DIY X-Leg Coffee Table Tutorial

This X-Leg Coffee Table was built and designed by DIY Montreal, and it’s a fantastic blend of modern industrial style and functionality. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a stunning coffee table that you can proudly showcase in your home.

Materials Needed

  • (2) 2 x 4 x 8
  • (1) 1 x 6 x 6
  • (4) 1 x 6 x 8
  • Black iron pipe
  • Pipe nipples
  • (2) Couplings
  • (2) End caps
  • (50) 1-¼ pocket screws
  • Wood conditioner
  • Wood stain
  • Polyurethane
  • Danish oil
  • Gorilla wood glue
  • Wood filler

Tools Required

  • Table saw
  • Miter saw
  • Pocket hole jig
  • Orbital sander
  • Drill
  • Clamps
  • Gator zip
  • Putty knife
  • 1 inch spade
  • Stain applicator pads
  • High density foam brush

Step 1: Build the Tabletop

Start by cutting down 8 pieces of 1×6 to the same size for the tabletop. Use a sacrificial fence and a stop block to achieve consistent cuts.

Setting up sacrificial fence with stop block

Next, create pocket holes in each board for assembly. Lay out your clamps and do a dry fit before applying glue and pocket screws.

Making pocket holes in boards

Apply glue and secure the boards together with clamps, ensuring not to over-tighten to avoid bowing.

Applying glue and clamping boards together

Step 2: Assemble the Tabletop Box

Sand down the panels before assembling the box as it will be difficult to sand once assembled. Lay the tabletop upside down and use clamps to hold it while you assemble it with glue and screws.

Assembling tabletop box with clamps

For any small gaps, mix glue and sawdust to fill them in and sand it down for a smooth finish.

Filling gaps with glue and sawdust

Step 3: Finish the Tabletop

Clean the surface and apply wood conditioner, followed by espresso-colored stain. For the topcoat, use a matte oil-based polyurethane.

Applying wood conditioner to tabletop

Step 4: Create the Legs

Using 2x4s, cut them to length and square up the edges. Make sure to cut the miter angles at 45 degrees after squaring the boards.

Cutting 2x4s for legs

Step 5: Assemble the Legs

Glue one half of each leg at a time, using clamps to maintain alignment. Check for square and let dry before flipping and repeating.

Gluing legs together with clamps

Step 6: Prepare for Assembly

Drill holes in the legs for the black iron pipe. Clean the pipes with acetone and wipe them down with mineral oil to prevent rust.

Drilling holes in legs for black iron pipe

Step 7: Assemble the Table

Connect the black iron pipe pieces and attach the legs to the tabletop using pocket screws. Make sure everything is tight and secure.

Connecting legs to the tabletop

Final Thoughts

Your DIY X-Leg Coffee Table is now complete! This project not only adds style to your living space but also gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Video

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