This coffee bar and mini fridge table was created by Casual Builds, and it’s a great way to showcase your coffee-making essentials while providing storage for a mini fridge. With a few basic materials and tools, you can craft this attractive piece for your space.
Materials Needed:
- 5 – 2x4s
- 2 – 2x6s
- Scraps of ¾ inch plywood
- Wood glue
- Wood filler
- Dark walnut stain
- Oil-based polyurethane
- Primer and white paint
Tools Required:
- Circular saw
- Drill
- Pocket hole jig
- Miter saw
- Jointer (optional)
- Planer (optional)
- Brad nailer (optional)
- Biscuit joiner (optional)
- Sandpaper
Step 1: Designing the Coffee Bar
Three weeks prior to starting the project, Tim received a text from a friend about a rustic coffee bar found on Etsy, made by Tyler at RawlingsWoodworks. Inspired by this design, they drafted up their own version and received the go-ahead from their friend.
Step 2: Preparing the Lumber
After gathering the materials from the store, Tim began by rough cutting the 2x4s to length. It’s important to note that while Tim used a jointer and planer to prepare the wood, this is optional. A beginner can start assembly right away without these tools. If you have a circular saw, drill, and pocket hole jig, you’re good to go!
Step 3: Milling the Lumber
The first milling step involved running all faces through the jointer to create a flat surface. Once that was done, the freshly jointed face was placed against the fence of the jointer to create a square edge. Then, using a planer, all pieces were brought down to the same thickness. After that, Tim used a table saw to remove rounded edges and cut the boards to their final dimensions.
Step 4: Assembling the Base
Next, Tim drilled pocket holes into the side stretchers that connect the legs. With glue applied to each joint, the pieces were clamped in place and secured with 2-inch pocket hole screws. The assembly was done upside down on a workbench for stability, avoiding the uneven garage floor.
Step 5: Adding Decorative Elements
With the base assembled, Tim added decorative X’s on the sides. Using clamps to hold the pieces in place, they marked the angles for cuts before securing them with glue and a brad nailer. For those without a brad nailer, pocket holes could also work here.
Step 6: Creating the Shelves
For the shelves, Tim measured the openings and cut the plywood to size. They drilled pocket holes on the bottom side of the shelf for secure attachment, ensuring everything sat flush against the top side while being secured with pocket screws.
Step 7: Making the Table Top
The top was constructed from two 8-foot long 2x6s. After cutting them in half, Tim repeated the milling process to flatten the boards and remove rounded edges. They employed a technique of marking edges with “I” for “in” and “O” for “out” to ensure proper alignment during jointer use.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Moving on to the finishing process, Tim applied a pre-stain conditioner to prevent blotching, followed by a dark walnut stain on the top. Initially, they planned to use a clear satin wipe-on poly but opted for spraying a few coats of oil-based polyurethane instead. The base was primed and painted white for a clean finish.
Step 9: Final Assembly
To attach the table top to the base, z-clips were used. Slots were cut with a biscuit joiner, and the clips were inserted and screwed down. If you don’t have a biscuit joiner, you can create these slots with a table saw or use figure-8 fasteners.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Creation!
With the project complete, Tim loaded the table into their car and delivered it to their friend’s house. This coffee bar is not only functional but also adds a stylish touch to any space.
This DIY coffee bar and mini fridge table is an excellent project for beginner woodworkers looking to enhance their home. With a bit of effort and creativity, anyone can create a beautiful piece that serves a practical purpose. You can buy the plans here.