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Measure the width of the arm of your sofa so you can transfer that measurement to your timber. It needs to be snug, but not too tight, you don't want to damage your sofa. Next, measure the length, you can make it as long as you like.
To make sure your piece of timber is square, dock the end using a drop saw. Then, using a combination square and tape measure, measure and mark your timber. Cut the 3 pieces to length, ours were 350mm long. Don't forget to wear your safety gear when using the drop saw.
We want the table to have a lip at the top. So take the two side pieces, measure and mark a horizontal line 20mm down each side.
Apply a thin strip of glue along the long edge of the top piece and position it against a side piece. Clamp the side piece against your top piece of timber. Make sure it's parallel to the 20mm line. Using your combination square, pencil a small indicator line for nailing across the end of the side piece. Use a nail gun to fix the two pieces together using 3–4 nails. If the nail doesn't go all the way into the wood, use a hammer to tap it in.
Repeat the previous step to attach the second side. Wipe away any excess glue.
Fill in the nail gun holes with putty. Let it dry and then sand it with the orbital sander.
You can leave your sofa arm table natural but we spray painted ours, wiping off some of the paint so you can still see the texture of the wood. You can wipe away as much or as little as you like. Then let the paint dry.
Once the paint is dry, you can put your table in place. Then it's time to sit back and enjoy a cuppa on your homemade sofa arm table.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
