This project was built and designed by John Dolechek. It’s a beautiful coffee table that mimics high-end design at a fraction of the cost, made entirely from scrap wood.
Inspired by a Restoration Hardware piece priced at $3,000, John set out to build a similar table for far less. The final dimensions are approximately 44 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 14 inches tall.
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Starting with the Cuts
John began by cutting two eight-foot boards into four 44-inch pieces. He trimmed both ends to remove factory edges and ensure clean cuts.
For the plinth, he used scrap pieces that were initially rounded off. After squaring them up, he cut them to roughly 12.5 inches by 7 inches for uniformity.
Creating Tight Joinery
Ten plinth pieces were trimmed with 45-degree miter cuts to create clean, seamless corners. The same method was applied to the 44-inch top boards.
Each piece was carefully aligned and prepared for joinery. This step helped ensure the table would sit flush and solid.
Pocket Hole Assembly
To join the boards, John marked pocket hole locations about 12 inches apart. He drilled them on the underside, using glue and clamps for extra strength.
The technique kept the joinery hidden while providing solid reinforcement. It also sped up the assembly process without sacrificing durability.
Assembling the Plinth
The plinth was built using the same pocket hole method on all four sides. John attached small triangular scraps to each inside corner to reinforce the structure.
He also drilled pocket holes on the top edges to attach the tabletop later. These holes were hidden once everything was assembled.
Sanding for a Clean Finish
John sanded the entire piece in three stages: 80-grit to remove defects, 120-grit for smoothing, and 220-grit for the final pass. He emphasized the importance of working in stages for best results.
A palm sander made the process faster, especially on flat surfaces. Extra time was spent on the corners and edges to keep everything even.
Applying Stain and Sealer
To avoid uneven stain absorption, John applied a wood conditioner first. He started on the underside to test the color and application method.
Using an old cotton t-shirt, he spread the stain in long, even strokes and wiped off the excess. Once dry, he applied multiple coats of oil-based polyurethane for protection.
Between each coat, he lightly sanded the surface to maintain a smooth finish. This added durability and gave the table a soft, professional sheen.
Final Assembly
With the finish cured, John measured carefully before attaching the plinth to the tabletop. He centered the base and used screws to secure it in place.
The result was a stable, elegant coffee table with clean lines and quality construction. Despite using scrap materials, the finished piece looks like a designer item.
See the Full Build
Please support John by visiting his website here: https://johndolechek.myportfolio.com/.