Here is a great DIY project for the homeowner that wants a great looking table for behind their sofa or in their foyer or entry hall. This Double X Entry Table is constructed from mostly standard 2x4s.

Materials

• 7 – 2″ x 4″ x 8′
• 1 – 1″ x 4″ x 8′
• 1 – 1″ x 6″ x 8′

Tools Required

• Saw: miter, or circular
• Drill/driver
• Nail gun (optional)
• Pocket hole jig
• Square
• Tape measure
• Wood glue
• Sander and sandpaper

Step 1: Cut and Assemble the Legs

We’re going to start this build by cutting and assembling the leg assemblies for each side. All four legs are exactly the same; cut to just under 29 1/2″ in length with 10 degree angled cuts on both ends.

The bottom end of each leg assembly gets an 8″ long piece of 2×4 glued and screwed in between the legs, 2″ up from the floor.

The top of each leg assembly gets a 14″ piece of 2×4 centered on top of them and then glued and screwed down to the top of each leg. I like to dress up this top board a little by cutting a 45 degree bevel on each end.

You can go ahead and cut the 8″ center boards from your 2×4 awhile, but we won’t actually attach them until after we get the Xs in place so we K ow exactly where to put them.

Step 2: Connect the Legs

After we have the legs assembled we are going to attach the top stretcher. The top stretcher for this double X entry table is a 2×4 cut to just over 30 3/4″ in length. Use wood glue and two pocket hole screws on each end of the top of the stretcher. These screw holes will be hidden by the top.

Once you have the top stretcher attached, flip the unit over so you can lay out and attach the Xs.

Step 3: Cut and Attach the Xs

The Xs are constructed from four pieces of 2×4 cut to 15 5/8″ with parallel 45 degree miters on each end. Since these miters are all cut on the same plane, it’s fairly easy to make your first cut, then measure 15 3/4″ down the piece and cut on the inside of your line. Since your blade is 1/8″, it will mean your piece will be 1/8″ shorter than 15 3/4″, or 15 5/8″. Continue cutting all four of your pieces in succession in this manner.

The Xs are laid as shown in the diagram below. I prefer to position them, then use wood glue and small trim nails to temporarily hold them in place. Once secured with the trim nails, lay the piece on one side and drive 2 1/2″ wood screws through the top stretcher and into each X to provide a permanent attachment.

Step 4: Attach the Middle Stretcher.

The middle stretcher is another 2×4 cut to 36 3/8″ in length. Center this over your Xs and then use wood glue and some more 2 1/2″ screws to secure the stretcher to the Xs.

Step 5: Install the Middle Stretcher Supports

Once you have the middle stretcher in place, now you can attach the middle leg supports. Position the middle leg supports so the top edge aligns to the top of the middle stretcher, then drive two 2 1/2″ wood screws through the leg support into the stretcher. Finish with two 2 1/2ĺ wood screws through each leg into the middle leg supports. You’ll fill all of these screw holes with wood filler later to hide the screw heads.

Step 6: Attach the bottom shelf stretchers

The bottom shelf stretchers for this Double X Entry Table are made from the 1×4 cut to just over 39 7/8″ in length. But make certain to measure the distance between your bottom leg supports to get the actual length, as this can vary based on how you positioned the bottom leg supports.

Use two pocket hole screws on the ends of the bottom side of each lower stretcher and align to the bottom of the lower leg supports.

By positioning them aligned to the bottom, it allows space for the 1×6 shelf boards to align to the top of the lower leg supports.

Step 7: Cut and attach the lower shelf boards

The lower shelf of this Double X Entry Table consists of seven pieces of 1×6 board cut to 11″ in length. Cut them to length, then use wood glue and finish nails to secure them to the bottom stretchers.

Step 8: The top

The top for this piece is made from two 2x4s cut in half to make four pieces 48″ in length. Align all four, and center them on the base. Then use wood glue and 2 1/2″ wood screws from beneath to secure each board to the tops of the leg assemblies.

Finishing

Now that your construction is through its time for sanding and finishing. You can choose whatever design you wish, but we’re big fans of a chalk paint base and a dark stain on the top for a nice contrast.

We hope you find these plans useful, and as always feel free to reach out to us should you have any questions or want to see something specific.

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