Step-by-Step Build + Cost Breakdown
Creating your own furniture is one of the most rewarding DIY projects! This modern coffee table started as a box of nearly 250 wooden dowels and turned into a stunning, custom piece that fits my space perfectly. The best part? It’s budget-friendly and something you can totally do, even if you’re new to DIY! 💪✨
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to build this coffee table, including step-by-step instructions, materials, and a cost breakdown. Let’s get started!
Materials & Tools Needed 🛠
Materials:
- 2 – 36” round wood boards (1” thick)
- 250 wooden dowels (1/2” diameter)
- 1 – 2×4 for internal center support
- 3” wood screws
- L brackets
- Wood glue (you’ll need a lot!)
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Pre-stain wood conditioner
- Wood Stain (I used one coat of Provincial + one coat of Antique White)
- Matte polyurethane topcoat
Tools:
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Corner Clamp
- Sander
- Paintbrush + rag for stain
Step 1: Create the Table Base
- To make a square support, cut your 2×4 into small support pieces (4-12″ lengths and 4-11″ lengths) and use your corner clamps to create a square. Make sure the total height for one side is 12″.
- Attach them to one of your round boards using the screws provided with your L brackets. I eyeballed the location – it doesn’t need to be perfect.
NOTE: double check your internal support height with your dowel height!! They should be equal!!!
Step 2: Mount the circular table top
- To center the top circular board directly above the bottom board, I closed one eye, stood overtop of the circle’s edge, and walked in a circle around the table. I completely eyeballed the center location and it worked out perfectly for me!
- Do the best you can to attach L brackets to the top. I only did 2 on each 2×4 box because it was difficult to reach.
Step 3: Attach the Dowels
- Apply wood glue to both ends of each dowel and start attaching them vertically around the perimeter of the bottom round board. I also used wood glue on each side of the dowels.
- Repeat this process until the entire perimeter is covered.
- I was slightly off plumb by the time I got to the last dowel. I chiseled out part of the dowel so that it would fit and close the gap.
Please not that wood glue affects how the wood takes stain! I was very careful to keep my glue only where I needed it – otherwise the wood stain will look sloppy!
Step 4: Sand & Stain
- Lightly sand the entire tabletop to ensure a smooth finish. I used 220 grit sandpaper. I did not sand the dowels and they stained great! Wipe away any sawdust with a tack cloth.
- Apply pre-stain wood conditioner with a brush followed by one coat of Provincial stain, let it dry, then follow with one coat of Antique White stain for a more muted tone. I apply all stain with a brush, but I have a stain rag handy to wipe away any excess antique white stain.
- Once dry, seal everything with a matte polyurethane topcoat.
Step 5: Add Legs (optional)
- Last minute, I decided to add 1/2″ tall legs from 1×2 scrap wood I had in my garage. I wanted it to be a bit off the ground, since the rug we have in that room is so plush.
Step 6: Style & Enjoy!
Once your table is fully dry, bring it inside and style it with your favorite decor! ☕✨
Cost Breakdown 💰
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 – 36” round wood boards | $104 |
| 250 wooden dowels | $80 |
| 2×4 wood | $4 |
| Wood glue | $10 |
| 220-grit sandpaper | $5 |
| L Brackets | $6 |
| Total Cost: | ~$210 |
(I had a lot of the supplies in my garage from previous projects. If you don’t already have wood stain and tools, be prepared for those additional costs!)
Watch on Instagram:
Learn more about how I totally transformed this room into a cozy coastal sitting room + find all the DIY tutorials for this space HERE!
Final Thoughts 💭
I absolutely LOVE how this DIY coffee table turned out! It’s a high-end look for a fraction of the price, and the best part? It’s completely custom! And it truly is an easy, beginner friendly DIY.
Would you try this project? Let me know in the comments!
