Rustic Style DIY Slatted Console Table Project

Have you ever been inspired by a piece of furniture that ties a room together? Perhaps it’s time to turn that inspiration into action. This project focuses on creating a DIY slatted console table that draws elements from timeless design and modern craftsmanship. Built with white oak to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal, this piece is inspired by a century-old house and mirrors the sophistication found in high-end furniture stores. Whether you’re looking to showcase your love for woodwork or need a stylish surface to display your decor, building this console table is a rewarding venture that marries function and style.

DIY Slatted Console Table Project

Materials Needed:

• White Oak
• 2″ Screws
• Finish: Water-based polyurethane is recommended for durability and ease of use.

Tools Required:

• Table Saw
• Jig Saw
• Biscuit Joiner
• Router (with a 1/4″ round over)
• Drill (accompanied by various sized bits)
• Drill Press (with a Plug hole bit)
• Orbital Sander

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Console Table:

The Slats

1. Cutting: Dimension the white oak into 1″ wide slats.
2. Routing: Utilize a router table to round over the edges of each slat using a 1/4″ bit.
3. Sanding: Smooth each piece to ensure a fine finish and remove any imperfections.

Assembly

1. Preparation: Start with white oak boards that have been planed and edges straightened.
2. Alignment: Arrange the boards to achieve visual continuity and best fit.
3. Joining: Employ a biscuit joiner to align and assemble the shelves smoothly, minimizing discrepancies.
4. Dimensions: Form three shelves measuring 14″ x 64″, followed by sanding to eliminate any marks or residual glue.

Round Ends

1. Marking: Outline a 7″ radius circle at each end of the shelf boards.
2. Cutting: Use a jig saw to cut just outside the marked line.
3. Smoothing: Create a circle cutting template from spare plywood for the router and smooth the edges to meet the line accurately.

Cut Notches

1. Template Making: Construct a template from 1/4″ plywood reflecting the exact size and spacing of the slats.
2. Transferring: Apply the pattern onto the boards distinctly.
3. Drilling and Cutting: Drill the corners to fit the rounded edges of the slats and utilize the jig saw for straight cuts.
4. Fitting: Test the fit using an offcut from the slats.

Assembly

1. Spacer Creation: Use MDF and a 2×4 to make a spacer jig for setting shelf heights.
2. Laying Slats: Begin at the center, methodically laying slats into the notches, leaving overhang on one end.

Attachments

1. Hole Preparation: Drill pilot and oversized holes to recess screws about halfway into the slat.
2. Screw Installation: Fasten with screws and cover with custom-cut plugs.
3. Finishing Touches: Insert plugs into the screw holes and sand until flush.

Console – Base

1. Leg Installation: Utilize 4 elongated slats as legs, ensuring the round over stops for a flush fit under the shelf.
2. Structural Stability: Join the front to back and left to right legs with horizontal pieces of wood for enhanced stability.

Finish Console

1. Final Sanding: Sand the entire assembly to a fine grit for a smooth finish.
2. Apply Finish: Coat with water-based polyurethane to protect and enhance the wood’s natural beauty.
3. Styling: Once dry, place the console table in your desired location and accessorize as you see fit to complement your home’s decor.

Embrace the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional with your own hands, and let this slatted console table be a testament to your crafting skills and a centerpiece to your living space.