How To Build A Simple Console Table For Under $40!

Creating a welcoming entry can be quite tricky.  In my home, I have this corner that doesn’t have much space so I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to bring life to this corner.  I just completed our laundry room and my next area to update is our family room.  I thought this DIY console table would be a perfect fit for this awkward corner in our family room.

If you are looking for a simple DIY console table then look no further.  This console table I was able to complete in just a few hours and it cost me under $40.  You’ll be amazed by how simple this is to put together.  After this post, you might never want to buy premade furniture again.

I need these free plans!

Transforming an awkward space

Every morning as I was getting the family ready for the day, I would be looking at that bare corner that showed the cable wires I would cringe.  I didn’t believe I was going to be able to find a solution for that corner.

Over the years I tried different options like:

• A clear display case showcasing nicknacks
• A coat rack
• A blank space

Nothing that I did make that corner look inviting until this DIY console table.

I’m always trying to figure out different ways to add extra storage to the house and this console table helps with that.  I added a shelf below to add baskets to hold items that need to be hidden.

A perfect beginner project

If you are looking for a beginner woodworking project then you’re in luck this is so simple.

For this project you’ll need:

• 6 1x3x8’s
• 2 1x4x6’s
• A box of 2″ finishing nails
• A box of 2″ wood screws
• Wood glue
• Miter saw (or hand saw)
• Sander (or just sandpaper)
• Stain of the color of your choice
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Ear and eye protection

1×3’s are inexpensive and very easy to work with.  It is important, however, to make sure that you really inspect your 1×3’s and 1×4’s before purchasing them.  Make sure that they are relatively straight and not bowed.  You’d be surprised how bent some of the pieces can be.

By spending a few minutes checking the boards will save you headaches later on in your woodworking project.

Building the entryway table

With that being said it’s time to start.  For all projects, I like to start off by making all of the necessary cuts.  By cutting all of the pieces of wood down to size, this will save you time during assembly.

You’ll find the dimensions below and you can always download the free quick reference guide that includes the supplies you’ll need, cut lengths, and the step by step process.

I need these free plans!Once you’ve made all of the necessary cuts it’s time to start assembling.

DIY Console Table

Once you’ve made all of the necessary cuts, it’s time to get to the fun building part.  You can start building the legs or frame first.

I started with the legs.

• Take the long 1×3 pieces and attach them in an L shape.
• Repeat this process for all 4 legs.

Now it’s time to make the top and bottom frames.  Since I wanted a shelf below this helps with strength and give a surface to attach the wood to the bottom shelf.

• For the top and bottom frame use the 1×3’s cut at 28″ and 12″.  Use 2 of each per frame.  Attach using wood glue and the wood screws.

Once you have the frames assembled you’ll want to attach the legs.

Using wood glue and 2″ finishing nails you’ll add the legs.

By using wood glue and finishing nails, you’re ensuring that your DIY project will be strong and last any abuse this table might endure.

Building the shelf and top

Now that you’ve got the shape of the console table together it’s time to attach the small 1×3’s.  I used a scrap piece of 1/4″ wood to use as a spacer in between each piece.  I attached those pieces with wood glue and finishing nails.

Now that the bottom shelf is assembled, it’s time to attach the top.  I used long 1×3’s to make the top.  I attached the top pieces with wood glue and finishing nails.

Once the table was completely assembled I gave it a really good sanding so there were no rough edges and I was able to clean up any unevenness I saw or imperfections.

When I completed the sanding I added a coat of grey stain I allowed the stain to dry overnight and then added a coat of polyurethane to protect the wood from life.

And there you have it.  A completed console table.  I was able to build this console table for under $40 and just a little bit of my time in the garage.

This console table really helped bring life to that blank corner.  I added a few decorations, a plant, and a basket below.

See the entire building process below

In the video below you can see the entire process.

To make this easier, you can download the free quick reference checklist that has the supply list, cut list, and step by step checklist to help you through the whole process.

I need these free plans!With a little bit of wood and time, you can build your own table.  If you love the rustic farmhouse look then this is a perfect project for you.  Have you been wondering if building furniture is something you want or even could do?  If so, this is a perfect project to start with.  If I can make this table, so can you.  You can customize this table to fit your needs.  There aren’t any angled cuts you have to worry about.  So if you’re a beginner with no power tools, you’re in luck!

Will you be going into the garage and making your own console table?  If so, what changes will you make?  I would love to know in the comments below.

I want to thank you so much for stopping by.  Below are a few posts that I thought you might enjoy.

Have an amazing day.

Jenn