How to Make a Coffee Table With A Top That Opens

You can build a simple coffee table with a top that opens for storage with a few building supplies and these step-by-step instructions. This coffee table is 3 feet long and 18 inches wide with a hinged top covering a 5 1/4-inch-deep storage area. You can find all of the necessary supplies to build this coffee table at your local home improvement store. Have the store clerk cut the wood to size for you and save yourself a step.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 3-feet-long-by-18-inches-wide-by-3/4-inch thick hardwood panel
• 2 3-feet-long-by-6-inches wide-by-1/2-inch thick wood strips
• 2 18-inches-long-by-6-inches wide-by-1/2-inch thick wood strips
• 2 3-feet-long-by-3/4-inch wide decorative trim
• 2 18-inches-long-by-3/4-inch wide decorative trim
• 4 decorative coffee table legs
• Measuring tape
• 2 hinges
• Drill & small drill bit
• Screwdriver & wood screws
• Wood glue, hammer and finishing nails

1. Place one of the hardwood panels on a flat surface. Attach each of the 3-feet-long-by-6-inches-wide-by-1/2-inch-thick wood strips to the 3-feet-long edges of the panel with wood screws. Place a screw every 3 inches or so. Drill pilot holes wherever you need to insert a screw. This added step will make your job easier.

2. Attach each of the 18-inches-long-by-6-inches-wide-by-1/2-inch-thick wood strips to the 18-inch edges of the panel. Remember to drill pilot holes first.

3. Measure 8 inches from either end of the 3-foot-long edge of the remaining hardwood panel and make a mark. Place a hinge on the marks and attach them to the panel with wood screws.

4. Place the hardwood panel on top of the wood trim, hinge side down, to create a box structure. Open the top panel and attach the hinges to the wood trim.

5. Run a bead of wood glue along one edge of the top hardwood panel. Place the corresponding decorative wood trim against the glue, and then secure it with four evenly spaced finishing nails. Attach the decorative trim all the way around the hardwood panel.

6. Flip the box over so that the hinged panel is on the bottom. Attach the decorative coffee table legs to each corner of the hardwood panel with wood screws. Insert the screws at a 45-degree angle from the outside of the leg into the hardwood panel. Two screws on each leg will be sufficient, but you can use four for added security.

Tips & Warnings

• Finish your coffee table with stain or prime and paint it to match your room's décor.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves whenever you are working with wood.

References

• Coffee Tables with Tops that Open

Resources

• Local Home Improvement Store 1
• Local Home Improvement Store 2