A simple modernist coffee table

Woodworking is an incredibly diverse craft that spans a wide range of styles, techniques, and traditions. Growing up, I was fortunate to be around my grandfather, who was an exceptional hobbyist carpenter. He primarily worked in a traditional or colonial style, crafting a variety of tables and structures with intricate grooves and detailed carvings. His work was precise, with a deep appreciation for classical designs that incorporated ornate features and structured details. While I admire the complexity and skill involved in this style, I find it a bit too intricate for my own woodworking aspirations. 

 

For my project, I am plan on building a simple, modern style coffee table. In terms of the aesthetic, modern woodworking leans toward clean lines, minimalistic designs, and functional aesthetics. This style often features sleek surfaces and geometric shapes. Unlike traditional woodworking, modern pieces focus less on elaborate detailing and more on form and function.

Right now, I’m planning on making this for my mom, as she’s really into a clean, minimal style for my parents’ house. The kind of table she suggested is super simple, round top with four corner legs. The main thing for me is keeping it simple, especially since my woodworking skills aren’t the best.

 

If I can (after talking to people who actually know what they’re doing), I’d like to push myself a little by making the legs more interesting. The table in the second image has a more unique leg design, and for some reason, it really stands out to me. It adds a little complexity without making the whole thing look over the top. That said, I know this might be a bit ambitious for my skill level, so I’ll see what’s actually doable.

 

Fabrication:

I want to keep this build as simple as possible while still pushing myself to improve my woodworking skills. Since I’m going for a modern aesthetic, my coffee table needs to be geometrically sound. Thus, I will need very straight cuts, tightly glued joints, and smooth finish at the end.  

Since this is going in my parents’ house, I want to use solid, high-quality wood.  that looks good and lasts a long time. I’m thinking about using white oak or maple since they’re strong and have nice grain patterns. I love the look of stained oak, and usually the prices are not too terrible. As of now, I’ll be buying the wood from Austin Hardwoods, though I may look for outside considerations because that place typically is expensive. Besides the wood, I’ll also need to grab dowels or another type of joinery, stain, and epoxy (we are figuring this out).

 

First step: cut everything to rough size using a table saw and miter saw. I might use a CNC router if I decide to taper the legs or do the angle cuts, I showed above. To make sure everything fits together well, I’ll run the boards through a planer to get them all the same thickness, sand down any high spots, use a jointer for straight edges, and then make my final cuts. If I go for tapered legs, I’ll either use a table saw jig or a bandsaw, then clean them up with a hand plane. I’ll see how I feel about that after doing some test cuts.

 

For joinery, I want something strong but not visible. Right now, I’m planning on dowel joinery since it keeps the look clean while still being solid to support weight like someone’s legs. Once everything is ready, I’ll do a dry fit to make sure it all lines up, then glue and clamp everything together, letting it cure completely before moving on.

To get the surface nice and smooth, I’ll fill any knots or imperfections with clear or tinted epoxy.  For finishing, I’m thinking of using Danish oil or polyurethane for protection. However, this is not set as i mgith go for a light stain or just leaving it natural. 

 

 

 

Design Process: Potential Timeline

I’m breaking this project into steps so I don’t rush and mess something up. Here’s the rough timeline:

March (Spring Break): Buy wood and materials from Austin Hardwoods. Cut everything to rough dimensions using a table saw, miter saw, and maybe CNC. Plane, joint, and refine all wood pieces. Do some test fits for joinery and practice dowel or mortise & tenon joints.

Early April: Assemble the table—glue up and joinery. Let the joints fully cure. Fill knots and imperfections with epoxy.

Mid to Late April: Sand everything smooth. Apply stain and multiple coats of protective finish. Let each coat dry properly.

End of April / Early May: Final assembly if needed. Take final pictures and document the project. Submit for grading and move it into my parents’ house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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