Simple, Modern Side Table

After his baby girl was born, Jamison from Rogue Engineer’s wife requested that he bring the glider from the nursery down to the master bedroom for feedings. It didn’t take long before the couple discovered a side table was a must for drinks, books, and the like.

They settled on a simple, modern side table from Pottery Barn, which Jamison knew would be easy to build.

He whipped up his own set of plans and shares them at his site.

You really can’t ask for a better, more detailed tutorial for a DIY furniture project.

After his table was complete, Jamison set down his measuring tape and drill and pulled up his software to create all the diagrams you’ll ever need to make this table.

Every measurement, hole to drill and screw to drive in is noted clearly throughout the diagrams. Jamison also spells out each step with easy-to-follow descriptions.

One aspect of the process to make these tables is used repeatedly. I think it’s important to note, so read on!

Pocket Holes Are Key

What makes this table extra nice (and more professional, if you will) is Jamison’s use of pocket holes. You probably know what these are but just in case, these are just holes for screws that are drilled at an angle.

A pocket hole lets you more easily and cleanly join two pieces of wood together. One advantage is you only have to drill one hole through the two pieces you’re joining, and you’re automatically assured everything will line up perfectly.

A self-tapping screw is all you need to fasten together pocket-hole joins.

So, what do you need to make these special holes?

Yes, it’s true to measure and drill pocket holes you’ll want a special tool called a Pocket-Hole Jig. The most popular one is made by Kreg.

It goes without saying that Jamison called upon his good buddy from Kreg many times for this project. If you have one or are ready to invest in one, then making this table will be oh, so easy.

Multiple Knock-offs!

When you check out Jamison’s page you’ll see many, many other DIY’ers have attempted to make this very table.

It just goes to show that good, thorough instructions can go a long way to helping even the casual wood-worker create a piece like this side table.

One thing that comes up time and again from folks who tried this project are what stains to use. In particular, colors and polys to put on it.

Check out the comments on Jamison’s page for some interesting ideas and suggestions. There really is no way to wrong on how to treat or finish this table!

The original inspiration came from Pottery Barn’s Connor Side Table.

Find the complete (and I mean, complete!), project plans to build your own side table at Rogue Engineer.

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