Today’s project is very versatile—it can be used as a coffee table or bench indoors or out! It’s easy to make and for me it was relatively free of any cost, just a lot of labor hauling the reclaimed wood and building the table.
Look at all of that wonderfully weathered beautiful reclaimed wood! I have already made a potting bench and a craft show checkout station with some of this.
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Because I was looking for something quick and easy for Glendale this year I decided this reclaimed wood coffee table was the perfect project to work on at the end of a very long and busy work day.
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4×4 16” (4) legs
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2×4 44” (2) long skirt
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2×4 12” (2) short skirt
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fence boards 20” (9) table top
Supplies
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Pocket Hole Screws 2 1/2” (16)
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Paint (optional)
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36 1 5/8” screws (all weather if you plan to have this outdoors)
Tools
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Saw
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Kreg Jig (and bits)
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Drill
I dug through the stock I have stored away and found a couple of 2×4’s and one 4×4. In all honesty, the height of my table was determined by the length of my 4×4. I divided it by 4, and got 16”. I drilled all of the pocket holes in each end of the 2×4’s (skirt).
If you don’t have a pocket hole jig, you can use “L” brackets. However, if you do a lot of projects, I highly recommend you investing in one of these jigs. For more details see my post How To Use A Kreg Jig
I attached each end of the skirt to the 4×4’s. Any table looks best if you have a slight inset for the table skirt.
I then attached the longer sides using the same inset. I was so pleased with how quick this table was coming together.
I used the Kreg marking and measuring tool to use as a guide for drilling pilot holes for the screws to secure the planks on the table top. I wanted the screws to look uniform along the length of the planks.
I used 1 5/8” exterior screws, countersinking them into the plank boards. Because I didn’t want to rip any plank boards, I spaced them with a slight gap all the way across to make them come out evenly from end to end.
I love it! It was the perfect fill-in project to do. I’m thinking I need to do some smaller side tables. I’ve been calling this a table, but you can see that it would also work perfect as extra seating on the patio. Yep, I sat on it, and the boards are very sturdy.
At the end of the next day, I only had a few minutes to kill, so I did a quick whitewash on the table/bench. It’s HEAVY and long, so it was difficult to lift onto the work table.
Because I was so busy getting ready for Glendale 2016, I totally forgot to take any other pictures.
You can see how it turned out here. It sold very early along with the outdoor beverage bar. It’s very versatile-it can be indoor/outdoor seating (bench) or a coffee table for the patio.
Where would you use it?
gail
Wonderful table! All your projects are so cool, I’m going to try to copy them!
If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a question – I have 2 old benches that have been outside for years, and the wood is very grey (love it), cracking etc. I’ve done absolutely nothing to them. Do you think I could still use the better pieces of wood to make something for indoors? I don’t think the wood is pressure treated, but if so can it be used indoors? Thank you very much for any thoughts you care to share!
Donna,
I use gray (reclaimed wood) all the time for many projects. In my opinion, even if the wood had been treated, after all the years in the weather I feel that the chemicals have dissipated or the wood wouldn’t have faded and weathered. That being said, I would NOT use it for anything that children or food may come in contact with.
happy to hear from you, I’m always here if you have questions.
gail
Thanks so much for your reply, Gail! I appreciate your taking the time to answer my question. Now I just need to narrow down my project ideas for the benches.
By the way, I really love the many cool posts you share – I’m so inspired and look forward to creating beauty in my home. Thank you again.
Donna W.
Wow really nice table, I would put it in front of my glider on the patio. . You always do such a fantastic job. Just wish I could build stuff.
Dee,
We all have to start somewhere. This one would be a great beginner project. 🙂
Great table! I would use it on a covered porch as a coffee table.
wow! that is a great coffee table! i can see why it sold early! (still loving that door bench behind it in pic!)
I seriously want to make more door benches Nova! It was fun, but this table? soooo easy and fast!
gail
Do these sort of project sell quickly? I don’t have a booth but a local shop has a free weekend for anyone to sell their wares. I’m going to take a few things to see if I get a nibble.
Terri,
This rustic coffee table sold very early in the morning. They left it for a delayed pick up and I could have sold it all day long. 🙂 Since it is so easy to build, I wish I had made more.
gail
As always, your instructions are great! I think I’d like to make one for my show in April!
Thanks Kirby! So easy and fun, and well loved and received at my show. I need to start collecting some more wood. 🙂
gail