Top Plans for Building a Shaker Style Coffee Table: Simple & Elegant Designs

Well, if you’re thinkin’ about makin’ a shaker style coffee table, let me tell you, it’s a good choice! The shaker style, it’s simple, sturdy, and got that rustic charm, just like the old folks used to do things back in the day. You don’t need a lot of fancy tools or materials, just some good wood and a bit of elbow grease. I’ll tell you what you need to do, step by step, and maybe you can build yourself somethin’ that’ll last for years to come.

First thing you need to do is pick the right wood. Now, don’t go messin’ around with cheap plywood or anything that ain’t gonna hold up. Shaker style is all about simplicity and quality, so you’ll want something like maple or cherry. These woods are strong, and they got that nice grain, which’ll make your table look real pretty without too much fuss. You can get these from most lumber yards, but be sure to check the wood first for any knots or cracks that could cause trouble later on.

Now, let’s talk measurements. The standard shaker coffee table is usually about 20 inches wide and 42 inches long, but you can make it as big or small as you like, dependin’ on how much room you got. Just remember, keep it proportional. If you make it too big, it’ll take up the whole room and look outta place. Too small, and it might not hold all the things you need on it, like your coffee cups or the old vase your daughter gave ya.

• Start by cuttin’ the top to size. Measure carefully so the edges are straight.
• Then, you’ll want to cut the legs. Shaker legs are usually square or slightly tapered at the bottom. You don’t want ’em too thin, though, or they’ll break too easy.
• Next, cut the apron pieces. These are the pieces that go around the edge of the table and hold the legs in place. They don’t need to be fancy, just strong enough to keep everything together.
• Don’t forget to sand everything down real smooth so no one gets a splinter when they run their hand across it.

As for assembly, it ain’t too complicated. You’ll need some wood glue and screws to put the pieces together. First, glue and screw the apron pieces to the top of the table. Then, attach the legs to the apron. Make sure everything is square and level. It’s real important that you take your time with this step, ’cause if the legs ain’t straight, your table’s gonna wobble, and nobody wants that!

Now, about the finishin’ touch, after your table’s all put together, you can stain it or paint it, whichever you prefer. Some folks like the natural wood look, while others want to paint it a nice color. Just make sure you use a good quality finish to protect the wood, especially if you’ve got kids or grandkids runnin’ around spillin’ things all the time. A couple coats of polyurethane will do the trick and keep it lookin’ good for a long time.

If you follow these steps, you’ll have yourself a nice shaker style coffee table that’ll be both practical and beautiful. It won’t be like those modern tables you see in stores that fall apart after a few years. No, this table will last, and it’ll keep that simple, timeless style that the Shakers are known for. And don’t worry, you don’t need to be a master carpenter to make it. Just take your time, measure twice, cut once, and you’ll be fine.

One more thing: Keep the top of your table clear of clutter. Too many knick-knacks can make the table look all messy, and that ain’t what you want. Just a few things here and there will do the trick, like a nice bowl of fruit or a pretty vase. A big ol’ stack of magazines or a bunch of small figurines might look cute at first, but it’ll just end up makin’ the table look crowded and heavy.

So, if you’re ready to get started, gather your tools, pick out your wood, and get to work! Before you know it, you’ll have yourself a beautiful shaker style coffee table that’ll be the pride of your living room.

Tags：[shaker style coffee table, woodworking, DIY furniture, simple table design, shaker furniture plans, wood table project, handmade furniture]