Best Plans for Building Shaker End Tables: Simple & Elegant Designs

Well now, if you’re thinkin’ about makin’ one of them Shaker end tables, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve seen a lot of folks messin’ around with this kind of thing, and I tell ya, it ain’t all that hard once you get the hang of it. The Shakers, they had a way of doin’ things simple but mighty sturdy. And that’s the secret to makin’ one of them end tables—keep it simple, and it’ll last you forever.

First thing’s first, you gotta choose your wood. Now, some folks like fancy woods like cherry or maple. I ain’t picky—just make sure it’s solid and not too soft. If you want that classic look, you might wanna go with a nice piece of maple. It’s got that nice grain, and when you rub it down with some oil, it shines like a new penny. But, if you don’t want all that fancy lookin’ wood, regular pine’ll do just fine too. Ain’t nobody gonna turn their nose up at a well-made table, no matter the wood.

Now, about the size of the table. The Shakers, they had their own style. They didn’t like nothin’ too big or too small. A good Shaker end table is about 24 inches tall and about 20 inches wide. That’s just the right size for sittin’ next to a chair or a couch, you know? Not too big, not too small, just right for holdin’ a cup of tea, or maybe a lamp if you like the fancy stuff.

So, how you gonna put this thing together? Well, you got a few ways to do it, but if you wanna make it just like the Shakers would, you gotta use a little old-time joinery. Now, don’t be scared. Joinery just means the way you stick the pieces together. The Shakers, they were famous for usin’ mortise and tenon joints. Sounds fancy, don’t it? But it ain’t too hard once you see how it works. The mortise is just a hole, and the tenon is a peg that fits right into that hole. You stick ‘em together, and they stay real tight, no glue needed. Ain’t nobody want a table that falls apart after a few months, right?

If you don’t have the fancy tools for that, don’t worry. You can still make a good table with simpler methods. Just make sure your cuts are straight and clean. You want the legs to be sturdy, so make sure they’re cut right and fit well. You can use screws or dowels if you don’t feel like messin’ with mortises and tenons. But if you want that real Shaker look, you’ll wanna try your hand at the more traditional joinery.

Once you got your pieces cut and joined together, it’s time to put the finish on it. You don’t need a lot of fancy stains or paints. The Shakers liked to keep their tables simple, so a nice coat of oil or a light varnish will do. It’ll protect the wood and let that natural grain shine through. If you want a darker look, you can use a darker finish, but don’t overdo it. The Shakers didn’t like nothing too flashy, you know?

After you get the finish on, let it dry real good before you start using it. You don’t want to scratch it up right away. And, just like that, you got yourself a Shaker end table, ready to be put to good use. Whether you use it to hold your favorite books, your cup of coffee, or just as a little place to set your keys, it’ll serve you well for many years to come.

Now, if you’re lookin’ for some inspiration or maybe some plans to follow, you can find all sorts of guides online. Some folks even include drawings and photos to help you see how it’s done. And, don’t be afraid to make the table your own. The Shakers, they built these tables with their hands, but they also made ‘em to fit the way they lived. So if you want to add a little somethin’ extra, like a drawer or a little shelf, go right ahead! It’s your table, after all.

So, whether you’re a beginner or an old hand at this woodworking business, makin’ a Shaker end table is a good project to take on. It’s simple, it’s sturdy, and it’s something you can be proud of. And when you’re done, you’ll have a table that’ll last you as long as you want it to, just like the Shakers intended.

Tags：[Shaker End Table, DIY Shaker Table, Shaker Furniture, Woodworking Plans, Simple Furniture, Mortise and Tenon Joinery, DIY Woodworking, Woodworking Projects, Shaker Style Furniture]