How to Build a Quick and Easy Shoji Table

Rate: (3 Ratings)

The traditional Japanese Shoji style is aesthetically beautiful and timeless. The translucent rice paper adds warmth to any room. You can transform an ordinary room to a Shoji-inspired room quickly and easily. And it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Here's a plan for a quick and easy Shoji-style table.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

(2) 10 foot long 2x4s
(3) 10 foot long 8 inch x 3/4 inch planks
Wood screws
Drill
Circular or table saw
Sander
Black paint or stain
(4) 8 1/2 inch x 11 inch sheets of rice paper
Lacquer
staples or flathead thumb tacks

Step1

Make these cuts:
8 inch planks: 5 pieces @ 6 inches x 48 inches
2 pieces @ 1 inch x 21 1/4 inches
4 pieces @ 1 inch x 8 inches
2x4s: 4 pieces @ 28 1/2 inches
1 piece @ 35 inches
4 pieces @ 17 inches

Step2

Here is what the legs should look like. Build the legs. Make a box out of the 2x4s by spanning two 17-inch pieces between two 28 1/2 inch pieces. The dimensions of your box will be 28 1/2 inches tall x 24 inches wide. Center a 21 1/4-inch strip of wood in the middle of the box. Center the 8-inch pieces and attach. See image.

Step3

Span the two legs with the 35 inch 2x4. Make sure it is flush with the bottom. Check to make sure you are square.

Step4

Attach the top. Lay out the first plank flush with the front edge of both legs. It will overhang both ends by 5 inches. Attach. Repeat until all planks are attached. Keep flush on the ends and on top.

Step5

Sand the top and the legs.

Step6

Paint or stain to your liking. Apply lacquer.

Step7

Trim the rice paper so that it hangs 1/4 inch over each hole in the legs. Attach with staples or tacks.