Introduction: Cheap Diy Coffee Table
I've seen a lot of these coffee tables on Pinterest.
thought i'd give it a try.
tried to keep it as cheap as possible, had purchased a jigsaw, sander and impact driver previously for other diy projects.
wood was free obviously...
Step 1: Getting Started
I found a good looking pallet at the local grocery store, it seemed fairly new, without a lot of rain damage, and looked fairly easy to work with.
i started with trimming the sides of the pallet and removing the bottom support pieces with my trusty jigsaw. after that i cut two pieces down the center and attached them to the sides creating a frame in which i could start making an 'artsy' design.
Step 2:
decided the easiest way to go with a good looking design is to start laying down triangles at the corners and keep going inwards till i reach the center.
Step 3:
i would keep going inwards using whatever reclaimed wood i could find hoping that different aged wood would give it a prettier look.
every piece would take some time cutting and filing till it fit well. I attached them to the frame using wood glue and self-drilling wood screws. i drilled them in from the bottom side thinking i would keep the top part clean.
Step 4:
it started taking shape nicely though the filing by hand started to take its toll on my carpal tunnel.
had to give it a rest for a day
Step 5:
the next day i reached the center. luck had it that it came out straight enough.
Step 6:
it was good enough. on to the next stage; building the base
Step 7:
i found a heavier pallet at the back of a metal shop near by, i guessed the thicker wood used to ship metal would be enough to support my coffee table.
i used two 2-by-4's, cut them to size and drilled them in using metal corner braces.
Step 8:
i added four pieces to make the bottom level
Step 9:
Now for some sanding, a lot of sanding.
this sander cost about 40$, and did an okay job. but i would spring for a better one next time ;-)
it took about 3 whole hours of sanding and filing
Step 10:
i put on two layers of the cheapest lacquer i could find (12$ a can)
Step 11:
done!
took about 12 hours of work
materials:
wood 0$
glue 10$
screws 2$
lacquer 12$
Tools ~ 100$ (sander, impact driver, jigsaw)