Building a wooden nesting table set with a contemporary style involves a blend of clean lines, minimalism, and functionality. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can craft a simple yet stylish wooden nesting table set:
Materials Needed:
- Hardwood (such as oak, maple, or walnut) or plywood for a more affordable option
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (120, 220 grit)
- Wood stain or paint (optional)
- Clear wood finish (polyurethane or lacquer)
- Table legs (metal or wooden, depending on your preference)
- Saw (circular or table saw)
- Drill and bits
- Measuring tape and square
- Clamps
Steps:
1. Design Your Tables
- Plan the sizes of your nesting tables. A contemporary nesting table set typically includes three tables of different sizes. For example, a large table may be 24″ x 18″ x 18″, the medium one 18″ x 14″ x 14″, and the small one 12″ x 10″ x 10″.
- Decide on the design details—whether you want straight edges or slightly rounded corners, and if you’ll use metal or wooden legs.
2. Cut the Tabletop Pieces
- Using a saw, cut your tabletop pieces according to your design measurements. Each table will need a rectangular piece of wood. Make sure the cuts are straight and smooth for a modern look.
- If you’re working with plywood, it may be helpful to cut to rough size first and then finish the edges with a router to add a professional, polished look.
3. Cut the Table Legs
- If you’re using pre-made legs, attach them according to the instructions. For wooden legs, cut four pieces of wood per table to the desired length (typically 18 to 20 inches for a standard table).
- Sand the legs to remove any splinters, and if desired, apply a stain or paint finish to match the contemporary style.
4. Assemble the Tables
- Attach the legs to each table using screws or brackets for a secure fit. If you’re making wooden legs, you can drill holes and attach them with wood screws.
- Ensure that the tables can nest together by making sure the legs are not too wide and they fit within each other when stacked.
5. Finish the Tables
- Sand the entire surface of the wood, starting with a coarser grit (like 120) and progressing to a finer grit (220).
- Apply a stain to enhance the natural grain, or paint them in a modern shade like matte black, gray, or white. Allow the stain or paint to dry thoroughly.
- After staining or painting, apply a clear wood finish (polyurethane or lacquer) to protect the surface and add durability.
6. Final Touches
- Add any final touches, like felt pads under the legs to prevent scratches on your floor.
- You can also add metal accents or minimalistic hardware to give the tables a more contemporary, industrial feel.
7. Test the Nesting Functionality
- Once everything is assembled and finished, check that all the tables fit inside each other easily. The larger one should comfortably fit the medium one, and the medium should nest under the smallest one.
Conclusion:
This simple nesting table set is perfect for any modern home, offering both functionality and style. The clean lines and thoughtful design elements will elevate your space without overwhelming it, making them a versatile addition to any room.
For more woodworking projects and detailed plans, check out the Teds Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking Course.