DIY Modern Side Table
by Make And Repeat in Living > Decorating
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DIY Modern Side Table
![HOW TO // Simple Modern DIY Side Table](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FK3/1R0R/JU8N81FQ/FK31R0RJU8N81FQ.jpg&filename=HOW TO // Simple Modern DIY Side Table)
I wanted a side table to put next to my futon, so I went to Home Depot, bought some lumber, and this was the result. It turned out way better than I expected!
Materials and Tools
Materials
- Finished Pine 2"x2"
- Prelaminated wooden board for the top
- Weathered Gray Stain from Varathane
- Gorilla Wood Glue
Tools
MY TOOLS (affiliate):
Propane Torch: https://amzn.to/2D5XiUe
Miter Saw: https://thd.co/2AM0D8H
Drill (Tool Only): https://thd.co/2AM0D8H
Batteries: https://thd.co/2AM0D8H
Kreg Jig: https://thd.co/2AM0D8H
Corner Clamp: https://thd.co/2AM0D8H
Measure and Cut
![Marking.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F6P/VITQ/JU8N77N7/F6PVITQJU8N77N7.jpg&filename=Marking.jpg)
![Cut.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FBK/G95U/JU8N77CZ/FBKG95UJU8N77CZ.jpg&filename=Cut.jpg)
First I measured and cut the legs for the table, 20" was high enough for my table.
Square Up the Legs
![Square Up Ends.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FFP/AFT7/JU8N78F0/FFPAFT7JU8N78F0.jpg&filename=Square Up Ends.jpg)
I didn't cut them perfectly, so I had to even them out on the belt sander.
Cut the Horizontals
![Cut Short Pieces.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FAW/7ZWG/JU8N775N/FAW7ZWGJU8N775N.jpg&filename=Cut Short Pieces.jpg)
Then I cut my horizontal pieces, the length you cut these too is going to dictate the size of the top of your table. I cut mine to 11".
Assemble the Legs
![Idea.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F20/CEGL/JU8N77JK/F20CEGLJU8N77JK.jpg&filename=Idea.jpg)
![Pocket Hole Jig.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F7P/69D2/JU8N77UH/F7P69D2JU8N77UH.jpg&filename=Pocket Hole Jig.jpg)
![Pocket Holes.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FD4/T9Y6/JU8N77Y4/FD4T9Y6JU8N77Y4.jpg&filename=Pocket Holes.jpg)
To assemble the legs, I used one of my favorite tools, the pocket hole jig.
Sand
![Sand Legs.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F8B/89OP/JU8N782G/F8B89OPJU8N782G.jpg&filename=Sand Legs.jpg)
After I had them screwed together, I used my orbital sander to sand the legs.
Cut the Top
![Cut Top.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F3D/XBBC/JU8N779Z/F3DXBBCJU8N779Z.jpg&filename=Cut Top.jpg)
I cut my top out of this really big piece of pre-laminated board, this is a great option for anyone who doesn't have the clamps and tools to laminate their own board together.
More Sanding
![Sand Top.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FSX/6I6Z/JU8N7891/FSX6I6ZJU8N7891.jpg&filename=Sand Top.jpg)
Then before the next step, I sanded the top to make sure it's smooth.
Burn It!
![Burn The Top.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F4N/SHAR/JU8N76UJ/F4NSHARJU8N76UJ.jpg&filename=Burn The Top.jpg)
This was my favorite part of this project. I used my propane torch to burn the grain of the wood and gave it a really cool zebra look.
Stain the Legs
![Stain.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FB3/4FAK/JU8N78I6/FB34FAKJU8N78I6.jpg&filename=Stain.jpg)
I used Varathane's Weathered Grey Stain on the legs, this color is really up to you and what matches your furniture.
Glue the Top On
![Gorilla Wood Glue.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FOW/QFK9/JU8N77IU/FOWQFK9JU8N77IU.jpg&filename=Gorilla Wood Glue.jpg)
![Top.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FHW/9OWN/JU8N78JR/FHW9OWNJU8N78JR.jpg&filename=Top.jpg)
![Clamp The Top.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FK0/F5OU/JU8N76YY/FK0F5OUJU8N76YY.jpg&filename=Clamp The Top.jpg)
I was originally going to brad nail it, but I didn't want to ruin the surface finish, so I just glued it on.
Spray Finish
![Spray WIth Finish.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FIS/WYAK/JU8N78C0/FISWYAKJU8N78C0.jpg&filename=Spray WIth Finish.jpg)
I used Varathane's water-based Satin spray on finish.I didn't want this thing to be too shiny, it turned out perfect with the satin finish.
You're Done!
![Side Table Thumbnail.jpg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FPM/61KY/JU8N85WL/FPM61KYJU8N85WL.jpg&filename=Side Table Thumbnail.jpg)
And that's it, now enjoy your side table, and make sure to use a coaster so you don't leave rings!