Modern End Table

In this Instructable I'll show you how to make a modern end table. It's a great skill builder as I used tapers, continuous miters, and dowel joinery.

Be sure to watch the video above, and if you like it please subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Gather Tools and Materials

Tools Used

Materials/Supplies

(4) 8' 1x4 walnut boards
(1) 8' 1x4 poplar or plywood
(1) 24" x 24" 1/4" plywood panel
16" drawer slides
3/8" dowel pins
Figure eight fasteners

Make the Mitered Box for the Top

The top of the end table is a mitered box. I made the box with two panel glue up.

I cut the panels to size then put a 45 degree miter along the length of each panel then used tape across the miter joints. I applied glue to the joints then rolled up the assembly.

To clamp the box I used strap clamps and ratchet straps which worked great.

Cut the Legs and Joints for the Base

The base is made from legs and a top stretcher that are joined by miter joints. I tapered each leg on the tablesaw using a taper jig. Then I took the legs to the miter saw and cut a 40 degree miter on each leg as well as the top leg supports.

The angles together give a 10 degree splay on the legs. After the top miters are cut I trimmed the legs to 18-1/4" in length with a 10 degree bevel on the foot.

Join and Assemble the Legs

I laid out the dowel joinery for the legs using dowel joinery.

Clamping blocks with 10 degree angles on them will allow you to clamp the legs easily.

Cut the Aprons and Join the Sides

I cut two aprons to join the leg assemblies, using 10 degree bevels on the top and bottom.

I drilled dowels holes in the ends of the aprons and transferred the holes to the leg assembly using dowel points.

Then I drilled dowel holes in the leg assemblies and assembled the whole base using dowels, glue and clamps.

Build the Drawer

With the base drying I built the drawer.

I used simple brad nail and glue joinery. I reinforced the joints with dowels for extra strength.

The bottom of the drawer is 1/4" plywood and glued and nailed to the bottom.

I put a 45 degree chamfer on the underside of the drawer to hide the plywood bottom.

Cut the Drawer Front and Attach

I installed the drawer in the top with 16" drawer slides per manufacturer recommendations.

Then I cut a false drawer front and made a notched handle for it on the tablesaw.

To center and mount the drawer I used playing cards to shim the drawer then attached it to the front with screws.

Attach the Back and Final Assembly

I cut a rabbet in the back of the table to hold a 1/4" plywood back panel. Then attached the back with brad nails.

I attached the top to the base with figure eight fasteners leaving a 3/4" overhang on the front and the back.

Wrap Up

I'm loving the way this piece turned out and it was a great skill builder!

You can get detailed plans for this build at my website: http://fixthisbuildthat.com/modern-diy-end-table-plans/

And if you want to see more great projects you can subscribe to my YouTube channel!