Rustic Coffee Table From Reclaimed Wood” />
Building your own rustic coffee table from reclaimed wood is an enjoyable woodworking project that allows you to create a unique, handmade furniture piece to decorate your home. With just some basic tools and materials, I can make this simple DIY coffee table in a weekend.
Select the Wood
The first step is to acquire reclaimed wood planks to construct the tabletop and base. Good sources of reclaimed wood include old barns, fencing, crates, and pallets. For this project, I want wood with lots of character and a rustic, weathered appearance.
Some types of reclaimed wood that would work well include:
- Barn wood – Usually oak or pine, often with patina or distressing from years of use.
- Pallet wood – Oak is common. Can have paint/stenciling on it.
- Fencing wood – Cedar and redwood are typical. Looks worn and aged.
I want planks that are approximately 1-2 inches thick by 4-8 inches wide. I will need about 15 linear feet total for a medium-sized coffee table. Be sure to carefully inspect the wood for nails, staples, or other debris before using.
Design and Cut the Pieces
Once I have selected the wood, I can design the shape and dimensions of the coffee table. A simple rectangular design 48″ long by 24″ wide will work nicely.
The pieces I will need to cut include:
- 4 legs – 1.5″ x 1.5″ x 18″
- 2 side rails – 1.5″ x 3.5″ x 45″
- 2 end rails – 1.5″ x 3.5″ x 21″
- Tabletop – 1.5″ x width of planks x 48″
I will cut the pieces to size using a miter or circular saw. A homemade cutting jig helps ensure precise 90 degree angles on the leg pieces. Sand any rough edges. I can lay out the cut wood to test the fit before assembling.
Assemble the Base
To join the base, I am using pocket holes and wood screws. This provides a simple, strong joinery method. Use a Kreg jig to drill pocket holes in the ends of the side and end rails. Apply wood glue and drive 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws to attach the legs. Check for square and make any necessary adjustments.
Attach the Tabletop
Now I can attach the tabletop using more pocket holes and wood glue. If using multiple boards, arrange them in a pleasing pattern for the best look. Allow a small overhang on all sides. I also like to drill pilot holes from the bottom to avoid splitting the wood when driving the screws. Wipe away any excess glue squeeze-out with a damp rag.
Add Finishing Touches
To complete the table, I will add several coats of a food-safe finish like tung or linseed oil to protect and seal the wood. This will help retain its rustic character. If desired, lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper between coats to ensure a smooth surface. Apply wax or polyurethane for extra durability. Distressing or sanding some edges can further accentuate the reclaimed wood’s aged patina before applying the finish.
With some simple tools, techniques, and reclaimed barn wood, I can create a beautiful, rustic coffee table for my home. This satisfying project allows me to upcycle salvaged lumber into a unique, eco-friendly furniture piece.