Here are a set of plans for a large, modern coffee table. This modern coffee table is a very simple design, with square corners and a hefty look. Plus, with the way we’ve designed it you can actually flip the table over completely and use it upside down with the same look in case it ever gets scratched or worn.

You will definitely need a table saw to make this table, as the look of two solid 3″ slabs for the top and bottom is created by miter cuts in the plywood. Without a table saw you would have a bit of trouble creating these miter cuts with any level of precision, which would result in a less than stellar finished product.

If you have any questions, leave us a note in our comments section below. And as always, please remember to share some pictures and let us know how your build went.

Materials List

• 2 – 4 x 8 sheet of 3/4″ plywood
• 1 – actual 2×6 at least 6′
• 4 – 2x4s @ 8′
• wood glue
• construction adhesive

Tools Required

• Table saw
• Miter saw
• Jigsaw or hand saw
• Kreg pocket hole jig
• Finish nailer
• Drill / driver combo
• Sander & sandpaper
• Tape measure
• Square

Step 1: Legs

The legs for this large modern coffee table are designed to be cut from an actual 2″ x 6″ board (not the dimensional lumber you find at a big box store that’s actually 1.5″ x 5.5″). These just need to be cut into 18″ lengths. I recommend setting up a stop block on your miter saw so they are all exactly the same.

Step 2: Frames

The next step to cut your 2x4s for your support frames. You’ll need to make two frames, one for the upper shelf and one for the lower shelf. Note that you’ll need to use your jigsaw to notch two corners off four of these boards.

At this point you only want to attach the frame for one of the shelves, as we will completely assemble one and then assemble the second. Use a pocket hole jig to first attach the outer boards to the legs 3/4″ down from the top of the legs. You can use a scrap piece of the plywood as a guide to make certain you are attaching the frame at the proper distance from the end. Then, after ensuring your entire assembly is square, attach the middle support.

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Step 3: Shelf panels

You are going to win up cutting four panels from the 3/4″ plywood, all of which will be exactly the same. It is much more efficient to cut them all at once so you don’t have to set up your table saw multiple times. Cut all four sides with a 45 degree miter cut so the long side of the panel is equal to the final dimensions of your table; in this case 48″ x 36″. Once you have them cut to size with the mitered edges you will now need to cut out the corners for your 2″ x 6″ legs. Using a scrap piece of the 2×6 as a template to trace works well to ensure you have the proper dimensions.

Start attaching them by applying construction adhesive to the top/outside edges of your 2×4 support frame. You want to have a bead of adhesive on the entire frame in order to ensure a strong bond. Then lay your panel down on top of the frame, ensuring that the narrow end of miter cuts are down. Use 1 1/2″ finish nails every 12″ around the outside of the panel. Now, flip the entire table over so your newly attached panel is on your work surface and repeat the attaching process with the second panel.

After attaching the second panel, lay the third panel upside down on top of the second panel (so the long sides of the miters are back to back). You want to sit this third panel here now, because it will be hard to get in between the legs after you attach the frame. Now attach the second frame in the same manner as the first, and follow up with attaching the panels in a similar manner as panels one and two.

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Step 4: Shelf trim

Now that both shelves are assembled, it’s time to cut and attach the trim that fills in the miters and hides the 2×4 frames. The inside edge of these trim pieces should be 1 1/2″ wide, while the outside should be 3″. Though it’s always a good practice to double check your measurements and to make a single test piece before cutting all eight pieces needed. Once they are cut, use construction adhesive and trim nails to hold them all in place.

Finish this coffee table with a light sanding, stain of your choice and then a protective finish like a polycrylic .

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