Furniture

Waterfall Framed 60” Rectangle Coffee Table

March 14, 2023

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See Also: Easy to Build Shiplap Fireplace Tutorial

Why I Built This Coffee Table

I built a similar styled console table here and the 52″ version here (pictured below), and was just smitten with the sleek but rustic design, and just had to build the matching coffee table.

This entire collection is so beautiful!

Watch the Console Table Build Video

While I did not film the coffee table build, I did film the matching console table build, and the build steps are very similar. Please take a second to watch that video –

How I Built this Coffee Table

This coffee table was a challenge for me, but I enjoyed stretching my skills and creating something I was super proud of in the end. Do not attempt this project without the right tools and a good amount of building experience. This is an advanced project.

Here’s the lumber I started with. I did run the boards through the table saw to create the square edges. My 1x12s ended up measuring 11-1/8″ wide – just make sure all the 1×12 widths are the same. The 1x3s I actually ripped from 1×6 boards to get that square edge.

After testing my saw, I cut the face frame boards first. I am using a 10″ sliding compound miter saw. This is the smallest saw I would recommend, a 12″ would work better.

Here’s the face frame pieces cut.

Then I drilled 3/4″ pocket holes on the ends of the shorter face frame boards. I was careful not to let any pocket holes show on the side edges of the face frame boards.

Then I clamped the face frame boards and attach with 1-1/4″ pocket hole screws.

The two face frames need to match EXACTLY.

Now for the 1x12s.

It was actually a challenge to make the 45 degree bevel cuts on the saw, the 1x12s wanted to move on me as I was cutting. Do double check your cuts and make sure they are straight all the way across.

Here’s the two top pieces. I drilled pocket holes to attach the two pieces together, and also pocket holes to attach to the face frames.

After joining the two 1×12 pieces together, I attached to one of the face frames.

Then I repeated those steps for the two side panels.

Then I attach the second face frame.

For the corners, I nailed with 1-1/4″ brad nails.

On the underside of the top (and later the bottom shelf) I added the 1×2 supports to help support the center of the coffee table.

Then I cut the bottom pieces, attach together and then fit inside the two face frames and attach to the coffee table.

The inside pieces are 1x12s pocket holed together and set in place.

I had to use a screw to help me pull the panel back in place when I was setting it (see the screw at the top left?). Then later I removed the screw.

I nailed the inside panels on with 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Construction is done!

This took about 3 hours to this point.

I filled the few nail holes with wood filler. I also filled the corners that ended up having small gaps.

Then I sanded with 120 grit sandpaper in the direction of the wood grain.

I stained the entire project with “golden oak” by Varathane. It was not right…

So I added a watered down white paint layer,

Wiping it in and off in a very light layer. So much better!

To protect the finish and make it wipe clean, I added a layer of clear Polyurethane.

This coffee table was not easy to build, but it was worth it!! I ended up spending about 8 hours on it and $150 in lumber. It is gorgeous, and I’m very proud that I was able to take on such a great project.