As I always say necessity is usually the impetus for most of my diy build projects, and these little tables were no different. I recently moved our dining table down into the sunken Livingroom so we can gather around the fireplace comfortably for the holidays.
But I realized I was in need of some accent tables. Not having a ton of space I searched online for some drink tables, and wasn’t impressed with the cost of such a tiny little table, so I decided to give building one a shot! It was so easy, I decided to build a drink table x2, so that they “nest,” and I couldn’t be happier with the result!
These DIY Drink Tables are intermediate builds, so some knowledge of power tools is necessary, but you could also have the wood cut at the hardware store if you aren’t comfortable, and all you’d need to use is a sanding block or palm sander and a screw gun with a spade bit (usually found in those multi kits of drill bits).
***A few other notes about these diy drink tables: They are lightweight and meant for small decor, plants, drinks, etc . . . If you have small children crawling or pulling up, these are not for you.*** However you could add a flat base at the bottom of your diy drink table to make them a little more stable, but for my purpose, they worked out perfectly. Plus, I prefer a more minimal aesthetic.
So who wants to build the most adorable diy drink tables ever????
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 5″x5″x8′ wood post
- 1-1”x4′ wooden Dowel
- 1×10” board you can also purchase wooden plaques at the craft store, or even use a wooden plate/charger for the tops.
- Wood Glue
- 1” spade bit
- Screw gun, Phillips drill bit
- Palm Sander 60 grit sand paper
- Sanding Block (optional)
- 2-2 1/2” wood screws
- Paper plate for tracing a circle
- Stain and paint of choice (I used black latex paint in satin, and a mix of MinWax stain in aged oak and classic gray)
Cut List
- 1×10 Board: cut to 2-10×10 squares (1 will remain a square, the other can be cut into a circle using a jig saw)
- 1″x4′ Dowel: cut to 15″
- 1″x4′ Dowel: cut to 17″
- 5″x5″ Post: cut to 10″ (If you’re using a miter saw, like I did, you’ll have to carefully cut on all 4 sides to cut through a 5×5″ post)
- 5×5″Post: cut to 12″
How to form the DIY Drink Table bases:
- Sand your bases (5×5 posts) to your desired level of smoothness, I like my builds to be a little imperfect so, I sanded it enough to ensure that no one gets splinters but also kept some wood texture.
- Find the center of the posts by making a cross on the tops, mark with a pencil.
- Using the 1” spade bit, drill a 2”deep hole at the center of each base
- Generously fill the hole with wood glue.
- Insert dowel into the hole and wipe up any excess glue. Be sure dowel sits straight and level.
- Using a drill bit, pre-drill a screw hole in the center of the dowel
- Next take your 10″ squares and decide if you want the tops to be square or circular:
For the tops:
- For a round table: trace a circle on your 1×10″ board, using a paper plate, cut out the shape using your jig saw
- Sand edges of your round top and your square 10×10′ top until smooth
- Using the 1” spade bit, drill a 1/4” hole (or enough for the point to go slightly through the board) into the centers of the two table tops (find the centers by lightly making an “X” across the bottom)
- Fill the hole with wood glue and place dowel into hole.
- Using your wood screw and Philips head bit, screw the top to the dowel, slightly countersinking the screw, (if you prefer a less rustic look, this will allow you to fill the screw hole with wood filler.) I left mine unfilled, though. Wipe up excess glue and finish to your liking.
I am just so happy with these little tables, they’re perfect for tight spaces with their tiny footprint, and are easy to store and pull back out when needed.
I hope you guys enjoyed this tutorial, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask 🙂
If you make these tables and post on social media, please tag me ad use #Inspiredbycarli, I’d love to see them!
