The joy of creating your DIY side table is that you’ll create your style with personalized function in one easy design. Regardless of how much or how little experience you have with woodworking, a side table is an easy project to take on with only a few tools, materials, and a little time spent.
DIY side table is so cool because you can DIY and customize it to your liking, and it can be made from wood, or not, depending on what you want. In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through how to easily build a DIY side table that’s perfect for your taste and fits perfectly into any space in your home.
Side Table Selection: Right Materials
Before taking on any DIY side table project, the first thing to do will be to make sure you have picked the right materials on which the whole project will rely to build the final table because this largely determines the look and sturdiness of the real table.
Considering the organic appeal of wood, it’s the material of choice for side tables and can adapt to any design style points from rustic to modern. There are especially popular options which are Oak and Walnut woods because they offer a rich texture and natural strength.
Whether Oak brings a traditional, lighter feel where you want warmth or Walnut which adds a bit of elegance with darker tones, they are each only a single piece away. If you do not want your table wood types to blend in with each other, then you should pick out a natural wood type that will let the grain patterns come to life and therefore make your table stand out a bit more.
How To Plan Table Dimensions and Design
Before you build, make sure that you have thought through what dimension and style of your DIY side table you want, so that when you are done, it will fit exactly in the space you have in mind.
Consider how tall, wide, and deep the table you’re creating, depending on what its purpose and placement are – as a table next to a sofa or a bedside table in a bedroom corner for instance.
Side table height runs between 18 – 24 inches, but can be altered based on the rest of the room furniture. Once you have your measurements, sketching a basic design will help you know where things need to go and how to build them—even if you’re placing a shelf or drawer, for instance.
You also decide whether you have a polished, stained, or natural table finish—they all help finish your table to fit your interior style.
Wood Pieces Cutting and Prep
Now it’s time to round up your wood pieces and get them ready to assemble. A DIY side table requires each wood piece to be cut to a particular length based on their desired measurements to align with the structure.
You can cut wood with the handsaw or power saw, but be sure to take it slow and measure carefully because you do not want to make any errors. After cutting the pieces, sand them thoroughly to take off those rough edges and put aside this not-smooth enough wood to make it ready to build.
Sanding does more than make the wood look better, and it also provides a better surface to stain or paint over if you do.
Assembling the Table Structure
After your wooden elements are done, create the assembly of your DIY side table, by joining the legs and the top of the table. Attach the legs to the surface of the tabletop with screws and wood glue, making sure the legs are secure and stable for the build to follow.
If you’re adding a lower shelf, take it to a flattering height somewhere between the legs and use its additional storage space. A power drill makes this process quicker and more efficient to make a solid, professional-quality finish. Check each connection to double-check that the table is level, wobble, or unstable.
The Final Finish for Protection and Aesthetics
Once the structure is assembled, it’s time to finalize your DIY side table with a protective coat or stain to ensure it looks great and lasts a long time. For a natural look, Oak or Walnut wood without changing its color would have the clear varnish highlight the grain.
If you want a dramatic effect, pick a stain that’s in keeping with the rest of your room. Stain or finish the table evenly with a brush or cloth and allow it to dry fully before using. Not only does this make your table look pretty but it also protects the wood from spills and scratches, keeping it looking pretty for years.
Conclusion
DIY side tables can be great fun and useful to have around the home. If you want to continue with your DIY pieces and add some high-quality pieces of Oak or Walnut wood furniture to your collection, Oak Furniture Collection has some beautiful pieces out there. Built with finesse, our products are crafted to match any living space of your home with timeless beauty and durability.
