How To Build A Coffee Table With Lift Top

A lift-top coffee table is a stylish and functional addition to any living room. It provides extra storage space, can be used as a makeshift desk, and can even accommodate guests for extra seating. With a few basic tools and a little bit of time, you can build your own lift-top coffee table. ### Materials * 1 (4x8 foot) sheet of 3/4-inch plywood * 1 (1x6) board, 8 feet long * 1 (1x4) board, 8 feet long * 2 (3-inch) hinges * 2 (1 1/2-inch) wood screws * 1 (2-inch) wood screw * Wood glue * Clamps * Finishing nails * Hammer * Measuring tape * Circular saw * Miter saw * Drill * Countersink bit * Sandpaper ### Instructions 1.

Cut the plywood.

Cut the plywood into the following pieces: * 2 (24x48 inch) pieces for the top and bottom * 2 (12x48 inch) pieces for the sides * 2 (12x24 inch) pieces for the ends 2.

Cut the 1x6 board.

Cut the 1x6 board into the following pieces: * 4 (18 inch) pieces for the legs * 2 (42 inch) pieces for the front and back aprons * 2 (22 inch) pieces for the side aprons 3.

Cut the 1x4 board.

Cut the 1x4 board into the following pieces: * 2 (24 inch) pieces for the lift top supports * 2 (12 inch) pieces for the lift top stops 4.

Assemble the legs.

Apply wood glue to the ends of the 1x6 legs and clamp them together. Use finishing nails to secure them in place. 5.

Attach the legs to the bottom.

Apply wood glue to the tops of the legs and attach them to the bottom of the plywood base. Use finishing nails to secure them in place. 6.

Assemble the sides.

Apply wood glue to the edges of the plywood sides and clamp them together. Use finishing nails to secure them in place. 7.

Attach the sides to the legs.

Apply wood glue to the edges of the sides and attach them to the legs. Use finishing nails to secure them in place. 8.

Assemble the ends.

Apply wood glue to the edges of the plywood ends and clamp them together. Use finishing nails to secure them in place. 9.

Attach the ends to the sides.

Apply wood glue to the edges of the ends and attach them to the sides. Use finishing nails to secure them in place. 10.

Assemble the lift top.

Apply wood glue to the edges of the lift top supports and attach them to the underside of the plywood top. Use finishing nails to secure them in place. 11.

Attach the lift top stops.

Apply wood glue to the lift top stops and attach them to the inside of the side aprons. Use finishing nails to secure them in place. 12.

Attach the hinges.

Attach the hinges to the lift top and the top of the coffee table base. Use wood screws to secure them in place. 13.

Sand and finish.

Sand the entire coffee table to smooth out any rough edges. Apply a stain or paint of your choice and let it dry completely. ### Tips * Use a circular saw to make straight cuts and a miter saw to make angled cuts. * Use wood glue and clamps to ensure a strong bond between the pieces. * Countersink the wood screws to prevent them from sticking out. * Sand the coffee table before finishing it to create a smooth surface. * Apply a polyurethane finish to protect the coffee table from wear and tear. With a little bit of time and effort, you can build a beautiful and functional lift-top coffee table that will be a great addition to your living room.