How to Build a Quick and Easy Shoji Table

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.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

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

1. 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

2. 
   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.

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

4. 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.

5. Sand the top and the legs.

6. Paint or stain to your liking. Apply lacquer.

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

Tips & Warnings

• Never paint or stain without ventilation.