Modern Accent Table: Specifications and Constraints

Progress Updates

The project has been going very well so far, and Spring break gave me a great opportunity to make significant progress on fabrication. I was able to cut all the plywood pieces needed for the build, and I’ve already sanded most of them to ensure a smooth surface for staining later on. One challenge I’ve been working through is testing the biscuit joiner to make sure the joints are as precise as possible. This is crucial for ensuring strong, clean connections between the pieces and maintaining the overall integrity of the table.

Another exciting update is that I’ve placed an order for the glass top, which is expected to arrive by the end of the week. Once that arrives, I’ll be able to test the fit and determine if any adjustments are needed before the final assembly. Right now, my goal is to have the entire piece assembled by April 11th. That will give me about two weeks to fine-tune any hardware, apply stain, and make final refinements before considering the project complete.

Figures 1 & 2: Progress of plywood with cuts, clamped together

1. Aesthetic
   One of the primary goals for this project is to create a piece that compliments my living space. I’ve been searching for an accent table that fits both my style and functional needs, but most options on the market either don’t match my vision or are significantly more expensive. By making my own, I can customize every detail while keeping costs lower than purchasing a pre-made table.
2. Matching My Personal Aesthetic
   I want this table to seamlessly blend with my existing furniture and flooring, so I’m being intentional about selecting the right wood stain. By carefully matching the color and finish, I can ensure that the piece doesn’t feel out of place in my space but instead enhances the overall design.
3. Visible Top Shelf
   The glass top is one of the most exciting design elements of this build. Not only will it give the table a more modern and open look, but it also adds functional benefits. A glass surface is more durable than wood in terms of resisting scratches and water rings, making it a practical choice for a high-use area. Additionally, the transparent top allows for a display shelf beneath it, perfect for showcasing coffee table books or decorative objects while still keeping the surface uncluttered.
4. Soft-Close Door Hinge
   A key upgrade I want to include is a soft-close hinge for the door. Not only will this feature make opening and closing smoother and quieter, but it will also help protect the table from wear and tear over time. Slamming doors can cause misalignment and unnecessary stress on the hardware, so investing in a high-quality hinge will improve both functionality and longevity.
5. Usable Storage
   While the top shelf is designed for display, the bottom two shelves—hidden behind a door—will provide functional storage space. This will allow me to keep less aesthetic items neatly tucked away, helping to maintain a clean, organized look. If time permits, I’d love to integrate cutouts for a power strip, creating hidden charging for phones or other electronics.

Top 5 Constraints

1. Time
   Balancing this project with other responsibilities means I have a limited timeframe to work on it. While I’ve made good progress so far, I need to stay on track to meet my April 11th assembly deadline, leaving enough time for staining and finishing touches.
2. Skills and Experience
   This is one the first woodworking project I’ve taken on, so there’s a learning curve with a lot of it, especially precision joinery and hinge installation. While I’m confident in my ability to figure things out, it does require extra time and patience to get everything right.
3. Budget
   To keep costs reasonable, I am using 1/2″ plywood rather than thicker plywood or solid hardwood. While this is a cost-effective choice, it does mean I need to be extra careful with structural integrity and finishing to ensure a polished, high-quality final result.
4. Supplies & Workspace
   So far, this hasn’t been a major issue, but with woodworking I need to plan efficiently and sometimes get creative with my process to achieve the results I want.
5. Hardware & Assembly Details
   One of the final hurdles is determining exactly how to mount the door and which specific hinges to use. This ties into my skill level, as I need to make sure everything is aligned correctly and functions smoothly. Testing different options and making precise cuts will be key to ensuring a seamless fit.

Overall, I’m really happy with how this project is coming along. With the main pieces cut and sanded, and the glass top on its way, the next phase will be assembling the frame and refining the smaller details. I’m looking forward to seeing the final piece come together and having a custom-made accent table that perfectly suits my space.

* I used AI to assist with expanding details and editing.