| As woodworking projects go, making wood tables | | | | Building The Table |
| can be daunting. After all, this project is going to | | | | - Fasten the Base Edges to the long sides of the |
| be right out in the middle of the room where | | | | Base Panel with glue and 6d finishing nails. Be sure |
| every one can see! A wood coffee table is a | | | | to position the top edges of the Base Edges and |
| great way to build your woodworking expertise: | | | | the top surface of the Base Panel so that they |
| The project is small enough to be manageable, | | | | are flush. |
| yet you'll get an attractive and practical result. | | | | - Place the Base Panel face up on some scrap 3 |
| The tile top is a simple introduction to tile work | | | | 4" plywood spacers. |
| and creates a very eye-catching woodworking | | | | - Fasten one of the Side Panels to the Base Panel |
| project. | | | | with 1-1/2" wood screws. Repeat with the other |
| Starting Your Woodworking Project: Materials | | | | Side Panel. |
| Although it can be expensive, oak plywood will | | | | - Position the Stringer so that it is centered |
| give you a furniture-grade result that readily | | | | between the Side Panels and flush with the top |
| accepts paint or stain. As a cheaper alternative, | | | | edges of the Panels. Attach the stringer with 1-1 |
| birch veneer plywood also gives a nice finished | | | | 2" wood screws. |
| product at a reduced cost. You'll need the | | | | - Position the Top Panel on the Side Panels so |
| following supplies: | | | | that it overhangs the ends and sides equally. |
| - (1) 3/4" x 4' x 8' sheet of plywood | | | | Attach the Top Panel to the Side Panels and |
| - (2) 1" x 2" x 8' oak board | | | | Stringer with 1-1/2" wood screws. |
| - (2) 1" x 4" x 8' oak board | | | | - Carefully measure and cut the End and Side |
| - (1) 7/8" x 7/8" x 8' oak corner molding | | | | Skirts, using the 1" x 4" oak board. Miter the ends |
| - #6 x 1-1/2" wood screws | | | | of these pieces with a miter box and saw. |
| - 3d and 6d finishing nails | | | | - Position the Skirt pieces to create a slight lip |
| - Wood finishing materials | | | | above the surface of the Top Panel. Use a tile |
| - Ceramic floor tile to cover a 44" x 19" area | | | | sample to gauge the lip height-you want the lip |
| - Tile adhesive | | | | just a bit higher than the surface of the tile. |
| - Grout and grout sealer | | | | - Attach the Skirt End and Side pieces using 6d |
| Cutting The Wood | | | | finishing nails. |
| First, cut the plywood. For best results, use a | | | | - Attach the Corner Trim over the vertical edges |
| table saw or have the wood cut at a home | | | | of the Side Panels with 3d finishing nails. |
| center or hardware store. If you're using a | | | | - Finish the table with your choice of finish and |
| handheld circular saw, invest in a quality circular | | | | allow it to thoroughly dry. |
| saw guide. For furniture woodworking, it's crucial | | | | - Mask off the top edges of the Skirt pieces with |
| to get precise cuts for the best result. Here are | | | | tape to protect the finish while you tile. |
| the plywood cuts: | | | | - Apply a layer of tile adhesive to the entire |
| - Top Panel - 43-1/2" x 18-3/4" | | | | surface of the Top Panel, following the |
| - Base Panel - 35" x 14-1/2" | | | | manufacturer's instructions. |
| - Side Panels (2) - 16" x 15" | | | | - Set the tiles into the adhesive, making sure to |
| Other cuts: | | | | evenly space the tiles and to align them with the |
| - Stinger (sits under the top panel for added | | | | edge of the table. Allow the adhesive to dry |
| support) - 1" x 2" x 35" oak board | | | | overnight. |
| - Base Edges (2) - 1" x 2" x 35" oak board | | | | - Use a rubber grout float to apply grout between |
| - Corner Trim (4) - 7/8" x 7/8" x 15" oak corner | | | | the tiles, following the manufacturer's instructions. |
| molding | | | | - Wipe excess grout and grout film from the tiles |
| Cut to fit: | | | | using a damp sponge. |
| The End and Side Skirts that wrap around the | | | | - After grout has dried for one week, apply grout |
| Top Panel will need to be measured and cut | | | | sealer following manufacturer's directions. |
| individually, per the instructions. | | | | |