D.I.Y. timber side table

[sammilne]

Taking less than an hour to build, this side table was made from just three pieces of timber and sealed with Cabot’s Cabothane Clear to showcase the timber’s natural beauty. It was the winner of best small project in our 2023 search for Australia's best D.I.Y. projects.

• The project
• Tools and materials
• Steps
• More inspiration for your side table project

The project

I saw a similar coffee table in a magazine and knew I could turn it into a simple D.I.Y. side table project. It took less than an hour and I love the end result. This side table can be adjusted to suit any style of home by using your favourite timber and adding a stain finish.

Tools and materials

Tools and materials used in the project:

• Hevea offcut for the top and a Hevea 1m panel for the legs
  
  
• Selleys Hold Up glue
  
  
• Cabot's Cabothane Clear (or your choice of stain)
  
  
• Measuring tape
  
  
• Sandpaper
  
  
• Circular saw
  
  
• Jigsaw
  
  
• Brush
  
  
• Chisel.

Steps

 

Step 1

Firstly, I used the circular saw to cut the three pieces of timber needed. I measured the two leg pieces to be 500 x 405mm (the width of the panel).

For the top, I wanted a square, so I made it 405 x 405mm as the panel was 405mm wide.

Step 2

Next, I used a measuring tape to mark the cuts for the slot I needed to slide the two pieces together. This cut was 250mm (half the height of the legs) x 26mm (the thickness of the panels).

I used the jigsaw to cut this and a chisel to remove it and tidy up the cuts.

Step 3

Next, it was time for a light sand and then stain the pieces with Cabot's Cabothane Clear (or use your desired stain). For this, I used a brush for a better finish.

Step 4

After the stain was dry, it was time to assemble the table. You just slot the two leg pieces together and attach the top with Selleys Hold Up glue. 

 

Step 5

I always make sure to mark my cuts with a pencil and use a set square to get them straight. And I use sandpaper to tidy them up if needed.

And don't forget to style it. Here I styled it with a simple book, candle and Kmart flower vase.

 

More inspiration for your side table project

Community member Laura glued terrazzo tiles onto MDF panels to make matching terrazzo side tables.

Workshop member Liesel took two pots, smothered them with a thick mixture of grout and paint, and created this hourglass side table.

For more inspiration, check out 7 ways to make a side table and our community's Top 10 most popular indoor furniture projects.