Hello and happy Friday, everyone! I’m so excited to share my latest project with you! I got to work with the inimitable Ana White on this perfect end table. Ana pinned this simple end table to her “Make Me” Pinterest board and when I saw it, I fell in love. She quickly drew up the plans for it and I built it! I love the roomy top and extra storage underneath. And it fits perfectly at the end of my sectional.
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Ana’s plans are so easy to follow, which makes for a super easy and quick build. I built it in about 45 minutes, though the finishing process took a few days since I chose to go two-toned with stain and paint (sand, prime, paint, stain, poly, dry time… you know the drill). I used Rustoleum’s Ultimate Wood Stain in American Walnut, Olympic’s flat latex paint in Heirloom Lace, and Rustoleum’s Ultimate Semi-gloss Polyurethane.
I opted for a solid top and shelf (instead of planking several boards together) and chose 3/4″ birch hardwood plywood. The birch had a really gorgeous grain pattern on it, so I knew it would look so pretty stained. I used el cheapo furring strips for the supports, but wanted a more finished look for the legs, so I went with some poplar 2x2s for the legs. They’re the same legs I used for Evie’s play table. I would’ve liked to have been more cost-effective by using furring strips all around, but it’s next to impossible to find straight furring strips at my Lowe’s. Although the poplar 2x2s cost a bit more, I’d rather have a sturdier piece that won’t take a lot of sanding to look smooth and pretty.
Here are my cut pieces:
I used Gorilla Wood Glue on all my joints and built the 2 end frames with Kreg Jig pocket holes and screws:
Then I attached the 2×2 supports, joining the two end frames together:
I pre-drilled and countersunk pilot holes then screwed in the bottom shelf from underneath. Then I sanded, primed, and painted the base frame before attaching the top. I figured it would be easier than having to tape everything off, once it was built completely:
I brushed the stain on the tabletop with a foam brush and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes:
Then wiped off the excess stain with a clean rag, let it dry for a couple hours, sanded it very lightly with a 220 grit sanding block, then followed up with 3 coats of semi-gloss polyurethane:
Then, after allowing everything to dry overnight, I zipped in some screws to attach the top to the base frame:
And just for kicks, I brushed on a final coat of polyurethane over the whole thing:
And just like that, she’s done! Ta-da!
And with the help of the wood glue and strong pocket hole joints, this thing is sturdy! As you can see, it’s been toddler-tested. Evie loves to climb all over it and camp out on the bottom shelf. What a cutie, she’s my favorite tiny person ever.
I love that this end table has more than enough space for my drink, laptop, and other miscellaneous stuff I want to have nearby me while I’m watching Breaking Bad.
If you’re timid about building furniture from scratch, this is the perfect starter project for you! Hop on over to Ana’s site for the complete step-by-step plan! Thank you so much, Ana! I LOVE my new perfect end table!
So, are you guys taking on any DIY projects this weekend? It would be the perfect weekend to take on this perfect end table project! Happy Labor Day, everyone!
Pin it for later!
Hi Jen,
I’m Nashville born & bred! I love your table, did you get cuts at the store? I’m glad to see the kreg recommendation. I want one so badly!! Best of luck with your music & I’m definitely going to follow you on fb.
Tricia Hicks
Thanks for stopping by, Tricia! You’re a rarity – I don’t find many Nashvillians who are actually born & bred in Nashville! Thanks for the kind words. No, I did all my cuts myself, though Lowe’s and Home Depot are able to cut your lumber for you, if you need. Definitely get the Kreg – all the hype is true!
What a great table! I love that it is extra long to match the depth of your sofa and can hold everything you need, including your cute kiddo.
I love the table, might just have to whip one up! Nice work!
Sharing a link back in tomorrow’s highlights, Jen. This is just so clever – the perfect shape. Love the rich stained top with the white too. Great job (as usual!)!
Awesome! Thanks so much, Roeshel!
Jen! Saw your feature at DIY Showoff and had to see this for myself! Your end table is gorgeous, and I just love how you styled it!
xoxo,
Meredith & Gwyneth
I so admire bloggers who can actually BUILD! Love the dark stained top. A beautiful project!
Small House / Bis Sky Donna
http;//smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com
Jen, I’m in the middle of building two of these tables. Its so awesome to have something that fits my really deep sofa. I found some Cedar square balusters at my Lowes that was 2×2 and only cost $2.25 each as opposed to the poplar or oak 2×2 that were more than double. I also am going to try and make with some Birch Iron On Veneer that I had lying around and hope that makes the edges look more finished. I am staining with the Rustomeum Ultimate in Kona Brown as I want it to look as close to black as possible. I’ll let you know how it turns out. Thanks to you and Ana for inspiring me.
That’s awesome, Ayisha! My Lowe’s didn’t carry the Cedar… bummer! Let me know how the iron-on veneer turns out… I was thinking of doing the same thing with mine! Send pics! Good luck!
Love love love it! Oh, and your little girl is ADORABLE too! I hope to stay connected!!
xoxo
Definitely! Thanks for dropping by!
Your table is beautiful!!! I’m dying to build something too but I can’t find the Kreg Drill. As far as I know Home Depot doesn’t carry it….
Thanks so much! You can get it from Amazon. I have the K4 model which runs about $100 – SO worth it!
http://www.amazon.com/Kreg-K4-Pocket-Hole-System/dp/B001DYFISG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347564808&sr=8-1&keywords=kreg+jig+k4
Hope that helps… Good luck!
Okay, so the end table is fabulous, as is your gorgeous styling, though as a font nerd I also have to ask…what is the font used in the watermark on the photos? Love it.
Thanks
Thanks, Kristine! The font is called “Abraham Lincoln” – it’s also the font I used in my header. Hope that helps!
Man I love this, this is such a great idea. If I had a sectional I could easily do this and eliminate the need for the living room desk. Looks great, lovely job!
Love it!!! I even love the mug. Where did u get it?
Thanks! The mug is from Anthropologie.