How To Build A Small End Table

We’ve built countless end tables over the years, and trust us, it’s a project that’s perfect for beginners. You’ll need some basic tools and materials, but don’t worry—nothing too fancy. The best part about making your own table? You can customize the size, height, and finish to match your exact needs. I think—wait, I know—that once you’ve completed your first project, you’ll wonder why you ever considered buying one pre-made. Ready to transform a few pieces of wood into something functional and beautiful?

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Before you start building your small end table, you’ll need to gather the right materials and tools for the job.

We’ll be using 3/4-inch cabinet grade plywood—poplar works great for durability and that finished look we’re after.

For tools, you can’t go without a miter or circular saw for cutting, a pocket hole jig for those strong joints, and a good cordless drill.

You’ll also need 1 1/2-inch pocket screws, wood glue, and some clamps to hold everything together while it dries.

Trust me, there’s nothing worse than rushing to the store mid-project because you forgot something essential!

Planning Your End Table Design

The three key steps to planning your end table design will save you headaches down the road.

First, measure your space carefully—we’ve found that the perfect end table dimensions typically fall between 24-30 inches high and 18-24 inches wide.

Once you’ve got your measurements, it’s time to sketch your design.

• Consider functionality—will you need storage shelves or drawers?
• Choose materials that match both your budget and home décor.
• Determine a simple but sturdy construction approach.
• Select finishing options (paint or stain) that complement existing furniture.

Cutting the Plywood Pieces

Grab your saw and safety gear—it’s time to transform that sheet of plywood into the building blocks of your end table!

We’ll need to cut our 3/4-inch cabinet grade plywood into precise pieces. For a standard end table, we’re looking at roughly a 24×24-inch top, 24-inch legs, and 2-3-inch rails.

Remember, measure twice, cut once!

Don’t have a table saw? No problem. Most home improvement stores will cut your plywood to spec. Just bring your measurements with you.

Always wear goggles and a dust mask when cutting the plywood pieces—your lungs will thank you later.

Assembling the Table Legs

With those plywood pieces all cut and ready, let’s move on to building the frame of our end table. The legs are essential for this piece of furniture, and we’ll need to make sure they’re all sturdy and even.

Here’s what we’ll do:

• Cut four 24.5-inch legs from 2-by-2 stock – this height works perfectly for most living spaces.
• Use a pocket-hole jig to drill holes at each apron end.
• Apply wood glue at connection points before driving in 1.5-inch pocket screws.
• Attach the 1.5-inch aprons flush with the leg tops for a clean look.

Double-check that all legs are equal length – nobody wants a wobbly table!

Attaching Rails and Support Structure

Now that your legs are squared away, it’s time to add the critical support structure that’ll keep your table rock-solid.

Cut 3/4-inch square pieces for your shelf supports, making sure they fit snugly between the table legs. We’ve found that applying wood glue to joints where rails meet legs really boosts stability—don’t skip this step!

When installing the rails, you’ll want to use a right angle drill attachment; tight spaces can be tricky otherwise.

Align the corners of your shelf pieces with the leg supports before securing them. Finally, drive in pocket screws to attach rails to legs, being careful not to split the wood.

Installing the Shelf and Tabletop

The support structure‘s all set, which means we can finally bring this table to life with its shelf and top.

Now comes the fun part—seeing our table take shape! Here’s what we’ll do:

• Cut 3/4-inch square plywood pieces for shelf supports, making sure they fit snugly between the legs
• Attach supports with glue and nails, checking they’re perfectly level (trust me, this matters!)
• Set the shelf on supports and secure it with glue and nails
• Connect the tabletop by countersinking screws through the apron into the wood

Don’t overtighten those screws! We’re looking for solid—not split—wood here.

Sanding and Preparing for Finish

Proper sanding makes all the difference between an amateur-looking project and one that screams craftsmanship. We’ll start with coarse 80-grit paper to tackle rough spots, then work our way up to finer grits for that perfect finish.

Don’t forget to use a random orbit sander for efficiency on the tabletop. Just be careful to avoid sanding the top if you’ve got different finish plans for it. After you’re done, wipe everything down with a damp cloth to remove dust before applying your finish.

Applying Stain and Protective Coat

Once you’ve completed the sanding process, transforming your end table with color and protection becomes the most rewarding step in the project.

Now we’re ready to bring out the beauty of the wood with our stain and protective coat.

Here’s our process for applying stain and protection:

• Brush on gel stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping excess with a clean cloth
• Apply a second coat once the first is dry (usually 6-8 hours) to deepen the color
• Protect your work with water-based topcoat using an HVLP sprayer or brush
• Finish with linseed oil and beeswax polish for that perfect sheen

Adding Final Touches and Hardware

Five essential finishing steps now transform your basic structure into a beautiful, functional piece of furniture.

We’ll start by driving 5/8-inch screws through washers into the tabletop’s underside—this prevents annoying wobbles when you set your coffee down.

Next, attach furniture glides to each leg bottom (trust me, your floors will thank you).

Don’t skip the final sanding, especially on those corners that might catch someone’s sleeve.

Then apply your protective finish—whether clear topcoat or gel stain—to give lasting durability and that professional look.

Finally, if you’ve included storage, some well-chosen hardware like drawer pulls adds both function and character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between an End Table and a Side Table?

We differentiate end tables by their features like matching sofa height and storage options, while side tables offer versatile styles for various room locations. They’re similar but serve different placement purposes.

What Are Tiny Side Tables Called?

Good things come in small packages! We call these tiny accent tables by various names: accent tables, nesting tables, C-tables, or nightstands. They’re popular minimalist furniture pieces that maximize style while minimizing space.

What to Use as a Small Side Table?

We can use creative materials like repurposed crates, plywood, or nightstands as small side tables. They’re affordable and with functional designs, we’ll have the perfect spot for drinks or books.

How to Make a Simple Table at Home?

We’ll need plywood, a saw, and screws to create DIY furniture at home. We’ll cut our pieces, assemble the frame, attach the top, and finish with sanding for beautiful home decor.