Cool Ideas for Making Coffee Tables

Usually resting in the center of a living room or as a focal point in a den, a coffee table is a functional piece of furniture that can express something about the owners personality and individuality. Making your own coffee table allows you to step away from the basic wood rectangle and create a cool expression of your style. With your imagination as your only limitation, a cool coffee table is a weekend project that you can enjoy for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?

Rustic Door

An old door will make a visually interesting coffee table.

Whether your home dcor is shabby-chic or urban-chic, an architecturally interesting old door will fit right in and serve stylishly as your new coffee table. Purchase or scavenge a vintage, antique or distressed door and sand off any loose paint or sharp surfaces. Screw in some stained-to-match table legs from your home improvement store. A custom-cut piece of glass will make a smooth surface for coffee cups and magazines while still allowing viewers to enjoy the details and colors on the door. When you accessorize with other rustic wood items, your table fits right in and gives your whole room a warm and inviting look.

Aquarium or Terrarium Table

An aquarium is an ever-changing environment that can be modified into a coffee table.

An aquarium or terrarium coffee table is relatively easy to put together and will give you a totally custom look. A living sculpture that can easily be changed or rearranged, when you fill the aquarium with fish or plants you create a focal point in the room that guests will not be able to resist. Although you can purchase an aquarium coffee table set up, you can also put one together for little money by purchasing a used aquarium and discount glass. The time and effort you put into decorating and filling your container with plants or fish is creative time well spent. Consider the amount of natural lighting the area gets and supplement with electric light fixtures if necessary.

Rusted Pottery

Simple terra cotta pots can be turned into an attention-getting coffee table.

An organic approach to the coffee table problem, terra cotta pots and a couple of panes of glass will get you started on this cool project. Apply a faux rust compound to large, round terra cotta pots you get from your home improvement or gardening store. The height of the pots will be within an inch or two of your completed coffee table height, so measure them before you buy. Once your new clay pots are aged to perfection with the simple two-step rusting solution you get from a craft store, seal them with a clear spray sealant. Place one rectangular sheet of glass or Plexiglas on the floor cut to the table-size you desire. Arrange the pots on the glass and place upside down (the mouth of the pot to the floor) as desired. You can place them in a neat row, or stagger them for a longer table. Top off with the second matching piece of glass to complete your custom coffee table.

Cast Iron Cast Off

An old cast- iron tub makes for a functional conversation piece in your living room or den. Although bulky and heavy, a cast iron tub complete with sculpted feet, rusty sides and chipped interior provides an interesting curve for which to balance a clear Plexiglas tabletop. Perfect for a sunroom or garden room, a cast-iron tub coffee table will leave your guests envious of your creativity.

Wheelies

As just about anything that can hold a piece of glass can be a coffee table, there is no reason for your antique pedal car to be gathering dust in the basement. The perfect size and shape, antique pedal cars such as a firefighter's car from the 1960s or a Chevy pedal car from the late 1950s can be fitted with a piece of glass to make an eye-catching coffee table for any eclectic space. Adapt the vehicle so that the glass rests flat and level by placing small felt or rubber spacers along the low points of the toy and then enjoy the compliments.

Ideas for a Round Bedside Table Skirt

A skirt for the table next to your bed has a two-fold purpose. The skirt protects the table surface from spills and stains and transforms even the ugliest table into a decorative addition. You can use leftover scrap fabric, re-use a dining room tablecloth or even old curtains. The design possibilities for creating your bedside table skirt are numerous, and you don't even have to know how to sew. Does this Spark an idea?

Choose a Style

Look through home decorating magazines and online for style ideas. Consider all your color and pattern choices. Decide if you want the table to blend with your other furnishings and window treatments or become a focal point in your bedroom. You might want to use a tailored fabric as an underskirt and place a lacy cloth over it as an overlay.

Measure the Table

Measure the table from the top to its legs to determine where you want the skirt to fall. Use the measurement as a guide for the amount of fabric to buy. The average bedside table is the same height as your mattress, about 29 inches, and is within arm's length of your bed. The fabric should not pool on the floor or fall too short and show unfinished table legs or an unattractive pedestal.

Find the Fabric

Look for fabric at flea markets or yard sales if you do not have material at home. Choose a machine-washable fabric for easy laundering that will not fade if placed near a window or receives exposure to sunlight. Avoid silky materials that will slip and cause constant readjusting.

Hem and Press

Sew your bedside table skirt by hand or on a machine using a 1-inch hem around the bottom of the skirt. You can also use a special hem tape if sewing is not among your skills. Alternatively, a tailor can hem your table skirt at minimal cost. Iron to remove any wrinkles.

How to Make a Table from a Planter Urn

Give new life to an old planter urn by making it into a side table. An urn planter can become the base of a table simply by placing a glass top on it. Since the table top is glass, you can place decorative items inside the urn to be viewed from above the glass top. Changing the items inside the urn to match the season makes a decorative display. An urn planter table is a unique addition to any dcor. Clean the old urn and paint it if desired before starting this project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Place felt protectors on the bottom of the urn's base to prevent it from scratching the floor.

2

Fill the urn halfway with sand to give it weight if it is made of resin.

3

Measure the circumference of the urn's rim, and divide that measurement by four to find the placement of the buttons around the rim.

4

Mark the four locations around the rim with a pencil.

5

Squeeze muti-purpose glue onto the backs of plastic or wooden clothing buttons and set the buttons onto the marks around the rim of the urn. Let the glue dry.

6

Place the glass round table top on top of the urn.

How to Decorate Coffee Tables With Baskets

Instead of leaving your coffee table bare, add decorative elements to the surface or shelves. Items like baskets can provide both a decorative and practical purpose on the table, providing extra storage space. Baskets come in many styles, so you'll likely find one that fits with your overall room decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Select a basket style and color that will stand out on your coffee table. Choose one that's in a contrasting color to the table. Alternately, use a basket that's in the same shape as the table for continuity of pattern or one in a different shape for variety.

2

Experiment with baskets in differing materials if your coffee table is large enough. Decorative baskets are commonly made from woven fiber, but can also be made from metal wire or plastic. Create a pattern with the differing types. For example, form a line across the top with two identical fiber baskets on either side of a metal basket.

3

Store items in the baskets like remote controls. Hide nondecorative items at the bottom of the basket, and cover with a small folded throw blanket, which you can use while cozying up on the couch. Fill the baskets on your coffee table with interesting elements. Glass stones come in a large range of hues and can lend a splash of color in an unexpected place. Seashells, regular stones or a sprinkling of silk flower petals create a natural vibe.

4

Arrange magazines or books in the baskets so you'll always have reading material within reach when sitting in your living room.

5

Avoid overcrowding the table with baskets. Use only one on a small coffee table to avoid visual clutter. Use up to three or four on a larger coffee table, but mix it in with other accessories, such as a glass vase or candle display.

How to Make Farmhouse Kitchen Tables

Whether youre going for the look of a country cottage or a rustic cabin, a farmhouse table adds charm and simplicity to any kitchen or dining room. Because of the straightforward design of a farmhouse kitchen table, virtually anyone with a little building know-how can make one in an afternoon. Once the table is constructed, you can leave it unfinished, apply a stain or just cover it with a clear sealant. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Arrange two of the 2-by-6-foot boards to run parallel to one another set 3 feet apart resting on their 2-inch width. Place the other two boards of the same size perpendicularly also on their 2-inch width at each end to cap the first two boards and form a square.

2

Make the boards flush at each corner. Insert two screws through each corner to connect the square frame unit together. Run a bead of wood glue down the inside seam of the corners for added strength.

3

Hold one 3-by-3-inch post upright and press it into one inside corner of the frame with the frame resting on a flat surface. Screw two screws through both corner boards and into the sides of the post to secure the post. Run glue along both seams on the side of the post where it touches the boards. Repeat this step with the three other posts so they are pointing up in the air at the remaining corners. Leave the frame for one hour so the glue can dry.

4

Rotate the frame and table legs so it sits upright with the frame suspended off the ground and the legs supporting the structure. Place all four of the 10-inch boards across the length of the frame so they run parallel to the first two original boards. Adjust the boards until they run flush to one another at each end, are set -inch apart, and have an even overhang off the frame on both sides of the table and at each end of the table.

5

Insert screws through the 10-inch boards and into the square frame underneath to secure the table top boards to the frame. Space the screws every 5 inches. Make sure you are driving the screws into the frame below as you work.

6

Sand over the entire surface and frame of the table to smooth the wood. If desired, apply a wood stain and let it dry, and/or use a clear sealant and allow the sealant to dry thoroughly.

How to Make a Side Work List for a Restaurant

Aside from serving restaurant guests, servers must attend to their side work duties. Side work duties are those things that customers have come to expect from restaurants over the years, such as clean tables, full condiment bottles and air quality. According to a Restaurant Owner Magazine and MasterCard survey, customers complained more about lousy service than lousy food. Service includes the overall experience with cleanliness, condiments and atmosphere.

Instructions

1

Assign stations to sets of tables with equal seating capacity. For example, if you have twelve tables, batch them in groups of three or four depending on how many servers you have on duty at a given time. Assign each set of four tables a station number. Assign each server to a station.

2

Print a chart broken down into times that work should be completed on a horizontal line at the top and a list of server's name or server station numbers down a vertical line on the far left of the chart. Time and server station number should intersect at a particular task box.

3

Program the point-of-sale software with a task reminder feature that pops up and lets the servers know what tasks are due.

4

Make a list of the side work duties that need to be completed before the restaurant opens. Add clean beverage station, cleaning tables and any elements of the restaurant customers will be exposed to first.

5

Add tasks to the list that cooks and other kitchen staff can use a hand with once the initial cleaning and prep is down for the house. Tasks can include preparing tables and tablecloths.

6

Assign each server a list of tasks. If you have stations, then you can break assignments down to work stations. Tasks could include replenishing menus at the entrance door or waiting room.

7

Make a list of the side work duties that need to be attended to throughout the day, such as stocking condiment shelves. Add those to the list equally among your servers or stations.

8

List all the side work tasks that each server needs to complete at the end of his shift. Duties could include stocking empty napkin trays and condiments so that the new server can just start taking orders. Schedule a training session in this section if there is some compliance or safety video that the server needs to watch.

9

Require the server taking over the shift to initial the previous server's timecard to verify that she has completed her side work task list before she left for the day. Be available to personally initial time cards several times a week. Owner absenteeism is one of the biggest culprits for restaurant foreclosures and liquidations over the years, according to "Indianapolis Monthly."

10

List all the side work tasks that servers need to complete before the restaurant closes and the staff leaves for the night. Refill condiments and clean beverage stations.

Ideas for Replacing Your Table Top After the Glass Has Broken

A broken glass tabletop is an upsetting circumstance for any table owner. Some tabletops are actually made of glass while other tabletops are covered with a protective glass sheet. Glass tabletops can shatter because of something dropping on them, the table getting knocked over or temperature differentiations resulting in expansion and contraction in the glass that results in fracture. Several options are available to replace a broken glass tabletop. Does this Spark an idea?

Acrylic Plastic

Acrylic plastic looks similar to glass. It is clear and can protect the table from damage, but it is much more durable, lighter weight and not likely to fracture. Replacing a broken table top with a plastic one is easy since most hardware stores sell acrylic plastic and can cut it to any dimensions that you require. If you don't have the specific dimensions of the broken tabletop, you can either measure the table frame or take it to the store with you to ensure you achieve the proper fit. Acrylics are more likely to scratch than regular glass, so cover tables that see a lot of use to keep the plastic looking its best.

Stone

Stone is commonly used in outdoor tabletops, such as patio furniture, and it offers durability and a rustic look that is very appealing to many people. Marble is frequently used both indoors and outdoors as a tabletop replacement. You can paint the stone to match any pattern or color scheme, which is a benefit over glass since glass tabletops are typically clear and not decorated or modified much. Stone is a more expensive option, but its durability means it can last for years because stone won't shatter.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is another choice for replacing a broken tabletop since tempered glass is 4 to 6 times stronger than regular glass, making it much less likely to fracture. The other advantage safety wise is that when tempered glass does break, it cracks into small square pieces and does not form the sharp splinters that traditional glass is known for. Tempered glass is measured and cut to form an exact replica of your broken tabletop and can last for years.

How to Repair a Chipped Glass Corner

Sometimes no matter how carefully you wrap or package a sheet of glass, such as the glass for a picture frame, the corners get chipped. A chipped glass corner can be more than just an eyesore, it can be downright dangerous, if the corner is on a glass coffee table that people pass by every day. Luckily, you don't need to spring for a brand new sheet of glass; you can easily repair it yourself. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Blow on the chipped corner, making sure it's free of dust and debris. For small chips purchase a clear epoxy at a craft store. Simply dab dots of clear epoxy into the cracks and dents, filling them. Allow the epoxy to dry.

2

Purchase a glue that's specially made for glass, such as Loctite glue or a comparable product. Put on a pair of latex gloves. Move the glass piece directly in front of an open window, where there's plenty of sunlight.

3

Add a dot of glue to the chipped place that is half the size of the dent. Press the chipped piece onto the dent and hold in place for at least five minutes. Leave the piece of glass in the sun for at least two hours as the UV rays from the sun help bond this material.

4

Shave off any excess glue with a razor blade.

How to Put Tables Side by Side in Full Tilt

If you're an avid poker player, or you just like the rush of playing more than one hand at a time, you may attempt to play multiple tables in Full Tilt Poker. Playing more than one hand speeds up the game, which can result in larger winnings when compared to playing only one table. To play each table efficiently, you'll need to place the tables next to one another. You may also need to resize the tables so they don't overlap.

Instructions

1

Open the Full Tilt program and log on to your account.

2

Click "Play money" or "Real money," depending on your preferred playing style. Find the game of your choice by filtering out games you're not interested in by clicking your preferences in the "Browse" table.

3

Scroll through the list of available games in the "Table" list. Double-click the first game you're interested in joining. Minimize the table window and double-click the second game you wish to join. Minimize the main Full Tilt screen.

4

Click the first table window, so that both the first and second table appear on your screen. Click the top border of the second table and drag it next to the first.

5

Click and hold the outside border if the tables overlap. Resize the table so that it fits correctly next to the other table by dragging your mouse in the corresponding direction. For example, if you click the right border and drag your mouse to the right, the table will increase in size. If you drag your mouse to the left, it will decrease in size.

How to Make a Child's Vanity Dressing Table

Your little girl wants to do everything you do, including primp and prepare herself for her adoring public. Create a small dressing table for a corner of her bedroom or a niche next to your vanity, and stock it with fake pearls, candy lipstick, a pretty brush and comb set, and a decorative tissue box. A cast-off side table with a single drawer and four legs can be cut down to size and transformed into a dreamy dressing table for a little girl. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the height of an old wooden side table from surface to floor to determine where to cut the legs. Depending on the child's age and height, the vanity should be between 19 and 24 inches high, so mark the legs at the appropriate spot.

2

Cut the legs with a handsaw or jigsaw, being careful to keep the cuts level so the table won't wobble. Sand the bottom of the legs lightly to remove any rough edges. Remove the drawer knob.

3

Paint the table a light color to match the room's dcor. A lavender-tinted white goes with pinks or blues easily, and might not look too fussy if your girl isn't into pink. Allow the paint to dry between coats, but give the table at least two coats to protect it from nicks and scratches.

4

Stencil a design on the front of the drawer, marking the outlines lightly in pencil. Use a thin brush and hobby paint to outline the design in gold or a contrasting color.

5

Replace the drawer knob with a cut "crystal" knob -- Lucite, plastic or Plexiglas from the hardware store. Position the vanity against the wall.

6

Paint the frame of an ornate mirror from the flea market or the attic to match the vanity, or paint it to match the trim. Hang the mirror on the wall behind the vanity so the diva can check her hair and makeup.

7

Place a wooden step stool or a small chair with a ruffled cushion in front of the vanity and place a small vase with a single flower in front of the mirror. If the child is a toddler, an artificial flower and a waterless, unbreakable vase would be a wise choice.

How to Lift the Top Off of a Coffee Table

Coffee tabletops come in wood, glass, metal and other materials. The coffee table's surface can become marred with scratches, stains, chips, cracks and other damage. You might take the table apart to refinish the tabletop, or replace it. Disassembling the coffee table makes moving easier. If you tried to lift the tabletop and couldn't, rest assured, this isn't difficult. Learning how to remove the tabletop allows you to re-create the coffee table--whether to refurbish it or replace the tabletop. With hand tools and a few minutes of your time, you can part the tabletop from its legs or frame. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Turn the coffee table upside down onto a soft surface (carpet or blanket) to protect it from scratches.

2

Locate the coffee table's assembly hardware. It's usually at the top of the legs or in the frame directly under the tabletop. Find the screws or bolts and that hold the tabletop onto the legs or frame. Bolts will have nuts or wingnuts.

3

Unscrew the screws or use a wrench to remove the nuts and bolts. Use pliers on tight wingnuts. Remove all the hardware holding the tabletop on. Put the hardware in a bowl or other container. If the coffee table has individual legs, take the legs off one at a time and place them on a soft surface. If the tabletop is attached to a frame, lift the frame off of the tabletop once you have removed all the hardware. If the frame is heavy, have an assistant help. Move the frame clear of the tabletop and set it down.

4

You can now lift the coffee table's top.

How to Make an End Table Made of Stacked Books

While some may frown on using reading material for furniture-making, the time may come when an inundation of old books makes this fun end-table a happy solution to an overwhelming problem. Your only required skill for this project is the ability to stack--and occasionally restack--in case of a hard bump to your temporary creation. A more permanent table can be made by following the steps below. Consider this when you have absolutely, positively finished your last page! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Assembling Your Table Legs

1

Sort and stack books in four stacks the same height. Hardcover books are easiest to use, but sturdy paperbacks may also be used. Your goal is to make the stacks exactly the same height, so it may take a few tries to get it right. Measure to be sure. Ideally, your stacks vary by no more than 1/4 inch. For final leveling, you can use any book covers you have saved (if you also plan a plywood top, reserve the best covers to decoupage the plywood first). If you want an extremely small table and have large books, make a single stack as a pedestal, using two large books or one coffee table-sized book at the base.

2

Place books on a glue-proof work surface. Coat each book thoroughly with decoupage glue or white glue as you stack. Leave the top cover of the top book bare of glue. Cover with plastic wrap and add plywood piece and bricks or phone book and bricks to press books together. Allow to dry thoroughly for 24 to 48 hours.

3

Measure height of bookstacks again when fully dry. (Paper and cover materials may swell slightly or absorb glue in different amounts.) If stacks vary in height after gluing, fill in with book covers glued to stack top. Cover, weight, and dry again. Use the level to check your work.

Assembling Your Table

4

Cover dry pedestal or legs with decoupage sealer or clear varnish. Let dry thoroughly.

5

Arrange and glue book covers to plywood top, if that is what you have chosen to use. Allow glue to dry thoroughly, then apply two coats of sealer or varnish to make your top durable. If you are using a huge coffee-table book, follow the same directions. Plexiglas needs no preparation.

6

Use more glue to attach plywood, big-book, or Plexiglas top, once all parts of project are thoroughly dry. Glue will go on opaque but will dry clear. Cover, weight, and dry. This is why all parts, including the top, must be completely dry before assembling. If you have any doubts whatsoever, wait another 12 to 24 hours, especially in damp weather, before final assembly.
Once you're dry, you're done!

How to Make a Country Table

Country decorating adds warmth and charm to a home, and you don't have to live on a farm to create a country atmosphere. Country furniture is welcoming and inviting. Benches, stools, handcrafted end tables, and a fancy hutch all add to the country tone. Why not spruce up your home with a custom-made country table that takes almost no time at all? Follow a few simple steps, and soon you'll be adding a little country charm to your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Purchase four pieces of 2-by-2 material for the table legs. Cut the legs each about 2 1/2 feet, or 32 inches, long. It is important that the legs are all the same length in order to avoid a wobbly table. Measure and cut carefully.

2

Purchase a large piece of plywood for the table top. The size of the plywood will depend on how large you want the country table to be. A nice-sized country table would run about 5 feet by 3 feet by 2 inches thick.

3

Lightly sand the table top and legs. Country tables look great left in their natural wood finish, but they look even better when sanded and stained. To add additional character to your table, round all four edges and corners of the table.

4

Attach two 4-inch L-shaped brackets to the tops of each leg using a wood screw; the brackets should be on opposite sides of each leg. Screw the bracket in with one side of the bracket extending down the leg and the other side of the bracket flush with the top of the leg, extending out. This piece will attach to the table top.

5

Turn your table top upside down on the ground. Using wood screws, screw the brackets to the underside of the table top.

How to Refinish End Tables

Tired of your ugly end table? If it is solid and well-designed, all it may need is a face lift. You can finish the job yourself at home, turning your end table into a fresh-faced work of art. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Instructions

1

Detach any drawers from your end table. You will have to work with each piece of your end table separately until the process is complete.

2

Obtain a chemical stripper labeled as requiring "no cleanup," or that can be easily washed away with water. While some strippers come in liquid form, others are gels or pastes. Since you will be working with both horizontal and vertical surfaces of an end table, avoid liquid forms that will run off the sides and legs.

3

Read the instructions that come from the manufacturer of the chemical stripper.

4

Spread a coat of stripper to a small area of your end table. Wait for the time advised in the manufacturer's instructions while the stripper does its work.

5

Using a round-edged putty knife, remove the old finish. In places where the finish refuses to come off, use steel wool soaked in the stripper. In certain areas, multiple applications of stripper may be required. Repeat this and the previous step until you have coated and removed the stripper over all desired surfaces of your end table.

6

Clean the remaining stripper from the surfaces of your end table with water or turpentine and wait for the wood to dry.

7

Lightly sand the end table where needed. The appearance of your new finish will largely rely on how well you sand. Be sure not to leave any rough patches or defects, and sand in the direction of the wood grain. Mistakes may be accentuated after the final finish.

8

If your table is made of oak or mahogany, you will need to work grain filler into the grain. Since grain filler is a pigmented paste, choose a color that goes along with your planned design. This will depend on the color of the wood, the color you wish to stain it and the degree to which you'd like the wood grain emphasized. Apply the paste filler and press it into the grain along your end table surfaces.

9

Allow the filler to dry before using your putty knife to remove excess. Sand lightly once again along the grain line.

10

Apply a sanding sealer to all surfaces and allow it to dry before lightly sanding once again. This will act as a primer for the wood, preventing it from absorbing too much of your stain.

11

Apply your chosen stain evenly to the wood with a brush or rag, and allow it to penetrate the wood as long as desired: the longer you leave it, the darker the color. Wipe off excess stain with a rag and leave the wood to dry. Repeat this step if you would like your wood darker.

12

Using either polyurethane, water-based polyurethane, or lacquer, apply your finish. You may need to apply several coats and even lightly sand between applications. Allow your end table to dry.

How to Make a Decorative Urn Table

Urns are large vases that usually have round pedestal stands or feet. They are often used as functional pieces of art. While they are typically made of resin, they can be made with cement, fiberglass, metal, or ceramic materials. With just a few materials and in a few steps, they can be transformed into attractive side tables that add an element of style to any space. The most appropriate-sized urn to use for this project is 22-29 inches tall. Urns are made in a variety of colors, sizes, and designs, so you can choose one that best fits your dcor. Weight, such as sand, shells, and stones, can be added to the inside of the urn to give it stability. The table can be used in an inside room to add a formal element or to an outside garden space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Attach the felt floor protectors to the bottom of the urn.

2

Fill the urn with shells, rocks, or other materials if you would like. This step is optional. If you use a resin urn, nearly fill the urn with sand, and then add the optional materials. The sand will improve stability in the resin urn. If you are using a glass top, you can add artificial flowers, fruits, or vegetables decoratively on top of the weight, to be seen when looking through the glass. Be sure not to fill the urn over the top. You can change your decorative addition for specific holidays and seasons.

3

Place the plastic glass protectors between the urn and glass round, if you are using a glass round, and place the round on top of the urn.

4

Decorate a wooden top by sanding it until it is smooth and adding a base coat of several layers of a desired color of spray paint, sanding between each coat. Then, you can add your choice of texture by dabbing glaze or use stencils to paint designs onto the wood.

Plans on How to Build a Farm Table Bench

Farm tables are typically rustic and worn with use from family gatherings. Build a bench for additional seating for your farm table. A farm table bench should be simple in construction and made from thick, warm-toned wood such as cedar or walnut. The bench consists of a seat, legs and center support. Give the bench a clear finish to allow the warmth of the wood and simple design to come through. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Stand the two 2-by-12-by-16-inch boards upright on a work surface, parallel to each other and 56 inches apart. These are the legs.

2

Lay the 2-by-12-by-60-inch board on top of the legs, with its ends flush with the top of the leg boards. This is the seat.

3

Drive four evenly spaced flush-trim wood screws through the top of the seat into the end of each of the legs using a screw gun.

4

Turn the bench over so the legs stick up, and center the 2-by-4-by-56-inch board between the legs with the 2-inch side against the underside of the seat. This is the center support.

5

Drive two evenly spaced flush trim wood screws through the outside of the legs into each end of the center support.

6

Apply wood glue to one end of enough wood plugs to fill each screw hole. Insert a plug into each screw hole with the glue end in. Allow the glue to dry.

7

Sand the wood plugs flush with the surface of the wood using a fine-grit sanding block.

8

Apply a clear coat finish to the bench. Allow the finish to dry.

How to Build a Rustic Dining Room Table

Rustic tables can invoke feelings of a colonial kitchen or that of being in an old world farm house. The ease of making a dining room table with a simple and classic design only adds to the appeal of the table. With very little woodworking skills, practically anyone can put this table together and finish the project over a weekend. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Arrange your four support frame boards into a square. Nail the boards together. If desired, use wood glue along the joint to add extra security.

2

Place a table leg inside on corner of the square frame. Nail the leg to the frame with three nails on each of the two sides of the leg. Keep the top edge of the leg level with the top of the frame. Working with the table upside-down will keep things in place without much shifting.

3

Attach the other three legs to the frame and allow any wood glue time to dry before flipping the frame over. If you prefer to have the table legs turned, be sure to leave the first 6 inches square and round the rest of the length.

4

Turn the table frame and legs right side up. Check for how level the table is at this point. Sand down any legs that are making the table wobbly.

5

Lay your four boards across the top of the table and space evenly about -inch apart. Nail two nails in each board across the width of the table into the frame boards below.

6

Sand the table top and edges smooth. Apply any stain or sealant as desired.

How to Repair a Scratched Coffee Table

A scratch on a coffee table or other wood furniture is unsightly and makes it look old and worn out, detracting from the beauty of the wood surface. Often, the scratch is lighter than the wood, thus making it noticeable. Repairing the scratch will effectively save the coffee table from being relegated to the junk pile. You do not have to use costly wood refinishing kits in order to repair the scratch. Depending on the size and depth of the gouge, you can disguise it effectively and quickly with ordinary household products. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Nut Meat Method

1

Dust the surface of your coffee table to provide a clean surface and allow the nut meat to stain the wood surface.

2

Remove the shell from a Brazil nut, black walnut or pecan with a nut cracker.

3

Break the nut meat in half.

4

Rub the nut meat over the scratch on your wood coffee table. Move the nut back and forth with the wood grain. The nut stains the scratch so it is no longer visible.

5

Wipe off any residue left from the nut meat with a soft cloth. Polish your coffee table in your normal fashion.

Wood Restoration Method

6

Dust the entire surface and legs of the coffee table.

7

Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from the hot solution.

8

Pour 1 pint hot water, 1 tbsp. turpentine and 1 1/2 tbsp. boiled linseed oil into a clean metal can or old double boiler. The solution works best if kept hot.

9

Dip a cleaning cloth into the solution and wring it out well.

10

Rub the cloth over an area no larger than 1 or 2 feet. Wet the cloth, wring it out and continue rubbing until the section is clean. This solution restores the oils, adds shine and effectively disguises any scratches in the wood surface.

11

Buff the section with a clean, soft cloth once the area is clean. Boiled linseed oil becomes tacky after a while, therefore, it is important to wipe any remaining solution before continuing onto another section. Continuing cleaning and drying the coffee table one section at a time until all the wood is restored.

End Table Woodworking Plans

From traditional to contemporary, end tables come in a variety of design styles. With this in mind, building an end table can be a creative woodworking project. It allows woodworkers to test their hand at various designs while still allowing for a personal touch. It also provides an opportunity to create a simple or intricate piece of furniture.

Getting Started

Before putting anything together, make a plan on exactly what you want your end table to look like. Decide on the height, the length and the type of wood you want to use. Also decide whether your table will be a simple stand or if it will have storage such as a bottom rack or a drawer. This will determine how much wood you need and how complicated the job will get.

Once you've decided on all of these factors, obtain the wood you need and begin the process of milling. Start with the top of the end table. Cut out a piece of wood that will function as your table top. The dimensions must be accurate. Make sure that the front and back, as well as the left and right side of the table top, are equal lengths.

Now you can begin milling your table legs, as well as the pieces for the drawer if you will add one.

Legs and Joints

The legs and the joints are going to be one of the most important parts of the project. Decide whether you want your legs to taper down, starting thicker at the top and getting thinner at the bottom. This will require careful milling and designing of the legs so that they all have equal lengths and dimensions.

Once you have decided how the legs will look, begin thinking about the joints. The joints are especially important if you are incorporating a drawer into the end table. If this is the case, your table will have three panels. Two wood panels will make up the left and right side of the end table, while one panel will be installed in the back. The front will be left open to slide in the drawer.

When you cut out the left and right wood panels of the end table, make sure that each end of the panel has two rectangular edges sticking out. These edges, called tenons, will slide into the joints on the front and back legs. They will be glued together creating a frame for the table. The back piece of the table also will be glued and nailed into place.

If you want a shelf added to the bottom of the end table, you will have to add joints to the bottom of the table legs. You will then cut out wood runners that will fit into each of these joints and a shelf that will be nailed into place on top of the four runners.

Drawer

To create the drawer you will need five wood planks. Four of the wood planks will be the sides of the drawer while the last plank will serve as the bottom of the drawer. Cut them to the length and dimensions necessary so that the finished drawer will slide into the table. Glue the drawer sides together and nail in place. Next, you will create two small runners that will be installed inside the drawer frame. These runners will be placed on each side of the drawer frame. Chisel out a long groove on the left and right panel of the drawer. These grooves should fit into the runners you installed. Once the drawer is in place, the grooves should slide right over the runner allowing the drawer to be pulled in and out with ease.

How to Paint a Coffee Table Black

Matching all of your furniture to the dcor of your home can be easier said than done. If you've found the perfect coffee table, but it does not quite match your other furniture, walls or overall design scheme, paint it yourself. Black is one of the most popular colors of paint to choose for furniture, as it goes with almost anything. Black can be used to accent a room with darker dcor, such as dark wood and fire place, or to create a contrast and make the piece stand out in a lighter room. Using the right paint and the right techniques for your surface will have that coffee table painted black and complimenting your dcor in no time.

Instructions

Metal tables

1

Scrub the metal surface with steel wool pads to remove any rust or stains on the surface.

2

Lay down a drop cloth or large piece of cardboard to cover the surrounding area. The cloth should extend at least a foot beyond the table in all directions. Set the table on the drop cloth.

3

Shake the paint can for two minutes to loosen the paint. Hold the can 10 to 12 inches from the surface of the table and spray in a continuous motion from one end to the other.

4

Repeat for all surfaces of the table. Let the first coat dry completely (consult the product for drying time) before applying a second coat. Allow all coats to dry completely before returning the table to use.

Wooden table

5

Lay down a drop cloth or piece of cardboard to protect the surrounding area from paint. Wipe the surface of the wood with a damp rag or cloth to remove dust or dirt.

6

Sand the wooden surface with fine grit sandpaper, 140 grain or higher. This will make the surface more receptive of paint. Rub the table down with a sticky tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

7

Prime the surface of the wood with a dark stain or wood primer. Paint in even strokes. The primer or stain provides an even surface to which the paint can adhere.

8

Apply the black paint over the surface. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second (consult the product information for drying time). Apply at least two coats; the number of coats needed can vary depending on the product you use.

9

Allow all coats of paint to dry completely before returning the table to use.

How to Build a Glass Table for Taxidermy

A taxidermy table is both a practical table and a display case for a taxidermy collection. They are often crafted from decorative hardwood, which holds the glass sheets as side-walls. These tables can be very expensive to buy, but you can save money if you take the time to build one yourself. The construction of this style of table is fairly involved, and it will take time to build one that will adequately showcase your taxidermy collection. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Lay your plywood flat. Measure out and draw a 2-by-2-inch square in each corner. The corner of each square should share the corner of the plywood. Use your handsaw to cut out each square. This will provide a spot for each 2-by-2-inch support for your taxidermy table.

2

Position a 2-by-2-by-21-inch board along one of the 21-inch edges of the plywood, between the squares. It should be flush with the edge of the plywood. Pre-drill four 3/32-inch holes through the plywood and into the board. This is to prevent the screws from breaking. Space them 4-inches apart, so they are along the 1-inch center of the board, and so the outside holes are 2 inches away from the ends of the board. Drill a -inch deep counter-sink hole in each of the holes on the plywood. Screw the plywood to the boards. Pre-drill holes, and drill countersink holes for every screwing application in this project. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the plywood.

3

Position the 40-inch board between the squares that were removed in the same manner as you did with the boards in the previous step. Screw the board in the same manner, but space the screws 9 inches apart, so the outside holes are 2 inches away from the ends of the board. Repeat this process on the opposite side of the plywood. All of the boards should be on the same side of the plywood.

4

Position the fence on the table saw 15/16 inch away from the the blade. Position the blade -inch above the table. Use the fence as a guide and run each 20-inch board across the blade so you have a 20-inch long groove. Run each board across again in the same manner, but this time so the first groove on each board is perpendicular to the blade. You should end up with two 1/8-inch-wide-by-1/2-inch-deep grooves that are 20-inches long on each board. They should make a right angle when looking at the ends of the boards. They will secure the glass sides on your table.

5

Lay two 20-inch boards parallel, with their outside edges 25 inches apart. One pair of the grooves should be facing each other, and the other facing the floor. Place a 25-inch board perpendicularly on top of them, so the ends of the board are flush with the sides of the 20-inch boards, and so the top edge of the 25-inch board is flush with the ends of the 20-inch boards. Screw the 25-inch board to the 20-inch boards. Use 4 screws positioned 1 inch apart vertically, and inch away from the ends of the 25-inch board. Repeat this process with the other two 20-inch boards, and the other 25-inch board.

6

Position 20-inch boards upright, with the 25-inch boards on top, parallel, 38 inches apart, and on the outside of the 20-inch boards. Screw the 42-inch boards to the 20-inch boards just as you did with the 25-inch boards, however instead of screwing inch away from the ends, screw 1 inch away from the ends. The ends of the 42-inch boards should be flush with the 25-inch boards. This is the frame to hold your glass sides.

7

Lay your plywood flat, with the boards on the floor. Position the frame over the top of it so the legs are positioned inside the removed squares. Screw through the 20-inch boards and into the boards that are underneath the plywood. Use 2 screws for each corner, with the screws in each corner perpendicular to each other. Each board underneath the table should have one screw in each end.

8

Place your wood putty inside all of the holes surrounding the screw heads, and let dry. Sand the entire project down using your medium-grade and fine-grade sand paper, and wipe it all down with a tack cloth. Apply your wood stain and let dry.

9

Slide the 22-inch glass sheets inside the grooves that make up short sides of the table. Slide the 37-inch glass sheets inside the grooves that make up long sides of the table. Place your taxidermy inside the table and set the -inch glass on top of the table.

How to Build a Coffee Table With Drawers

Coffee tables are a project you can make if you know about using drills and wood. Coffee tables can be made with storage if you want a place to put mail, magazines or other papers for quick reference later by adding a drawer to it. The coffee table drawer is built similar to the table itself. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Table Construction

1

Lay out the 34-inch lumber with the narrow sides vertical. Line up the boards to be 4 feet apart and parallel to each other. Make the ends flush. Place the 4-foot lumber on either side of the 34-inch boards. Set the sides of the 4-foot board against the ends of the shorter boards. Put the 5-inch boards at the other end of the 34-inch boards with the sides of the 5-inch boards flush against the ends of the 34-inch boards.

2

Drill screws through the sides of the 4-foot board and the 5-inch boards into the ends of the 34-inch boards.

3

Set the plywood over the frame with the edges flush to the frame. Screw a smaller screw into each corner of the plywood into frame. Measure and mark a point every 6 inches on each side. Set screws through the plywood into the frame at these points to finish the table top.

4

Overturn the table top so the frame is on top. Put a post at an interior corner of the frame so each corner has a post. Use larger screws to connect the legs. Drill screws through the frame into the post using two screws on each side per post.

Drawer Construction

5

Put the 37 1/2-inch boards parallel to each other with the narrow sides vertical. Set a 2-foot spacing between them. Put a 33 1/2-inch board at either end of the longer boards. Have the sides of the longer boards flush with the ends of the short boards. Attach the frame using short screws by drilling through the sides of the long boards into the ends of the short boards.

6

Put the smaller plywood piece over the frame. Line up the sides. Measure and mark spots every 6 inches on each side. Use short screws drilled into the plywood at each mark to attach the drawer base.

7

Put a runner on the top of the 33 1/2 sides of the drawer. Make the outer edges of the runners flush with the outer edges of the drawer. Use the pre-made holes in the runners with the short screws to attach the runners to the drawer base. Line up the matching runner pieces on the underside of the table top to match the drawer. Attach these runners the same way.

8

Attach the handle or knob to the center of the front of the drawer. Slide the drawer into the coffee table.

Glass Block Decorating Ideas

Glass block is a building unit that defines space and diffuses light in both home and commercial facilities. Sometimes seen as "retro," glass block has many uses for home decor that can take advantage of its versatile look and brick-like construction. Whether it's clear glass or colored, recovered or new, glass block can add an unexpected touch in your home with just a little effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Window Dressing

Use glass block in a small structure to filter light. Take six glass blocks, and using contact cement, glue them into a pyramid design with three blocks on the bottom, two in the next row and one on top. Remove the handle from a standard window so that the glass rests flat against the window, and place the blocks on the window ledge to create a faux glass block window with flair.

Furniture Accents

Make your own durable coffee table or side table. Take a 16-inch-by-48-inch piece of MDF board and paint it black. Purchase some simple but strong coffee-table-height table legs and paint them black. Attach them to the bottom of the MDF board with table leg brackets. Glue six 8-inch-by-8-inch glass blocks to the top of the MDF board with contact cement and allow to dry.

Small Decorative Containers

Create useful glass block planters or containers by gluing blocks together with contact cement. Use one block for the bottom, and sit four additional blocks around the perimeter of the block to create the container. For a deeper box you can add another layer of glass blocks or make a wider box by adding additional squares to the bottom. These containers will be heavy, so place them in a location where you won't have to move them too often.

Light Them Up

Glass blocks are hollow, so you can fill them with lights with just a little effort. Drill a hole in the side of a glass block with a masonry bit and a roto-drill. Rinse out and allow to dry overnight. Push a string of 20 Christmas lights into the block to create an illuminated square. Wrap with a festive bow to create an otherworldly gift look for decorating.

History of the Coffee Table

The coffee table became popular in the early twentieth century. Its use as a table in living rooms and family rooms has become so commonplace that it may well be the least noticed piece in the room. Yet its absence would be noticed almost immediately. Without the coffee table, where would you put your coffee, your plate of cookies and your copy of Annie Leibovitz's "A Photographer's Life"? Does this Spark an idea?

History

The design of the coffee table derives from the tea table. Tea tables, in use throughout Europe as early as the seventeenth century, were tall, round tables set beside a chair or placed in front of a group seating arrangement. The tea service could be placed on the table and served to family and guests.
The tea table, during the seventeenth century, was usually a round top table. The top could be folded down and the table stored against the wall until tea was served again.
During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the tea table evolved into the tea trolley, a rectangular table on casters that was brought out for tea.

Time Frame

Exactly when the tea table passed out of favor and the coffee table took its place is subject to debate. In America, the production of coffee tables increased rapidly in the early twentieth century, and the low, rectangular table was marketed to the average homeowner.
The president of the Imperial Furniture Company, one J. Stuart Foote, claimed to have invented the modern day coffee table in 1920. His story was he cut down the legs of a table and when he saw the result it occurred to him that it was suitable for placement in front of the sofa and perfect setting down one's coffee.

Effects

Though lower tables placed around seating arrangements can be found in interiors going back to the Victorian era, the table marketed by Imperial Furniture, and others, in the 1920s more closely resembles the low rectangular table familiar to contemporary consumers. The lower height of the table as well as its shape did make it easy for those sitting on a couch to set down their coffee.
Coffee was gaining in popularity at this time and was preferred over tea. It's likely this had some influence over the table's name. The repeal of Prohibition in the 1930s brought about another marketable name: the cocktail table.

Function

The coffee table functioned as a centerpiece for casual entertainment. Seating was arranged around the table, with the table placed before the sofa and a chair set to either side to form a "U" shape. This allowed access to the coffee table from all sides.
But the coffee table did more than provide a convenient place for guests to set down their beverage. Magazines were becoming increasingly popular and the coffee table provided a place to display the colorful covers. It wasn't long before the coffee table was accessorized with ceramics, vases of flowers and coffee table books.

Types

The coffee table may well be considered a twentieth century invention, or at least its common use in interiors is a result of good marketing on the part of J. Stuart Foote. But hardwood isn't the only material used to manufacture coffee tables, and in the years to come, it's taken on different shapes as well.
The glass top and chrome plated legs that emerged in the 1950s was first designed and marketed in 1934 by a department store in Chicago. The style is still a popular choice for mid-century modern interiors.
The 1960s brought with it organic shaped tables and twisted legs, made from plastics and metals and glass. The subsequent decades saw mirror topped tables and coffee tables that converted to dining tables, perfect for the apartment dweller.

Potential

The coffee table, for all its myriad shapes and materials, still has the singular purpose of being a surface on which to place things. It is transient storage.
But Microsoft may change that. With its introduction of the touch screen tabletop, the coffee table may become interactive. The device, called Microsoft Surface, has as its surface a touch screen (see Resources below). Users can group around the table and view photos, play games or catch up on the news. The Microsoft Surface, as of May 2007, is being used in commercial applications in casinos and hotels throughout the United States.
Microsoft intends to market the device for consumer applications within 3 to 5 years as a touch screen coffee table.

How to Repair a Scratched Glass Table Top

Although a scratch on a glass table top may seem permanent, procedures can remove the blemish or make it less noticeable. Over time, the scratch collects dust and dirt within the crevice, which makes it even more prominent. Glass has the same texture and color throughout its thickness, allowing for a simple process of removal or disguising of the scratch. With the use of household staples, you can diminish or completely remove the scratch mark. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Toothpaste

1

Spray glass cleaner on the glass table top. Wipe the cleaner from the glass with a soft cloth.

2

Spread 1/4 inch of paste toothpaste over the scratch on the glass table top.

3

Press the toothpaste into the scratch by rubbing it back and forth with a damp sponge. Look at the scratch periodically, and continue rubbing removing the entire scratch.

4

Wipe the toothpaste from the glass with a damp sponge.

5

Spray window cleaner on the glass table once again, and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Clear Nail Polish

6

Wipe dust from the scratch with a clean cloth.

7

Fill the scratch mark with clear nail polish.

8

Wet a clean cloth with nail polish remover. Wipe up any clear nail polish from the area around the scratch with the cloth. Drape the cloth over a finger to remove the excess nail polish. Allow the clear polish to dry for 24 hours before cleaning.

9

Spray glass cleaner over the table top, and wipe it clean with a soft cloth.

DIY Coffee Table

The coffee table is an important part of a living room. Coffee tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes, in addition to thousands upon thousands of different styles. A handmade coffee table can be a great focal point for a living room, and it can also be a perfect heirloom if built solidly. Does this Spark an idea?

Coffee Table Basics

It's important to take a few considerations into account for your future coffee table. You want it to fit your needs. Size and shape are extremely important. You may want your table to accommodate the shape of your couch.

You can choose a variety of tabletops. You should consider the style of your living room. Perhaps you have an armoire that features glass doors. You may want to incorporate this and seek out a glass company who can make a replica of the glass on the armoire to fit into the frame of your new table.

Budget

Set up a budget. You'll need to decide how much you would like to spend on the building materials. If you're contemplating a glass top or other material, call around and get estimates. Remember, you could use cheap materials and have a shoddy product that will only last a few years--or you could invest in high-quality materials for a handmade product that could last for generations.

Building a Coffee Table

Once you've established your budget, you can begin choosing materials. Typical materials include wood, etched or stained glass, tile and various metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, wrought iron and chrome.

Using your materials and your estimated size, sketch out your vision. If you're unsure of how large to actually build the table, include measurements of the couch and the room to help you when seeking out materials. This will give others a better idea of what you're trying to do, and they'll be able to give you recommendations and their insight on a size.

In your sketch, be sure to include details. For example, if you're visualizing a great tile inlay, then draw it out. Use colors and have every detail you can possibly get down onto paper and available when you're purchasing materials.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box, literally and figuratively. Coffee tables do not necessarily have to be rectangular. They can be circular, triangular, square or even shaped like a flower.

Also, coffee tables can be made any color. You don't have to follow through with traditional stains or black or white paints. If you want color, use it even if it means your new table has purple legs with turquoise accents and a fire truck red top. You can mix and match colors to match your living room's color scheme. Or if you've looking for more pizazz, why not hand-paint a design onto the top.
Think of your this project as an opportunity; the table is literally a blank canvas. There are no rules and certainly no specific guidelines for creating the ideal coffee table to suit your needs.

How to Build an Outdoor Patio Table

An outdoor patio is not complete without an outdoor patio table. If you want to build your own outdoor patio table and have a basic know-how of woodworking, you can make an attractive table for your patio in an afternoon. If you ask the lumber yard to cut the timber for you, it will take even less time, and you can soon relax outdoors around your new table with friends and family. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut the 2-by-4 lumber into four table legs of 28 inches, two side aprons of 37 inches, two end aprons of 33 inches and a central support plank of 24 1/2 inches. Make two housing cuts 4 inches in from each end of the end aprons, 1 1/2 inches wide and 1/2-inch deep. Chisel out the waste wood from between the housing cuts, so there are two clean housings in each end apron.

2

Lay the table legs on the work surface, resting on the 2-inch side. Slot an end apron over two of the legs. The legs fit into the housings on the apron, with the apron flush with the end of the legs. Screw the apron into the legs with two deck screws through each housing. Repeat with the other legs and the remaining end apron.

3

Stand the legs upright, aprons on the outside. Position the side aprons between the legs, flush with the top of the legs and the end aprons. The end aprons will jut out past the side aprons about 2 inches. Use four deck screws to attach them in place. Screw through each end of the side apron into the patio table legs.

4

Position the support plank across the center of the table frame. Shave a little off the ends of the support with the plane if they don't quite fit. Secure the support plank in place with two deck screws through the side aprons into the abutting ends of the support plank.

5

Cut six lengths of decking to 48 inches and position the decking over the top of the table frame. There should be around 1/4 inch between each plank. All the ends should be flush. There will be about 6 inches overhang on the table ends and 2 inches overhang on the sides.

6

Secure the decking in place with two 1 7/8-inch deck screws through the decking into each end apron and the support plank, which makes 6 screws per deck plank.

7

Paint or varnish the patio table as desired, or you can paint the frame of the table and varnish the decking on top for an attractive finish.

How to Make Coffee Table Bases

Coffee tables are set in front of sofas or a set of armchairs in living rooms and family rooms. Make your own coffee table by using wood to make a base and top--or by making bases out of items found around the house or at garage sales and attaching a glass or wooden top. The base should be sturdy and proportional to the table's space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Wood Base

1

Cut four top rails for the base, using a saw. The rails should go the length and width of the table, either flush with the edge or 2 inches from the edge to form a lip.

2

Attach the rails--with L-brackets, screws and a screwdriver--to the tabletop.

3

Chisel one of the corners of each of the legs to make a flat area for the bolt. The flat edge should face out from the table rails with the opposite edge snugged into the table rails.

4

Drill holes through the legs and the table rails and attach legs using bolts. Tighten the bolts with wing nuts to ensure the legs will not wobble.

Cement Base for Glass Tabletop

5

Hunt down cement pillars at garden centers to use as coffee table bases. The bottom parts of cement bird bathes or benches make sturdy bases for glass tabletops.

6

Glue felt pads to the top of the base, using as many felt pads as needed to ensure the glass will rest on the felt and not the base.

7

Place glass topper gently on the felt. Make sure the top is centered on the base to ensure stability.

Unique Base

8

Create unique coffee table bases by searching garage sales. Old trunks, stacks of books, terracotta pots turned upside down and anything that is sturdy can make a base for glass or wooden tabletops.

9

Glue felt pads to the top of the base you choose, using as many felt pads as needed to ensure the glass or wood will rest on the felt and not the base.

10

Place glass or wood topper gently on the felt, centering the top on the base.

How to Make Octagonal Wood Tables

Making an octagonal table is not much different from making a round or oval table, but the payoff is that octagonal tables are much less common, so your table will really stand out. If you're new to woodworking, then a smaller side table or coffee table will make a good starting project. You can learn some of the basic joints in carpentry, such as the butt edge joint, on this project. Those with more expertise can adjust the size of the project and make an octagonal breakfast table or kitchen table. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut out a 40- by 40-inch square from the lumber sheet. Divide the square into quarters through the sides, marking with a cross through the middle of each side. Measure out 5 inches on either side of the midpoints. Trace a diagonal line between the 5-inch marks on adjacent sides of the square, cutting off the corners of the square. Cut along the diagonal lines to reveal an octagon with 10-inch sides.

2

Cut two block legs from the lumber measuring 15 by 20 inches and an undercarriage plank measuring 20 by 20 inches. Sand all the components of the table.

3

Mark a line along the middle of two opposite edges of the undercarriage -- it should be roughly 1/2 an inch up -- then make a mark every 5 inches on these lines. There should be four evenly spaced marks.

4

Measure up 1/2 inch on one end of a 20-inch side of the legs and make marks along those lines every 5 inches. When you hold the legs upright and abut them to the undercarriage, the marks on the legs should meet up with the marks on the ends of the undercarriage.

5

Drill a hole 1/4 inch deep and wide at each of the points marked on both the legs and the ends of the undercarriage.

6

Dip the dowel pegs in glue, then insert them into the holes in the undercarriage. Fit the holes in the legs over the ends of the pegs and pound the legs with the mallet to ensure that the pegs are all the way in the holes. The legs should be at right angles to the undercarriage. Check with a set square to ensure the legs are on true vertical, then clamp the legs onto the undercarriage to dry for two hours.

7

Remove the clamps and center the undercarriage, with the legs up, onto the underside of the octagon table top. Drive four evenly spaced screws through each side of the undercarriage into the table top to secure the legs and undercarriage.

8

Paint or varnish the table as desired. Use even brush strokes that go with the grain of the wood. Leave to dry for the amount of time stipulated by the paint or varnish manufacturer.

How to Build Farm Table Benches

Simple, rustic and easy to build, farm tables are an extremely popular part of many decorating styles. But a table is only half the formula; you also need seating for it. Farm table benches are one popular option. Simple, strong and capable of seating many more people than a few chairs can, they also complete the look for a fraction of the cost and can easily be placed along the wall when extra space is needed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Determine the length of your bench, and cut the 2 x 12 and 1 x 4s to this length. For the purposes of this article, we will make the bench 6 feet long.

2

Make a mark on the bottom edge of one 1 x 4 four inches from one end. Use the square to draw a 45-degree angle from this mark to the corner, then cut off this triangular piece. Repeat on the other end of the 1 x 4. You will now have a brace with one full-length edge and one that tapers to a shorter edge. Repeat with the other 1 x 4.

3

Cut a notch four inches wide in one end of each 2 x 10 leg. This will make it easier for the legs to sit level on the floor.

4

Assemble the two braces and legs. Using the square, draw a line perpendicular to the top of the brace that extends to the bottommost point of the taper. Use this line to ensure that one of the legs can be attached perpendicular to the brace. Apply a layer of glue to the top 3 inches of one leg, then align this leg to the line, make sure the top of the leg is level with the top of the brace. Attach the brace to the leg by driving two or three nails through the brace into the leg. Use the damp cloth to wipe off any glue that oozes out of the joint.

5

Repeat this procedure three more times, first attaching the second leg to this brace, then attaching the remaining brace to the assembly. When all four pieces are attached, it should appear as though the bench legs extend down from the bottom of the tapers on the braces. The structure will be very steady.

6

Apply a bead of glue along the top edges of the braces and the ends of the legs. Center the bench seat on top of the base unit, then drive nails through the top and into both braces and legs. Wipe off any glue that oozes out, and allow the bench to dry.

7

Sand the bench lightly, then apply finish with the applicator, following the manufacturer's instructions. Let it dry, and your bench is ready for use.