Side tables are always hard to find, especially the high end designer ones for under $100! So today I’m going to show you how to make an easy DIY Side Table with scrap-wood or new for around $35 with free plans!
I loved this side table from Jenni Kayne, but my jaw hit the floor when I saw the price tag. Uhm, excuse me…$1,295?! Oh wait I almost forgot to add the $150 delivery charge. It’s a beautiful white oak side table and I wanted to recreate it to fit in project budget.
Let’s Build an Easy DIY Side Table
This is a great way to get designer furniture on a budget, bu DIYing a similar design that fits perfectly in you budget. Let’s get to making this easy DIY side table friends!
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Shopping List, Project Supplies, and Source List is at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Make cuts and prep for side table build
Cut your wood to length following the cut list provided according to the printable plans! I used my large carpenters square to mark my cut lines.
I used my new table saw to cut the rounded edges off for the table top. This creates a more seamless piece of wood as if it was on large piece instead of 3 separate pieces.
Do you see how there is a gap in here between the wood?
This is what they look like when they are straight cut edges.
Step 2: Make your side table base
I like to use my Kreg Jig K4 on a work bench for more support and stability for larger pieces of wood. After all your pocket holes are drilled attach your two larger 8 1/2″ W pieces together with 4 – 2″ pocket hole screws.
Step 3: Attach opposite side table base legs
Use a flat surface to attach the shorter base pieces at 7 1/2″ W to the base to make your “X.”
I clamped my “T” base to my work bench to attach the other 7 1/2″ base piece. It’s a awkward piece to screw together since it’s so heavy.
Since this was a scrap wood project the wood was a little wrapped, so if you are purchasing your 2×8’s make sure they are straight boards!
Step 4: Birds Eye View of side table base
It should look like an “X” with the longer pieces attached to each other are 8 1/2″ and the shorter 7 1/2″ pieces should be attached to that center. See free plans for more detailed directions!
Step 5: Make pocket holes to secure side table top
This step can definitely be done during Step 2 when you are making pocket holes to attach the table base together.
Step 6: Assembling the side table top
I assembled the table top like you would a butcher block cutting board. I glued the boards together and clamped the seam and the 3 boards together. When everything was lined up I screwed together and applied a bit more wood glue to anywhere that had gaps.
I let this dry overnight before cutting out the circle.
Step 7: Make your circle measurements
I used a pen, string and a screw to draw out my circumference! It worked out pretty well, just remember to measure your radius again after tying your string to the screw and pen.
Step 8: Cut out your circle top
Use a jigsaw to cut out your circular table top. I had intended to use a router for a sleek even circle. Turns out I didn’t have the correct router pieces and ended up winging it!
Cody and I decided we’d just call the table top “organic” and just loved it with all it’s uneven rounded edges!
I made sure to sand down the table top again to get rid of any excess wood glue and round the sharp edges after cutting out the circle with my jigsaw.
Step 9: Stain side table
Use a staining pad, wiping cloths, and gorilla grips gloves to prevent the stain from getting on your hands. I got them at a conference and they have been my go to ever since! I really wanted the wood to look like white oak so I went with an Antique White stain by Varathne.
It’s hard to tell a big difference with the Antique White, but take a look at the stain progression below and prepare to have your mind BLOWN!
There are a lot of different ways to get the yellow out of pine, but we did this project with supplies we already had on hand so a white wash stain was the way to go!
I could see the warmth off the wood disappear after the first coat and decided to do 2 coats of stain and it sealed the deal! We have white oak butcher block countertops for our DIY dry bar I made and I just fell in love with the color and feel of it.
Now, who’s ready to build their own Easy DIY Side Table? Checkout the full tutorial and FREE plans!
Download the PDF plans if you’d like to build the Easy DIY Side Table. It’ll have the step-by-step directions, along with dimensions and a complete materials and cut list.
To “Get the Look” for this space check out the Living Room Sources with a full list of sources for everything!
SHOPPING LIST :
- 2 – 2×8 @ 8FT
- 20 – 2″ Kreg Screws
- 20 – 2″ Kreg Pocket Hole Plugs (or stainable wood filler)
- 120 and 220 grit sand paper
- Wiping Cloths (for stain/cleaning)
- Staining Pad
- 1QT Varathane Stain in Antique White
- Wood Glue
TOOLS :
Tape Measure
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Ear Protection
Mask
Miter Saw and Circular Saw or Table Saw
Jigsaw
Sander (or Sanding Sponge)
SKILL LEVEL :
Moderate Beginner
PROJECT COST:
$35 (cost may very)
Let me know if you have any questions about anything building wise or product questions! I’m an open book 
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