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How to make nesting coffee tables

Close up of slatted timber nesting tables in a living room.

Overview

Up your living room style game with custom furniture pieces, made by you, like these D.I.Y. nesting coffee tables. The interlocking tables look great and provide multiple useful surfaces - they neatly overlap, but can be separated and moved around when company calls and you need another cup-resting surface.

These timber tables are built using standard lengths of Tasmanian oak for the slats and rails to minimise wastage, and the legs cut from a single okoume panel.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Cut the slats

    Using a mitre saw, neaten the ends of the timber lengths by 1-2mm. For the large table, check 15 slats are the same length, and cut another into two 570mm rails. For the small table, cut eight slats to 900mm, and two 290mm rails from the offcuts. Sand to round over the edges and smooth any breakout from the cuts.
    A hand sanding the slats.
  2. 2

    Mark the rail positions

    Using packers at both ends, set out 15 1200mm slats against the 570mm rails and eight 900mm slats against the 290mm rails. Adjust with a framing square and clamp both ends. Using a combination square, mark 200mm from the ends on the large table, 125mm on the small table, and a centre line along each rail.
    The slats laid out ready to mark.
  3. 3

    Position and attach the rails

    Position the rails inside the marks, 10mm in from the sides. Predrill into the end slats on either side with a countersinking bit. Remove the rail to apply adhesive along the end slats, then reposition to secure with 50mm screws. Countersink and secure all the remaining slats. Wipe away excess adhesive with a damp cloth.
    A hand drilling the rails together
  4. 4

    Cut the legs

    Using a framing square, mark the timber panel with two 570mm x 280mm legs for the large table and two 290mm x 340mm legs for the small table. Position panel on offcuts to cut with a circular saw and straightedge.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Begin with a shallow cut, setting the blade 5mm deeper for each pass.
    A jigsaw cutting the legs.
  5. 5

    Attach the legs

    At the top of each leg, mark a line 10mm in from the edge, then position against the corresponding rails to mark offset holes into the gaps to predrill with a countersinking bit. Sand all over. Apply adhesive along the slats and rails, clamp the legs in position and secure with 40mm screws.
    The legs being attached to the tabletop.
  6. 6

    Sand and finish

    Smooth over the screws in the legs with filler, leave it to dry, then sand off the excess. Wipe all over with a clean damp cloth to remove dust. Beginning with the tables upside down, apply two coats of water-based varnish, leaving to dry after each.

    Tip: Apply varnish between the slats with a brush, then finish with a roller.

    Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

    A hand using a roller to varnish the table.
  7. 7

    For more bespoke decor…

    Check out these furniture and upcycling projects.

     

    Photo Credit: Jonny Valiant

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Health & Safety

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.