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DIY Modern Slat Coffee Table Building Plan

Written by Amy Baesler

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Hi, it’s Amy from Hertoolbelt back with another DIY build for your home. While reading about a Michigan home tour in the West Elm blog, I caught a glimpse of this simple yet stylish modern slat coffee table. I love the simple lines, with the mid-century modern flair. One commenter said she picked up a coffee table just like it years ago at an antique store, but she used it as a bench.

Build an easy simple and stylish MCM coffee table with free plans.

How to Build a DIY Modern Slat Coffee Table

Click here to get a free printable version of this building plan

Watch the video tutorial here and please subscribe to our YouTube channel for new videos every week!

I built a different style of slat coffee table awhile back (get the building plan here) but this one is a much different style and a much easier build! No angled cuts or anything tricky, just straight cuts and a straightforward assembly process.

Coffee tables are typically 2/3rds the length of your couch or sofa. My couch is 90″ long, so I made the slat coffee table 60″ long. You can easily adjust the length of the coffee table to fit your space.Build an easy simple and stylish MCM coffee table with free plans.

This post contains affiliate links; learn more and read our full disclosure policy here.

Materials

  • 10 – 1″ x 2″ x 96″ boards (actual dimensions 3/4″ x 1 1/2″)
  • 2 – 1″ x 3″ x 96″ boards (actual dimensions 3/4″ x 2 1/2″)
  • 1 – 2″ x 4″ x 96″ board (actual dimensions 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″)
  • 4 – 15 1/2″ round tapered legs
  • 4 – angled leg mounting plates
  • 1 1/4″ or longer brad nails
  • sandpaper
  • wood glue
  • stain/top coat
  • wood filler

Approximate cost of lumber (using furring strips $16.81), legs ($19.56) and mounting plates ($9.95) – $46.32

DIY Modern Coffee Table Side Close Up

Cut List

  • 10 – 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 60″ (1×2)
  • 2 – 3/4″ x 2 1/2″ x 60″ (1×3)
  • 3 – 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ x 20 1/2″ (2×4)
  • Also cut 2 pieces from the 2×4 that are 1/2″ wide for spacers during assembly.

Cut Diagram

Build an easy simple and stylish MCM coffee table with free plans.

Free Building Plan, Easy Modern Slat Coffee Table Or Bench For Under $50, No Special Tools Or Fancy Cuts @Remodelaholic

Step 1

Cut all of the boards per the cut list/diagram.  Sand all of the boards, finishing in the direction of the wood grain, typically with 120 grit paper.

On the (3) 2×4 pieces mark 1/2″ from one end. Place the 1st 1×2 slat at the 1/2″ mark on the 2×4 pieces. Space the 2×4 pieces so they are 6″ from the slat ends and 1 in the middle (30″). Use wood glue and 1 1/4″ minimum length brad nails to secure the first slat to the 2x4s. Place the 1/2″ spacer between the 1st and 2nd slat, make sure the 2×4 is 6″ from the 2nd slat ends and secure with wood glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails. Move the spacers in between the 2nd and 3rd slats and repeat until all 10 slats are spaced and secured.

Build an easy simple and stylish MCM coffee table with free plans.

Step 2

Turn the coffee table top over, so the top is down.  Line up the 1×3 sides with the table top. Use wood glue and 1 1/4″ minimum brad nails to secure the 1x3s to the 2×4 ends.

Build an easy simple and stylish MCM coffee table with free plans.

Mark the location for the mounting plates. I centered them on the 2×4 and went 3″ in from the side. I turned the mounting plate so the legs will flare out at the end and sides. It doesn’t matter how you decide to angle the legs, just make sure they are all doing the same thing. Use the screws provided with the mounting plates to secure to the 2×4, then screw the leg into the mounting plate.

Note: these types of legs/mounting plate combo do not make for a ‘solid’ and robust table. The coffee table will jiggle a bit, that’s just the way they are.

Build an easy simple and stylish MCM coffee table with free plans.

Step 3

Remove any excess wood glue. Fill nail holes with wood filler and let dry. Sand the modern slat coffee table smooth.  Use wood stain and top coat or paint to finish the coffee table.

Build an easy simple and stylish MCM coffee table with free plans.

Enjoy your new coffee table!

Add some mid-century style to your home with this easy to build DIY modern slat coffee table that could double as a bench, too! No special tools required to build it, and it's easy to customize to fit the size you need.

For more build plans check out Hertoolbelt:

yellow console table sq console table with scroll legs sq Narrow Sofa Table plans iso

Grand Island Console Table // Scroll Console Table // Narrow Sofa Table

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Remodelaholic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Please see our full disclosure here.

Published: November 4, 2017Filed Under: Contributor, DIY, DIY Project Plans, Sketches/Renderings, Tables, Tutorials Tagged: building plans, Coffee and End Tables, coffee table, Furniture, living room

About Amy Baesler

Amy is the tool lover at Hertoolbelt. On Hertoolbelt, Amy shares DIY furniture plans, handyman tutorials, and craft patterns. She has two pint sized 'helpers' that help fix things around the house and build fun projects.


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Comments

  1. Cheryl kawamura says

    November 7, 2017 at 7:57 am

    Love the simplicity and clean lines of this table. It resembles the teak coffee table we own. It’s about 60 years old. What stain would you recommend on it to be similar to this?

    Reply
    • Amy says

      October 8, 2019 at 9:12 am

      I used this vintage wood ‘stain’ https://www.amyhowardhome.com/products/better-with-age-1 but this brown wood accelerator is very similar and available at Home Depot https://www.homedepot.com/p/Varathane-1-qt-Interior-Aged-Wood-Accelerator-331305/304894197

      HTH,
      Amy

      Reply
  2. Millicent Lewis says

    October 1, 2020 at 7:40 pm

    Hi Cassity! Millicent here, next door to your mom. Our old slatted table on our front porch bit the dust and I want to make this one… but the link to the plans isn’t working.

    Reply
    • Cass says

      October 23, 2020 at 5:31 am

      Hi Millicent, Thanks for commenting! This is Cassity’s assistant — will you email me at [email protected] and I’ll get this straightened out for you?

      Reply

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Hey there, I am Cassity! Nice to virtually meet you!

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