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I love simplistic furniture that has function. I absolutely cannot stand large, bulky coffee tables with so many nooks and crannies and drawers to hide things in. What things do you need to hide?!?! The only thing that resides on my coffee table are my remotes, a candle, and maybe a couple of home and garden magazines. Continue reading for how you can create this simple hairpin coffee table for less than $60 in a couple of hours!
Supplies:
1″x16″x4′ Edge Glued Finger Joint Pine or another size of your choosing
3 – 1″x1″x12″ strips of wood for table cleats
12 – 1/2″ wood screws
9 – 1.5″ wood screws
120 grit sandpaper
220 grit sandpaper
Minwax pre-stain wood conditioner
Minwax wood finish in special walnut
Minwax polyurethane, semi-gloss
2 sponge brushes
rags for staining
If you already have the majority of the supplies and leftover stain and all you need to do is buy the legs and tabletop you can easily get this table made for $45!
Step 1: Sand down all sides of the board in the direction of the grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Do the same with the 220 grit sandpaper. Wipe away all wood dust.
Step 2: Next we can attach the cleats to the board. This will prevent the board from sagging over time with the weight of anything you place on your coffee table. Pick the side you want for the top, and lay face down on a protected service to prevent scratching.
You will place the middle cleat exactly in the middle of the board (~2″ from the edges and ~23.5″ from the ends). The two end cleats will also be placed the same 2″ distance from the edges and about 7.5″ from each respective end. There should be enough room that when you eventually add the legs, they will be 2″ in from the edges and sides. I screwed the cleats in at the middle point (6″) and then 2″ in from each side using 1.5″ screws.
Step 3: Next, apply the wood conditioner per the can’s directions using a sponge brush to all surfaces of the top. Don’t forget the sides. Let the conditioner soak in for 5-10 minutes and wipe excess off. The wood will need to be stained within an hour of the wood conditioner being applied.
Step 4: Apply the wood stain with a sponge brush as evenly as possible to all sides of the top. Let it sit for 10 minutes and wipe excess off. I wanted a deeper color and opted for a 2nd coat, applied the same way as the first coat.
Step 5: Next, attach the legs. As you can see from the above picture, place the hairpin legs 2″ in from the edges and sides, flush agains the cleats. Use the 1/2″ screws to attach the legs to the top.
Step 6: The last step will be to apply the polyurethane to the top and edges of the table. Flip your table so that it is now standing on its beautiful hairpin legs. Apply the polyurethane in a well ventilated area (preferably outside) with a sponge brush and according to the can’s directions. I applied a total of 3 coats to the top and sides. I then let the table sit and dry for 24-48 hours before bringing it inside for use. You can really use any sort of finishing for the top. I chose polyurethane for the fact that I wanted to protect the top from dings and any spilled beverages that might happen.
DIsclaimer: I am not a professional. Always read the warning on all products you are using and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you ever feel uncomfortable with a certain step seek out the help and advice of a professional.
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