shaker side table woodworking plan

Alright, let’s talk about building a Shaker side table. It’s a classic piece of furniture with a simple, elegant design that never goes out of style. It’s also a great project for beginners because it’s relatively straightforward to build.

So, you’re ready to tackle this project? Let’s break it down step by step.

Gather Your Materials

First things first, you’ll need to get your hands on the right materials. You’ll need:

Wood: You can use any hardwood you like, but maple, cherry, or walnut are popular choices. Make sure to get wood that’s well-seasoned and free of knots or other defects.

Glue: Wood glue is a must-have for this project.

Screws: You’ll need screws to fasten the table legs and the apron to the top.

Finishing supplies: You’ll need sandpaper, stain, and finish of your choice.

Cut Your Wood

Once you have your materials, it’s time to cut your wood to size. Use a table saw or circular saw to make accurate cuts. You’ll need:

Top: Cut two pieces of wood to your desired width and length for the table top.

Legs: Cut four pieces of wood to your desired height for the legs.

Apron: Cut four pieces of wood to the length of the table top minus the width of the legs.

Join the Top

You have a couple of options for joining the top pieces:

Edge-jointing: This is a technique where you use a jointer to create a flat, smooth edge on the two pieces of wood. Then, you can glue them together using a clamp.

Butt joint: A simple joinery technique, but you’ll need to be precise with your cuts. Apply wood glue to the edges and clamp them together.

Assemble the Legs

Time to attach the legs to the top! You can use screws or dowels to attach the legs to the table top.

Screw-fastening: Use a drill with a countersinking bit to create pilot holes for the screws. This will help prevent the wood from splitting.

Dowel-fastening: Drill holes in the legs and the table top for dowels. Apply glue to the dowels and insert them into the holes.

Attach the Apron

The apron adds strength and stability to the table. Attach the apron to the bottom of the tabletop. Just like with the legs, you can use screws or dowels to fasten it.

Sanding and Finishing

Once the table is assembled, it’s time to sand it smooth. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and work your way up to fine-grit sandpaper. You can use a hand sander or an orbital sander.

Finishing touches:

Stain: Use a stain if you want to give the table a colored finish.

Finish: Use a clear finish like polyurethane or varnish to protect the wood and give it a shine.

Here’s a quick table to summarize the steps:

That’s it! You’ve built a beautiful and functional Shaker side table. You can use it in your living room, bedroom, or even in your office.

And remember, even if you’re not a seasoned woodworker, this project can be a great learning experience. Take your time, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and enjoy the process. What kind of wood would you choose for your Shaker side table?