How to Build a Glass Coffee Table

A glass-top coffee table allows for easy, stain-free cleanup of drips and spills, and provides a classic look that complements a wide variety of interior decorating styles. Fortunately, building your own glass coffee table does not require highly specialized carpentry skills or materials: you can complete the project in an afternoon using easy-to-find materials and basic tools. You can customize your completed glass-top coffee table by lining the underside of the glass top with pebbles or shells. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Mark the two pieces of 18 x 15-1/4-inch plywood 3/8-inch from the top of each piece. The 15-1/4-inch side is the height dimension.

2

Screw the 3-1/8 x 15-inch plywood strips to the 18 x 15-1/4-inch plywood pieces, so that the tops of the strips are aligned with the 3/8-inch measurement. Use 1-inch wood screws to attach the strips. Center the wooden strips on the plywood pieces before attaching. These will be the sides of the coffee table.

3

Mark the two pieces of 22-1/2 x 15-1/4-inch plywood 3/8-inch from the top, and attach the 3-1/8 x 22-1/2-inch strips to these pieces in the same fashion. These pieces will be the front and back sides of the coffee table.

4

Nail the sides of the coffee table together with 2-inch finishing nails to make a 24 x 18-inch box. Nail the 18 x 15-1/4-inch plywood pieces over the ends of the 22-1/2 x 15-1/4-inch plywood pieces. The wooden strips should align with each other inside the box. These strips will support the glass when the table is finished.

5

Flip the box upside down, so that the wooden strips are at the bottom. Slide the 22-1/2 x 16-1/2-inch plywood piece inside the box, and nail it to the wooden strips with 2-inch finishing nails.

6

Nail the 24 x 18-inch plywood piece to the bottom of the box, using 2-inch finishing nails.

7

Turn the table over and rest it on its bottom. Sand all wooden surfaces thoroughly with fine-grit sandpaper, and clean the table with a damp rag. Allow the table to dry thoroughly.

8

Apply a coat of primer to the table and allow the table to dry for two hours before painting. Line the recessed tray at the top of the table with pebbles or shells, and rest the glass piece on top of the wooden support strips.