DIY

How to Build a DIY Console Table

Mirror | Barcelona Vase

In this article, I’m going to show you how to build a modern console table. This table has super clean lines, industrial leg, and is super easy to build. It can be used as an entryway table, a media stand, or even a small book shelf.

Tools and Materials:

  • Finish Nailer
  • Tape Measurer
  • Wood Glue
  • Wood Stain
  • Wood Filler
  • Miter Saw
  • Sand Paper
  • 1 1/4″ Finish Nails
  • 1/2″ wood screws
  • allen wrench

Wood

  • 3 pieces of 1″ x 12″ x 8′ poplar

Steel Pipe

The first time I built this table, I used regular steel pipes, the kind that screws together. But when I was picking up the material for this table, I noticed a new product at Lowe’s called SteelTek that is made specifically for DIY projects. It’s basically the same, but the sockets and flanges connect using set screws. I thought I would give it a try.

  • 2 pieces of 3″ pipe
  • 4 pieces of 12″ pipe
  • 1 piece of 36″ pipe
  • 2 single socket t’s
  • 4 socket t’s
  • 4 flanges
  • 4 railing flanges

Build the Top, Bottom, and Sides

I started by cutting two pieces of 1×12 to 23 inches. Then I cut two more 44 inches. I used the four pieces to make up the top, bottom, and sides of the table.

I applied some wood glue where the joints met and used the finish nailer to fasten the boards together as shown in the diagram below.

Add the Vertical Dividers

Next I cut two more pieces of the 1×12: one 23 inches and the other 11.5 inches. Then I nailed and glued them in place. See the diagram for the placement of each board.

Add the Inner Shelf

The last part to building the wood part of the table is adding the inner shelf. For this, I cut a piece of the 1×12 to 27 1/2 inches. Then nailed and glued it in place as shown below.

Add Finishing Touches to the Wood

Once I completed the wood part of the table, I filled all of the nail holes. Then I sanded the entire table with extra fine sand paper to make sure all of the sides and edges were smooth.

Using a cloth, I applied a coat of Weathered Oak stain, and let it dry. Then I applied a coat of satin polyurethane.

Build the Legs

Putting the legs together is very simple. Check out the image below to see how all of the parts are laid out.

As I mentioned earlier, I used a product called SteelTek from Lowe’s. It’s like iron pipe, but it connects using set screws.

I used a scrap piece of 1×4, to evenly place the cross bar the same height off the floor.

Once I had one side completed, I used the same steps for the other end of the legs. Then I connected them with the 36″ piece of pipe.

I flipped the table upside down, and screwed the legs onto the bottom using 1/2″ wood screws.

All Done

And that’s all there is to it. Here are some pictures of the table in our entryway.

Mirror | Barcelona Vase | Woven Rug

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2 Comments

  • Reply Jessica

    What kind of wood do you recommend?

    May 2, 2020 at 6:25 pm
    • Reply Brooke

      It’s really up to you and the look you are wanting to achieve. We used Poplar, but you could also use Oak or really anthing.

      May 17, 2020 at 2:00 pm

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