Build an Adjustable Sofa Table

This adjustable sofa table project was created by Fisher’s Shop, and it’s perfect for homes where accessibility is key. With its adjustable height feature, this table can be positioned in front of, beside, or behind your couch, making it a practical addition to any living space.

Materials

  • Walnut slab
  • Roughsawn lumber (contrasting wood)
  • 3/4″ plywood (for simplified version)
  • Wood glue
  • Rubber feet
  • Satin poly finish

Tools

  • Circular saw
  • Joint planer
  • Table saw
  • Band saw
  • Thickness planer
  • Miter saw
  • Hollow chisel mortiser
  • Drum sander
  • Drill press (optional)
  • Clamps

Step 1: Prepare the Walnut Slab

Start by taking measurements of your walnut slab. Using a circular saw, cross-cut a section off the slab while placing it on a sheet of foam insulation for stability. Make sure to square the edges using a joint planer and table saw.

Cutting walnut slab with circular saw

Step 2: Resaw and Plane the Slabs

Resaw the slabs at the band saw, taking your time for a clean cut. Then, send the slabs through the thickness planer to achieve the desired thickness.

Resawing walnut slab at the band saw

Step 3: Create the Table Base

Mark and cut another piece of walnut that transitions from sapwood to heartwood for the sides of the table. Set your miter saw to 45° for cutting the angles of the base pieces.

Cutting angles for table base at miter saw

Step 4: Assemble the Base

Drill a square hole for the locking pin using a hollow chisel mortiser. Lay the pieces of the base flat and use masking tape to hold them together before applying glue. Assemble the base and clean up any glue squeeze out.

Assembling the table base with glue

Step 5: Create the Slider Mechanism

Trim down the slider to fit within the base, ensuring it moves freely. Mark the hole for the locking pin and drill out the adjustment holes, adding a chamfer to enhance the aesthetic.

Drilling holes for the locking pin

Step 6: Attach the Tabletop

Use a mortise and tenon joint to attach the top to the slider. Apply glue and use clamps to secure everything in place, ensuring it remains square.

Attaching the table top with mortise and tenon joint

Step 7: Final Touches

Sand the entire table to a smooth finish, apply several coats of satin poly, and add rubber feet to the bottom to protect your flooring.

Applying finish to the table

Conclusion

This adjustable sofa table not only looks great but is also functional for any living space, especially for those needing easy access.

Video

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