contemporary-end-table_copy
contemporary-end-table

An easy plan to build an end table using plywood and square dowels. Perfect for those new to woodworking!

Difficulty easy

Tools

Kreg Tools

Other Tools

  • Miter Saw
    Miter Saw
  • Square
    Square
  • Table Saw
    Table Saw
  • Tape Measure
    Tape Measure
  • Drill (cordless)
    Drill (cordless)
  • Nail Gun
    Nail Gun
  • Sander
    Sander
  • Air Compressor
    Air Compressor

Materials

Wood Products

  • 1 Plywood , 3/4" Thick , Quarter Sheet
  • 7 Pine, Oak or Poplar , 1" square dowels , 48"

Hardware & Supplies

  • 16 1-1/2" pocket hole screws
  • 8 2-1/2" Wood Screws
  • 16 1-1/2" Brad Nails
  • 1 Wood Glue
  • 1 Edge Banding
  • 1 Primer & Paint, or Stain & Sealer
  • 1 Sandpaper - 80, 100, 220 grits

Cut List & Parts

  • 4 Legs , 1" square dowels at 20-3/4"
  • 4 Inner Legs , 1" square dowels at 6"
  • 4 Side Framing , 1" square dowels at 16"
  • 2 Upper Stretchers , 1" square dowels at 16"
  • 2 Lower Stretchers , 1" square dowels at 10"
  • 1 Shelf , 3/4" plywood at 12" x 18"
  • 1 Top , 3/4" plywood at 18" x 18"

Directions

  • Step One

    Cut the pieces for the leg assemblies. With the pocket hole jig set for 1" material, drill a pocket hole in each end of the 16" pieces. Secure the 16" pieces to the legs using glue and 1-1/2" pocket hole screws.

  • Step Two

    Cut the pieces for the leg connectors. Drill a countersunk hole in the lower end of each leg and secure the connectors using glue and 2-1/2" screws.

  • Step Three

    Cut the pieces for the stretchers and drill a pocket hole in each end of each piece. Secure the stretchers to the legs as shown using glue and 1-1/2" pocket hole screws.

  • Step Four

    Cut the piece for the shelf. If using plywood and edge banding, the banding will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood prior to assembly. Secure the shelf to the shelf platform area (all sides will be flush) using glue and 1-1/2" brad nails.

  • Step Five

    Cut the piece for the top. Again, if using plywood and edge banding, the banding will be applied to the exposed edges prior to assembly. Secure the top using glue and 1-1/2" brad nails.

  • Finishing

    Thoroughly sand the pieces (I like to do this before assembly) using a sander and 80 grit, 100, grit, and 220 grit sandpapers. Once the table is assembled, fill the pocket holes and countersunk holes, if desired. Stain and seal or prime and paint as desired. Once the top and shelf have a finish on them, use a wax filler pencil to fill the brad nails holes.