Turn Leftover Scrap Wood Into A Chic, Customizable Coffee Table (That Doesn't Break The Bank)

Coffee tables can help set the tone in your living room, whether you're aiming for a high-end, modern design or a rustic, farmhouse vibe. Depending on your budget, you can spend thousands on a coffee table or opt for an inexpensive IKEA option. If you're up for a DIY project, you can repurpose scrap wood and, in just a few simple steps, create your own customized coffee table that can beautifully fit into your space without breaking the bank.

The key benefit of DIYing a scrap wood coffee table is customization. If you were to hire a local artisan to build you a custom coffee table, you could end up spending hundreds, if not thousands. But depending on the materials you already have on hand, you can easily make your own coffee table for less than $50.

Before starting the project, choose the leftover scrap wood you'd prefer to work with. You can use any nail-free lumber or deconstruct wooden pallets that you have on hand. You'll also want to consider the size of the table you'd like to make. The more pallets or lumber you have, the larger your table can be, but be sure to measure the space you have in your living room to ensure it fits properly.

Once you know how large you'd like your table to be, you can begin cutting the wood. You'll need approximately two to three large planks for the top and eight smaller pieces for the legs. Using wood glue, adhere the larger planks together into a single piece for the table's top. You can then glue two of the smaller pieces together and create four legs. Glue the legs to the top piece and secure them with galvanized straps for added support. You now have the basic frame of your coffee table completed and can customize it based on your personal design preferences.

Once your DIY coffee table is assembled, you can age the wood to your preferences. Common tools for distressing wood include chisels, hammers, and wire brushes. Once you're satisfied with the distressing, you'll need to sand it. Start with coarse 60-grit sandpaper and finish with fine-grit sandpaper. Finally, you can choose a table stain based on the aesthetics of your living room.

Beyond the size and stain choice, there are several ways to customize your coffee table to your specific preferences. You could drill holes in the bottom of each leg and add wheels, making it easy to move your table from one place to another. If you'd like to add more storage, you could also add a lower shelf. When considering your customization options, using the materials you already have on hand can help keep costs low.