How to Make a DIY Console Table (It’s Easy)

Build your own DIY console table, like mine, in just an hour or two. It’s easy! 

DIY console table tutorial! I made this console table for our bedroom recently for under $30 because I couldn’t find a console table that was the perfect size for our space. Making my own was the best decision. It was easy to do (only took about an hour) and the cost of materials was WAY less than what I planned to spend on a console table online. Win-win!

Full disclosure, I actually made this a few months before hitting the publish button on this post because I wanted to make sure it held up to use. Spoiler alert: This DIY console table has held up really well so far! So I put together a tutorial to share how you can make your own… in any size you want.

The design is really simple. So there’s lots of room for customization (add shelves, change the height, etc). AND it’s a great beginner wood project too.

So, if you’re keeping track… A DIY console table that costs less than $30 to make, takes only an hour to put together from start to finish, and can be customized to fit any space? Yep! Click through for the tutorial.

What are console tables used for?

Console tables are generally wide but shallow pieces of furniture that are placed against a wall (hallway is a common area for console tables) or behind a sofa. But they can be used anywhere.

Generally console tables can be used in a variety of rooms for many different tasks. They vary in size, but generally are between 28 and 32 inches in height and between 30 and 60 inches wide. Most console tables are relatively shallow in depth (anywhere from 12 to 18 inches).

How to Make a DIY Console Table

Materials

• wood (use whatever wood you like best)*
• (4x) wood screws
• some kind of wood glue
• cordless drill

*See step 1 below for specific dimensions regarding the wood sizing I went with.

Instructions

1. Measure and cut wood.

Start by measuring and cutting down the pieces of wood that you’ll need to build your console. In some cases, you can actually get these pieces cut down for you at your home improvement store. You just have to know the dimensions you want ahead of time. Usually there are hand saw available as well, if there isn’t an employee around who can help. SO you can cut them in-store on your own, if you don’t have access to a circular saw, table saw, or something similar at home.

If you’re creating a very simple console table , like mine, you’ll just need to cut (or have cut for you at the hardware store) three pieces of wood. Two for the legs and one for the table top. To give you a jumping off point for size, I cut my pieces of wood to the following sizes:

• 42 inch long (tabletop)
• 33 inches tall (for each of the two legs)

I selected a wood that was 11 1/4 inches wide (based on the size I needed and the budget-friendliness of that width. And I was able to get all three pieces cut from one single piece of lumber. But depending on the height and width you design for your console, along with then type of wood you pick, you may need to get two pieces of wood to get all three pieces cut to the proper size.

2. Sand wood.

Once the pieces have been cut, sand down any rough edges. You can do this by hand with sanding sponge or use an electric sander (if you have one).

3. Drill pilot holes.

Next, create pilot holes where your screws will eventually go. You’ll need to do this in all three pieces to make things easier for the screws and give them a guide. I created pilot holes with a power drill. Two holes on each side of thee tabletop and two holes on the top side of each of the legs.

I did each of my screws one inch in from the outside and did two screws on each side. You could go up to three on each side if that feels better for you.

4. Add screws.

After the pilot holes have been created, add your screws to attach the pieces. And that’s it. Super simple.

Take it Further: More Console Table Ideas

The larger you make your console table, the more likely you’ll need some kind of additional support to keep your table sturdy. The easiest way to do this is to create a shelf 4-8 inches from the top that stretches all the way across from one leg to the other.

Just wanted to mention that here, in case you are curious.

More DIY Wood Ideas to Try

If you’re looking for any additional wood DIY projects to try with leftover wood, here are a handful of my favorites…

• My favorite DIY desk I’ve made. Its completely customizable to your space and great when you need something that saves space, but still as storage.
• This DIY bathroom organizer is a cool one to try! It has a mirror, toothbrush holder, shelf, and everything.
• Make a wooden peg rail, with this super ample tutorial.
• A wooden desk organizer tutorial, that has a cool, organic modern style.
• And last but not least, made a DIY circle shelf that turned out pretty cool. Great beginner project and looks cute with plants on it.