These simple coffee table plans with a shelf build a farmhouse-style table 47 inches long, 22 inches wide and 18 inches tall (119 x 56 x 46 cm). The base is made from 2x4s, the top from four 2x6 planks, and a slatted lower shelf holds books and magazines. All joints are pocket screws and glue, and every cut is a straight crosscut.
You will need a pocket hole jig and a drill, along with a saw. Our list of essential woodworking tools for beginners covers the rest, and pocket hole joinery for beginners shows how to set the jig for 1-1/2 in lumber.
At a glance
- Finished size
- 47 in long x 22 in wide x 18 in tall
- Skill
- Beginner
- Time
- 1 day plus finish
- Lumber
- Five 8 ft 2x4s, two 8 ft 2x6s
- Shelf clearance
- About 8 in
Beginner shortcut
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How the table is built
The top is 47 x 22 in and overhangs the base by 1 in on every side, so the base is 45 x 20 in. Four 2x4 legs (16-1/2 in, because the 1-1/2 in top sits on them) are joined by aprons at the top. Near the floor, two flat 2x4 rails connect each pair of end legs, and four 2x4 slats run the length of the table on top of those rails to make the shelf.
The legs face so their 3-1/2 in side runs along the length of the table. The long aprons fit between the legs: 45 - 3-1/2 - 3-1/2 = 38 in. The short aprons fit between the legs across the width: 20 - 1-1/2 - 1-1/2 = 17 in.
Materials list
- 5 x 2x4 boards, 8 ft
- 2 x 2x6 boards, 8 ft (the flattest, straightest ones you can find)
- About 60 x 2-1/2 in pocket hole screws (coarse thread)
- About 16 x 2-1/2 in wood screws
- Wood glue
- 80, 120 and 180 grit sandpaper
- Stain, paint and a durable clear topcoat (polyurethane is a common choice for tables)
Cut list
| Part | Qty | Material | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Top planks | 4 | 2x6 | 47 in |
| B. Legs | 4 | 2x4 | 16-1/2 in |
| C. Long aprons | 2 | 2x4 | 38 in |
| D. Short aprons | 2 | 2x4 | 17 in |
| E. Center brace | 1 | 2x4 | 17 in |
| F. Lower rails | 2 | 2x4 | 17 in |
| G. Shelf slats | 4 | 2x4 | 45 in |
Cutting layout
- 2x6 boards 1 and 2: two top planks each (47 + 47 = 94 in, plus kerf = about 94-1/4 in)
- 2x4 boards 1 and 2: two shelf slats each (45 + 45 = 90 in, plus kerf = about 90-1/4 in)
- 2x4 board 3: one long apron, two 17 in parts and one leg (38 + 17 + 17 + 16-1/2 = 88-1/2 in, plus kerf = about 89 in)
- 2x4 board 4: the same as board 3
- 2x4 board 5: two legs and one 17 in part (16-1/2 + 16-1/2 + 17 = 50 in). About 45 in left over.
That gives five 17 in parts in total: two short aprons, one center brace and two lower rails.
Tools
- Miter saw, or a circular saw with a speed square
- Pocket hole jig and drill/driver
- Long clamps for the top
- Tape measure, square and pencil
- Sander, safety glasses and hearing protection
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Cut, drill and sand
Cut all parts and sand them to 120 grit. With the jig set for 1-1/2 in material, drill pocket holes:
- Top planks: four along one edge of three planks, on the underside, to join them
- Aprons C and D and brace E: two at each end on the inside face, plus holes on the inside face aimed up through the top edge (three per long apron, four per short apron and brace) to attach the top
- Lower rails F: two at each end on the underside
Step 2: Build the top
Lay the planks upside down, ends flush. Glue the edges, clamp, and drive the pocket screws to join them into a 47 x 22 in panel. Wipe off glue squeeze-out. Set it aside on a flat surface.
Step 3: Build the two leg ends
Mark each leg 2 in up from the bottom. Place a lower rail (F) flat between two legs, its underside on the marks and flush with the legs' outside faces, and pocket-screw it in place. The rail is 3-1/2 in wide, the same as the leg, so it lines up front to back. Build the second end. Clamp a scrap across the leg tops for now to keep them parallel.
Step 4: Add the shelf slats
Stand both ends up so the rails face each other, 45 in apart outside to outside. Lay the four slats (G) on top of the rails with 1 in gaps between them, ends flush with the outside of the legs. Drill pilot holes and drive two 2-1/2 in screws through each slat end into the rail. The two ends are now joined at the bottom.
Step 5: Add the aprons and brace
Remove the scraps. Glue and pocket-screw a short apron (D) between each pair of legs, flush with the leg tops and outer end faces. Then fit the long aprons (C) between the legs on each side, flush with the leg tops and outside faces. Finally, pocket-screw the center brace (E) between the long aprons at the middle, flush with their tops. Check the base is square by measuring the diagonals.
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Step 6: Attach the top
Lay the top upside down on a blanket. Flip the base onto it and center it so there is 1 in of overhang all around. Drive pocket screws from the aprons and brace up into the top. Do not glue the top to the base; pocket screws allow the wide top to move a little with the seasons.
Step 7: Finish
Sand the top flat (80 grit if the planks are uneven, then 120 and 180). Ease all edges. Stain if you like, then apply at least two coats of a durable clear topcoat, because a coffee table sees cups and feet. Pine blotches easily; read how to stain pine without blotches first.
Tips for a better farmhouse table
- Let the lumber settle. Store boards indoors for a few days before cutting so they adjust to your home.
- Pick the best faces. Put the cleanest plank faces up and the best leg faces out.
- Round the corners. A slightly rounded top corner is kinder to shins.
- Add glides. Felt pads on the leg bottoms protect floors.
Variations
| Version | How |
|---|---|
| Two-tone | Paint the base white and stain the top dark |
| Shorter table | Cut A, C and G shorter by the same amount (for example 41, 32 and 39 in) |
| Solid shelf | Cover the slats with a piece of 1/2 in plywood cut to 45 x 17 in |
| Taller end table | Use the same joinery with a 22 x 22 in top and longer legs |
For more 2x4 furniture, see our cheap 2x4 projects for beginners and 2x4 workbench plans.
Build the matching end tables next
Search TedsWoodworking for end tables, console tables and benches in the same farmhouse style.
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FAQ
How many 2x4s do I need for a coffee table?
This table uses five 8 ft 2x4s for the base and shelf, plus two 8 ft 2x6s for the top.
Can I build a coffee table without pocket holes?
You can use screws through the legs into the aprons, but pocket holes hide the screws and are easier for beginners to keep square.
What height should a coffee table be?
Coffee tables are often about the height of the sofa seat or a little lower. This one is 18 in; shorten the legs if your sofa is low.
Why does the top overhang the base?
The 1 in overhang looks finished and hides small differences between the top and base sizes.
