🖼️
The project:
These simple and modern C-shaped side tables are designed to slide neatly over a lounge or chair, providing a convenient surface for drinks, laptops, books, or devices. One 1800 x 600 x 18mm timber panel will produce two tables for less than $100!
- Materials:
Timber
- 1 Ă— 1800 x 600 x 18mm Timber Panel (Acacia, Rubberwood, Pine or similar)Â
Joinery & Hardware
- 10mm Timber DowelsÂ
- PVA Wood Glue (e.g., Selleys Aquadhere Interior)Â
- 4 Ă— Small Metal L-Brackets (2 per table)Â
- 16 Ă— Short Timber Screws for L-BracketsÂ
Finishing
- Water-Based Clear Timber Varnish (Matt, Satin or Gloss)Â
- Self-Adhesive Felt Sheet or Felt PadsÂ
Sanding Materials
- 80 Grit SandpaperÂ
- 120 Grit SandpaperÂ
- 180 Grit SandpaperÂ
- 240 Grit Sandpaper
- Tools:
Cutting
- AEG Compound Mitre Saw (Drop Saw)Â
- AEG Table SawÂ
Assembly
- Ryobi ONE+ Drill DriverÂ
- 10mm Dowel Drill BitÂ
- Clamps (minimum 2–4)Â
- Tape MeasureÂ
- Combination SquareÂ
- PencilÂ
Finishing
- Ryobi Disc SanderÂ
- Foam Roller
- Step 1:
Rip the Timber Panel
Using the AEG Table Saw rip the 600mm-wide panel into two 300mm-wide strips. Ensure cuts are straight and clean.Â
This creates the correct width for all table components.
- Step 2:
Measure and Cut
Using a tape measure and combination square, carefully mark:
- Two vertical panels at 680mm Ă— 300mmÂ
- Four square panels at 300mm Ă— 300mmÂ
Double-check all measurements before cutting.
Use the AEG Drop Saw cut each of the 6 total pieces.
Label each piece:
- A = Vertical PanelÂ
- B = Top PanelÂ
- C = Bottom Panel
- Step 3:
Sand All Components
Using the Ryobi Disc Sander, sand all faces and edges:
- 80 grit to remove saw marks.Â
- 120 grit to smooth surfaces.Â
- 180 grit for finishing preparation.Â
Lightly round over exposed corners and edges.
- Step 4:
Mark Dowel Locations & Drill
On each joint:
- Mark three evenly spaced dowel positions.Â
- Keep dowels approximately 40–50mm from edges.Â
- Use a square to ensure alignment.Â
Each table requires:
- 3 dowels connecting A to BÂ
- 3 dowels connecting A to CÂ
Total: 6 dowels per table.
Using the Ryobi ONE+ Drill and 10mm drill bit:
- Drill matching holes in the top and bottom edges of panel A.Â
- Drill corresponding holes in panels B and C.Â
Check alignment carefully before assembly.
Tip: Use masking tape on the drill bit as a depth guide.
- Step 5:
Dry Fit the Table
Before gluing:
- Insert dowels into all holes.Â
- Assemble the table dry.Â
- Check that all joints fit neatly.Â
Make any adjustments before proceeding.
- Step 6:
Glue and Clamp
Apply wood glue to:
- All dowel holesÂ
- DowelsÂ
- Joint surfacesÂ
Assemble. Use a spacer block (this can be a random piece of wood cut to the same size as your vertical panels) to ensure the top and bottom remain parallel. Clamp firmly and check:
- Table is squareÂ
- Top and bottom panels align correctlyÂ
Allow glue to dry fully before moving to the next step.
- Step 7:
Finish and Protect
Sand each table with 240 grit paper, remove any glue residue. Apply 3 coats of water-based varnish, lightly sanding in between coats (when dry) with 240 grit sand paper. Allow final coat to cure completely.
Add Felt Protection
Apply
self-adhesive felt to the underside of the base panel to protect the floor and the tables.
- Step 8:
Install Metal L-Brackets
Once the varnish
has cured, install two metal L-brackets inside the upper joint. Secure with short timber screws. These brackets provide additional strength and reduce movement over time.
- Step 9:
Set up & enjoy!
- Step 10:
If you’re better with visual plans, I’ve also included a rough one-pager to help anyone build some of these beautiful side tables themselves!
