How To Build An Easy DIY Coffee Table

Here’s a FREE plan to build an easy, DIY rustic coffee table using only 2 boards and a few tools. Let’s go!

I found a gorgeous coffee table online but I didn’t want to pay the price tag. 

So, I decided to build one!

In all honesty, this was one of the easiest projects I’ve done. 

If you have a few tools and a couple of hours, you can build one, too!  Let’s start building…

Material List for DIY Coffee Table:

• (2) 2’x10’x8’ pine boards
• Circular or table saw
• Miter saw
• Kreg jig
• 2 1/2” kreg Screws
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Drill
• Sander
• Planer (not necessary, just helps with the distressing process)
• Multi-tool
• Stain

Step 1: Cut your boards to length.

I wanted a coffee table that was 4’ x 20” because that size fit my space but you have the option to make this table any size you want! 

My cut list:

• (2) 4’ boards (these will be the top of the table)
• (4) 16” boards (these are the legs…so cut them to the height you want)

Step 2: Remove rounded edge off of boards.

This step is optional, but I used my circular saw to remove the rounded edge of the inside pieces.

A table saw would work better for this but I don’t have one.  I wanted the edges to be square instead of rounded but it would look just fine leaving them the way they are.  

Step 3: Assemble top piece.  

I glued and screwed the two 4’ pieces together to create the top.

Then I filled in the gap with a mixture of sawdust and wood glue so the top would look like one piece! 

You can also use wood filler for this step but I find that the wood glue/sawdust mixture gives a more natural look.  

Step 4: Assemble legs and attach to top.

I glued and screwed two 16” pieces together to create the legs.  Then I used my Kreg Jig to attach them to the top piece.

Step 5: Distress, Sand & Stain.

I used a hand planer and a multi-tool to distress the wood. 

I wanted a rustic, distressed look for this table so I made lots of divots and lines with my tools.

This process is fun and you really can’t do it the wrong way! All of the lines and imperfections you make will really show up after you stain.

Then I used 80, 120 and 220 grit sandpaper with my orbital sander to make the table super smooth. 

The staining process was a PROCESS but I finally figured out something I loved!  I did one layer of each stain listed below and quickly wiped it off.

Here’s what I did:

• Minwax Special Walnut
• Whitewash (mix 50% white paint with 50% water.  Brush on and immediately wipe off with a damp rag.)
• Minwax Weathered Oak
• Minwax Jacobean

There ya have it!

An easy DIY coffee table that looks old and rustic and much more expensive than it is. 

If you want a more detailed step-by-step process, be sure to check out my “Coffee Table” highlight on my Instagram account!

Have a question? Drop it in the comments below!