Hi friends! It’s Henry and Hannah here, your go-to DIY dream team, aka The Handy Duo! Today, we’re sharing one of our absolute favorite weekend projects—a custom coffee table. There’s something so satisfying about creating a piece of furniture that becomes the heart of your living room. Plus, it’s a chance to add a personal touch to your space while flexing those DIY muscles.

Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just testing the waters, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and a touch of Handy Duo flair to inspire your build.

Materials:

• Wood for the tabletop (we used 2” thick pine planks, but oak or walnut work beautifully too!)
• Wood for the legs and support beams (1"x 4" boards or metal legs if that’s your style)
• Screws (1.25” and 2”)
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (80 and 120 grit)
• Wood stain and/or paint
• Polyurethane or furniture wax for a protective finish
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Tools:

• Saw (we used a miter saw, but a hand saw works too)
• Drill and screwdriver bits
• Measuring tape
• Orbital sander (or sanding block)
• Clamps
• Paintbrushes or rags for applying stain
• Optional: pocket hole jig for stronger joints

Before grabbing your tools, think about how you want your coffee table to look. Are you into a rustic farmhouse vibe? Or maybe sleek and modern? That’ll guide your wood choices and design. We went for a classic, sturdy style with clean lines, perfect for a cozy “movie night” setup.

Grab some graph paper or your trusty sketchbook to map out the tabletop dimensions and leg height. Standard coffee tables are about 18” high and 48” long, but feel free to adjust based on your needs.

Handy Duo Tip:

Measure the space where the table will go and make sure it’s proportional to the room. And don’t forget to think about what’s going ON the table. A popcorn bowl needs room to shine!

Cut your wood to the desired sizes using your saw. For our tabletop, we cut three 48” planks and joined them tightly side by side. Your legs and support beams should also be cut to the appropriate size according to your design.

Once cut, sand each piece thoroughly, starting with 80-grit to smooth big imperfections, then 120-grit for a polished finish. No one likes a splinter during their coffee break!

Handy Duo Tip:

Lay all your pieces out before assembly to make sure everything lines up. It’s easier to fix mistakes now than later.

Apply wood glue to the edges of each tabletop plank, then press them together. Use clamps to hold them tight while the glue dries (about an hour). Once set, secure them further by screwing in support beams across the underside of the table. We spaced ours evenly to avoid warping and keep it sturdy.

Handy Duo Anecdote:

During this step, we got into a playful debate about which direction the wood grain looked best. Spoiler alert: Hannah always wins.

Attach your legs to the corners of the tabletop. If you’re using wooden legs, drill pilot holes and secure them with screws. For metal legs, follow the specific mounting instructions. Don’t forget to check everything with a level as you go to avoid wobbles!

For extra stability, add crossbeams or a center support piece. This also adds a finished, professional look.

Handy Duo Tip:

When attaching legs, align them precisely with the tabletop edge unless you’re going for an overhang style.

Now comes the fun part—finishing your coffee table! Start by staining the entire piece. We opted for a rich espresso color that adds warmth to the room. Wipe off any excess stain with a rag and allow it to dry fully.

Once stained, seal the table with polyurethane or furniture wax for durability. Apply it in thin, even coats and sand lightly between layers for a smooth finish.

Handy Duo Anecdote:

The first time Henry used stain, he got overly excited and ended up staining his sneakers too. Now, he sticks to his trusty work boots. Lesson learned!

Your coffee table is complete! Bring it into your living room, style it with some cozy decor (plants, books, a candle or two), and admire your work. We guarantee it’ll be your new favorite spot in the house.

Handy Duo Tip:

Take a “before and after” photo to appreciate how far you’ve come. You’ll be amazed by the transformation!

Final Thoughts