Thursday, September 18, 2014

My DYI Patio Coffee Table

  After shopping around and not seeing a coffee table that we really wanted for our planned screened-in porch, I decided to take a shot at making my own.  The final dimensions of this table are 45 x 23 x 12.25 inches.



    I had planned to make it from 6x6's originally, but some very old 4x4's from an old barn became available at the right price (free, thanks Mom and Dad), so I decided to use those.  I cut the 4x4's to about 45 inches in length.  I wanted a little bit of variance so that the slightly differing lengths would give it more of a rustic look.  Once cut, I lined the boards together how I wanted them and then turned them upside down.


    Once upside down, I cut some 1/8 inch metal into 4 strips (I purchased 2 pieces at Lowes) with a grinder and then drilled pilot holes through the metal and attached the strips to the wood with 2-inch deck screws.  This initially held the 4x4's together, but there was more flex to it than I wanted, so I would probably not use the metal strips if I were to make this again.

  I attached 2 pieces of 1x6 at each base with eight 2-inch deck screws.  These need to be attached symmetrically at each end because the wheels will attach to them.  I would add a middle 1x6 if the metal strips are excluded. 
    I purchased 4 large wheels/casters online at Material Flow and Conveyor Systems Inc. (https://materialflow.com/).  These are 6 inch wheels with spokes (model# CA6R-6SSR).  The total cost for the wheels with shipping was 85.60.  I attached them to the table with sixteen 3/8 x 2 lag screws and washers.  I drilled pilot holes and attached the wheels and flipped the table over.....now I just have to wait for the room to be built that I will put it in.