How to build an arch console table

Decide on the size of your arch console table, taking into account the dimensions that will suit your space. To determine the perfect fit, assess your preferred location and measure accordingly. For this project, our console table will measure approximately 1200 x 900 x 300mm.

Start by measuring out your arches on a 1200 x 900 x 16mm MDF panel. To find the centre-point for your middle arch, mark out the centreline of the panel, then measure 200mm down from the top of the panel and draw another line lengthwise. The intersection will be your centre-point.

Mark out the left and right arches. Start by choosing a radius that suits the design and look you’re going for. We opted for 130mm, which is similar to the radius of a standard water bucket.

To determine the spacing for the arches, calculate the centre-point spacing: radius plus the distance between the two arches plus the second arch radius. For our example, 130mm plus 130mm plus 130mm gives us 390mm point-to-point.

Once marked, insert a screw at each centre point and attach a string the same length as the radius of your desired semi-circle. Fix a pencil to the string and draw the arch pulling the string taut to create a guide.  

Extend lines from the intersections of your arch and the top 200mm line, all the way down to the bottom of the 900mm length. To ensure a straight line, measure the intersection points and mark the same distances along the bottom of the timber. Use a straight edge to draw your lines. 

After marking the lines, use a circular saw to cut along the straight lines, and a jigsaw to carefully cut around the arches. You'll need two of these MDF panels, so utilise the first one as a template to trace and cut the second panel accordingly. For smooth and polished arches, use an orbital sander. 

To reinforce and stabilise the internal structure of your console table, attach cross-rails on the inside. Their width should be equal to the width of the table, minus the combined width of the MDF panels from the previous step, minus the design overhang (in our case, 10mm).

Install three to four cross-rails along the outer edges of the table, ensuring they are flush. Next, create four or five arch legs with a 10mm inset to create a rebate. This rebate will conceal the butt joint, providing a better finish when painting.

When securing the cross-rails and arch legs, begin at ground level for extra support. Make sure they align flush with the bottom of the table. Attach them firmly to the MDF panels using a fixing gun to ensure a secure fit. 

Add block lengths along the leg sides, set 10mm inward for a rebate. Measure gaps between the cross-rails and cut the blocks accordingly for a secure attachment point for the internal arch sheet.

To construct the outer shell, take a timber project panel measuring 2200 x 600 x 26mm, measure 300 x 1255mm, and cut it out to create the top surface. Do the same for two pieces measuring 928 x 300mm for the legs. Mitre the joining ends using a circular saw. 

Connect the outer shell to the inner box by applying adhesive and using nails to secure the side panels to the arch box, ensuring they align flush with the back of the internal box. Next, attach the top of the console table using adhesive and a fixing gun. 

For the internal arch sheets, use 3mm MDF panels and mark them to match the width of the cross-rails you made previously. Measure the inner section's length carefully using a measuring tape. Gently fold the panels and insert them into the arches, then secure them to the internal cross-rails using a fixing gun and nails. This will complete the installation of the internal arch sheets, adding structural support to your console table. 

Lastly, use timber filler and a filling blade to fill any holes. Allow them to dry, then use an orbital sander to achieve a smooth surface.

Once smooth, use an undercoat and finish it off with two coats of top coat in the colour of your choice.