So I’m not really one for wood pallet projects, but when I noticed a couple that were in great condition at my local building center I knew I had to grab them. Somehow I managed to get them apart in one piece which is an absolute miracle. I don’t know if you have every tried to disassemble a pallet, but its no walk in the park. There are some handy tutorials of Pinterest if you ever find yourself facing the task.
First Step | Sizing
To determine the size of your coffee table you actually need to measure your couch. Your table should be the same height as your cushion and 3/4 the length of your couch. This gives you a nice fit so you can center your table and have room to walk around it. My table measures 18″ high by 53.5″ long but my table was made for our big ol’ sectional. The width of my table is 29″ which is the perfect size for 4 small children to dance on.
Second Step | Assemble the Frame
I actually made this table over a year ago but I have had so many compliments and questions about it from guests I decided to share it. To assemble the frame I cut my 4 legs, each 17.5″ long. Then out of 2×4 lumber scraps I cut two end pieces at 25″ and two side pieces at 47″. I then used my Kreg Jig to attach them to the top of my legs. Next I added support pieces for under the top of my table. These are the foundation you will nail your table top pieces into. I started with the I shaped pieces represented in the diagram below and added the other pieces as needed. This is the handy thing about using the Kreg Jig, you can add pieces as you go.
Step Three | The Fun Part
Now is when things get interesting. To start the harringbone pattern on top, I began with the pieces highlighted below. To get the size of these pieces I found the center of my “end piece” on the frame and made a mark. Then, lining my wood up with the center mark, I traced underneath the top wood along both the end and side frame pieces. Make sure you trace along the outside of the frame. This is my preferred method of finding random angles. Then head to your chop saw, cut along your lines and head back to your project. Position the pieces on the frame and use a nail gun to attach them to the 2×4’s underneath.
After you have your first two pieces on you will need to fill in the two tiny triangle spots. I used the same tracing method for all the pieces on my table top. From there, you just position boards against each other starting with your guide pieces and alternating sides of the table. This is easier seen in the pictures than explained in my opinion.
Above is a better look at the top. You can see my helper making an appearance. He was super excited that we were flipping tables.
After I completed the assembly of my table top I cut some exterior frame pieces to wrap around my top and cover up the cut edges. To do this I just measured the total width of my ends and attached the boards using my nail gun. Then I repeated this process for the sides. Be sure to include the width of the end exterior frame pieces in this measurement.
To add extra support to the table, I added cross pieces to the bottom of my legs. I screwed these pieces on since I figured they would be getting the most abuse. These pieces make it so that the table can be pushed around without worrying about breaking the legs. I notched my legs but I don’t think that step is necessary.
Final Step | Finish and Enjoy
After the whole piece was assembled I gave it a quick sand to smooth and clean up the wood. I had a container of furniture wax sitting around that I used to seal the wood then we introduced her to our couch and have been putting our feet, drinks and snacks on her ever since.
Enjoy!
Oh wow! You’re so handy!! Wish I could do something like this! Keep it up mama!!