DIY Shaker Style Side Table Plans: Crafting a Beautiful, Functional Piece

Well, now, if you’re lookin’ to make one of them Shaker style side tables, I reckon you’re in for a bit of a treat. Ain’t no better way to spruce up a room than with a nice, simple table that’s built right. Them Shakers sure knew how to make things that last, real sturdy-like, without all them fancy doodads that just get in the way.

Now, let me tell you, the Shaker style ain’t all about showin’ off. It’s all about practicality and simplicity. You see, them folks wanted things to be useful, not just look pretty. So when you’re makin’ your table, you ain’t gonna be botherin’ with no fancy carvings or unnecessary stuff. You just need some good wood, a few tools, and a bit of patience. That’s all it takes.

What You Need:

• Wood – cherry wood’s nice, but you can use whatever you’ve got. Pine works just fine too.
• Screws and nails – nothing too big, just enough to hold it all together.
• Wood glue – helps keep things steady, especially if you don’t wanna be usin’ screws all over.
• A saw – so you can cut your pieces to size.
• Hammer and drill – for puttin’ it all together.
• Sandpaper – to smooth it all out nice and neat.

First thing you gotta do is make sure you got yourself a nice flat surface to work on. Ain’t no sense in tryin’ to build a table if the ground’s all uneven. You’ll be cussin’ your luck all the way through.

Then, cut out your pieces. For the top of the table, you want a nice, round piece. Now, I know that sounds like a lotta work, but with a good saw, it ain’t too bad. If you ain’t used to cuttin’ circles, just take a piece of string and tie one end to a nail in the middle of your wood. Then, stretch the string out to the edge and mark a circle as you go around. Simple as that.

Once you got your top cut out, you need to cut the legs. Now, Shaker tables often have them nice, straight legs. Ain’t no curves here. Just cut four legs the same length, about 18 to 24 inches, depending on how high you want your table to sit.

After that, it’s time to put ’em together. You’ll want to drill pilot holes for your screws, so you don’t split the wood. You don’t need too many screws, just enough to keep the legs sturdy. But don’t forget to use that wood glue too, it’ll keep it all together for the long haul.

Tips to Make It Strong:

• When you attach the legs, make sure they’re at a 90-degree angle to the top. Don’t wanna end up with a wobbly table!
• Use clamps while the glue dries to keep everything in place.
• If you’re not too good with a saw, just take your time. Ain’t no rush in this kind of work.

Once the table is all put together, it’s time for the finishing touches. Sand it down real smooth so it feels nice to the touch. Ain’t nothin’ worse than a table that’s all rough and splintery. After that, you can stain it if you want, or just leave it natural. It’s up to you. Some folks like the way the wood looks after a good rub-down with oil, but others prefer a coat of varnish to protect it from spills and whatnot.

All in all, a Shaker-style side table is a mighty fine project for any beginner. Ain’t too complicated, but you still get a beautiful piece of furniture when you’re done. And once you’ve got that table sittin’ in your living room, you’ll feel mighty proud of yourself, that’s for sure.

Now, I know I ain’t a carpenter, but if I can make one of these tables, so can you. Just keep at it, take your time, and remember – the Shakers didn’t rush their work, and neither should you.

Tags：[Shaker style, side table plans, woodworking, DIY furniture, simple furniture design, Shaker furniture, wood projects, beginner woodworking, table making, furniture plans]