to reflect how you want your table top to look

Size 10 biscuits

Wood glue

I also used the following equipment:

Orbital Hand Sander (with various grit sizes)

Biscuit Joiner

Table Saw

Miter Saw

Various Clamps

Step 3: Table Top Lay Out

I cut the 4 2x4x96 boards I intended to use for the table top in half.
Then using my table saw I cut the 2x4s down to 1.5x3 in order to have squared off pieces.
Lay your pieces out how you want your table top to look.

Step 4: Joining the Top

Now you want to mark on your pieces where you intend on placing the biscuit joints. I followed the instructions that came with my joiner (see photo). Once I marked out where I wanted to place the joints I used my biscuit joiner to create the holes.Now you simply glue all your holes, put the biscuits in, and clamp it down until the glue dries.

Step 5: Adding the End Caps of the Top

I sanded down the edges in order to have a flush edge to add the caps. I cut the two end caps to size and followed the same steps as in step 4 to join them.

Step 6: Creating the Legs

I cut the pieces for the legs a bit larger than they needed to be so that I could later get a clean cut on them. Joining the legs I used the joiner again. Once the joints dried I cut them down to 3x3s and used the power miter to cut them all the same length.

Step 7: Sand All of Your Pieces

I used a rough grit sand paper first since 2x4s can be rougher lumber. I then worked my up to a finer sand grit to get the wood smooth.

Step 8: Assemble

Again I used the joiner to attach the legs to the top. Unfortunately I do not have a picture from this step.

Step 9: Cross Beams

I first cut a board down to 1.5x1.5 inches. I used the power miter to then cut the piece at a 45 degree angle. Take your piece and mark the next spot that needs to be cut by just simply holding it up to the legs on the table. Once your create all four pieces, flip your table over and glue them into place.