Weekend Project-Making a Coffee Table Out of Birch Logs

It is nearly the weekend already. You and the family need a weekend project. So, you love all that rustic furniture you see everywhere. Learn to make it yourself! Here is how to make a coffee table out of Birch logs. Birch is very light in color and texture along with being smooth These trees are great for the environment as they replenish very quickly. If you cannot find Birch at your local lumberyard. Try online at: Estonian Forest, Birch Gifts, Firewood, or Wilson Evergreens.

To make the coffee table, you will need thirty-four Birch logs. The size should be around three to four inches in diameter and eighteen inches long. Either have the lumber yard cut them for you or use a Miter Saw to cut them yourselves. You can of course by the supplies at the home center for the project.
Besides the logs you will need:

Wood screws
Wood glue
4×8 ft Birch plywood sheet
Grout and float
Clear polyurethane and a putty knife
4 inch casters
Saws-Miter and Circular
Cordless drill

The first step is to make the base of the coffee table. Cut the plywood. It should measure 33×24 inches. Then, measuring 27x18x16 inches, build a plywood box. Now, cut two of each 27×16 and 18×16 for the sides and a 27×18 for the top. Use the wood glue to bond together and then use screws to finish. Place the box on the base and center it. Now, screw it to secure through the bottom of the box into the base.
Using the Miter saw, cut the Birch logs into 18 inches each. Remember, you need thirty-four. Use can adjust your height and your width of course. Now, take wood glue and bead it on one side and the bottom on every single log. You are placing the logs to the base. It basically is covering the sides and bottom of the base. You can also screw each log into the wood box for more security.

Take the piece of plywood and place it on the top of the wooden box. Screw it down and secure it. Now, one last important step. Cut 40 one inch wood rounds using the Miter saw. Using wood glue, glue each round onto the box top. Making them in rows to match your Birch logs. Using the grout float, spread it over the logs and smooth it out with the putty knife. Wipe off the excess. Just make it your desired thickness or creativity. It must completely dry. Even leave it over night and come back to it.

Now its time to add the feet or some wheels to be able to move this when cleaning and redecorating. There should be 4 casters and make sure they are placed one inch from the edge. Now, apply a coat of clear polyurethane. Now, you can also if you wanted to, add either a piece of glass or clear plastic for the top. It just of course has to match the correct size and might have to be special cut to fit.

Related Videos