How To Build a Rustic Side Table

If you’re looking to add some rustic charm to your home but don’t want to break the bank, building your own side table is a great project for seasoned woodworkers and novice DIYers alike. In the video above, Sarah Nadarajah, maker and owner of Rocky Canyon Rustic, shows how to build a modern rustic side table using simple techniques and readily available materials. This Old House host Kevin O’Connor joins Nadarajah in her workshop to create this stylish piece of furniture.

Materials and Tools To Build a Rustic Side Table

You’ll need these materials for your side table:

• 3/4-inch maple plywood
• Edge banding
• Marble-look contact paper
• Pocket hole plugs
• Pocket hole screws
• Water-based stain
• Wood glue

You’ll also need these tools:

• Circular saw
• Clothing iron
• Drill and bits
• Flat squeegee tool
• Flush-cut saw
• Foam brushes
• Hammer
• Jigsaw
• Pocket hole jig
• Speed square
• Squeeze clamps
• Tape measure
• Utility knife

Cutting the Plywood Panels for the Side Table

Cutting the plywood panels to size is the first step to ensure that your rustic side table comes together perfectly.

First, measure and mark the plywood according to your desired dimensions for the sides, top, vertical support, and shelves. Use a circular saw to cut the panels. For straight cuts, create a guide using a scrap board and two squeeze clamps.

Double-check all measurements before cutting to ensure accuracy. Measuring and cutting accurately impacts the stability and appearance of your finished table, so take your time and be precise.

Creating the Curved Top and Shelf

Adding curved elements to your side table gives it a modern touch. Find the center point of the top board by measuring the width and dividing by two. Mark a point the same distance from the front edge. Drive a nail into the wood at this point and hook a tape measure around it. Use a pencil hooked to the end of the tape measure to draw an arc across the surface, creating a perfect curve.

Cut along the curve with a jigsaw. Use the top as a template for the shelf, tracing the arc and cutting it out with a jigsaw.

Preparing the Vertical Support and Shelves

Place the vertical support piece in the center of the shelf board. Trace along both sides of the vertical support, creating two lines 3/4-inch apart on the shelf board. Use the circular saw to cut along these lines, resulting in two separate shelf boards. Dry-fit all the panels and mark the edges and locations for pocket holes.

This dry-fitting process identifies any adjustments before final assembly, saving you time and effort later.

Assembly and Joinery of the Side Table

Nadarajah uses pocket hole joinery for this project. It’s beginner-friendly and requires minimal specialized tools.

Use the pocket hole jig to drill pocket holes at the marked locations. Apply wood glue along the edges of the boards before assembly. Use a drill and pocket hole screws to join the pieces together. Keep the boards as square as possible during assembly, using a speed square for support. Once the glue has dried, insert pocket hole plugs into the holes and trim them flush with a flush-cut saw.

Finishing Touches To Your Rustic Side Table

To give your rustic side table a polished look, sand the entire project thoroughly before applying the water-based stain. Apply the stain with a foam brush, wiping away excess with a clean rag. You can add additional coats of stain as desired for a deeper color.

Use a clothing iron to apply edge banding to the exposed plywood edges, activating the adhesive with heat and steam. Trim the edge banding to size with a utility knife and sand smooth.

For a marble-look top, apply faux marble contact paper, smoothing out any bubbles with a flat squeegee tool.

Tips for Success When Building a Rustic Side Table

Nadarajah offers several tips to ensure your project turns out beautifully:

• Plan your cuts: Use a cut list optimizer tool online to minimize waste and plan your cuts efficiently.
• Measure twice, cut once: Take your time with measurements and double-check before cutting.
• Apply edge banding: When applying edge banding, work slowly and carefully to avoid bubbles or wrinkles.
• Learn through mistakes: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They’re part of the learning process.

Exploring More DIY Inspirations

For those interested in expanding their horizons, Nadarajah’s techniques can be used for many do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.

• Custom builds: When premade furniture doesn’t fit your space, building from scratch allows for personalized dimensions and finishes. For example, custom vanities or uniquely sized shelves can be tailored precisely to your needs and preferences.
• Thrifted furniture updates: Nadarajah often begins with thrift-store finds, transforming them into functional pieces that add unique charm to any space. Concepts such as hidden storage compartments and custom finishes can bring new life to old furniture.
• Woodworking basics: Mastering basic techniques, such as cutting, sanding, and joinery, can serve as the foundation for more complex projects. Investing in essential tools and practicing skills can lead to greater confidence and creativity in your woodworking endeavors.

Maintaining Your DIY Furniture

Once you’ve completed your rustic side table, maintain it with these tips:

• Regular cleaning: Dust and clean the table with a soft, damp cloth to keep it looking new.
• Avoiding damage: Use coasters and placemats to prevent stains and scratches on the surface.
• Periodic checks: Inspect the joints and finish periodically to ensure they remain in good condition, reapplying stain or edge banding as needed.